One of the leading reasons that pets are brought to public shelters - and often wind up dying in those shelters - is because rental housing does not allow pets. Allowing pets will save lives in two directions: by reducing shelter intakes and by increasing adoptions. And allowing pets can be good business for property owners, too! Responsible pet owners make better, longer tenants. Property owners enjoy less turnover and avoid the cost in time and money of vacancy, advertising and showing properties. Additionally, most pet owners are willing to pay a reasonable amount of additional deposit.
No one should be forced to choose between a beloved pet - a family member - and a place to live.
This petition will be presented to the City of Long Beach California and its Animal Care Services division to highlight the need for more pet friendly housing. We want the City to set up a meeting with area property owners and agents to present and explain how making more units pet-friendly will help save lives and is good business, too!
So please sign if you think pets belong with people, and responsible pet owners make the best tenants!
