Keep pets and their families together

The housing-shortage crisis affecting every community is exacerbated for dog-owning families. Responsible dog owners are finding that they are not welcome in certain housing markets if they own medium or larger sized dogs, or certain breeds (or a dog that looks like one of these breeds). This discrimination is even seen in some of our publicly funded housing, making this a particularly pernicious practice. An increasing number of homeowners have been denied insurance because they own a particular breed of dog that has been chosen by the insurance company to be a high-risk breed. Insurance is denied for many breeds regardless of the lack of any past history of biting.

Dogs should be judged as the individuals they are — not based on outdated and long-ago-disproven stereotypes. If properties choose to allow dogs as family pets, they should not be able to discriminate based on size, weight, or perceived breed. The range of breeds affected by these discriminatory practices is staggering and includes popular dog breeds.

No one should have to choose between their well-behaved dog or their home; it's that simple.

Help us tell lawmakers that no one should lose their home or their pet because of outdated restrictions.