The recent Spring Policy Forum convened experts in the pet, housing and advocacy spaces. Photo courtesy Rick Miller for HABRI Identifying policies that support access to pet-inclusive housing and how they can positively impact the human-animal bond was central to the recently concluded Spring Policy Forum. Hosted by the Human Animal Bond Research Institute (HABRI), the event brought together leaders from pet care, animal health, housing, research, and public policy. “Ninety-eight percent of pet owners consider their pets an important member of the family, but too many people are not able to get them or keep them because of restrictions on housing, especially rental housing,” says Steven Feldman, president of HABRI. “HABRI is proud to serve as the convening organization to bring stakeholders together to work on this important issue.” Key discussions included an overview of protections for individuals with disabilities in housing with pets and assistance animals, as well as the policy landscape, including efforts to prohibit breed/weight/size restrictions on pets, cap excessive pet rents and deposits, and mandate pet policy transparency in apartment leasing. The event concluded with the announcement of a new coalition, The Pets and Families Housing Coalition, supporting practical, evidence-based policies to expand access to pet-inclusive housing policies at the local, state, and federal levels. For more information, visit the HABRI website.
