Pet Friendly Housing Update – April 2026

APPA continues to work with and support Animal Policy Group (APG) to advance pet-friendly housing initiatives and keep families and pets together.  In addition to the legislative efforts detailed below, some APG highlights from April include: 

• Working both with on-the-ground coalition members to advance state legislation in multiple states, while also expanding local coalitions to build support, gather data and secure sponsors

• Developing a pet-inclusive housing map for target cities: Dallas, TX, Houston, TX, Portland, OR, Phoenix, AZ, and Tucson, AZ as a key educational tool for lawmakers and agencies in illustrating the difference between pet housing labels nationally and across a wide range of demographics 

Completed Project and Successful Outcomes 

Denver: Pet Deposit Program Looking to Expand

The deposit program continues to award applicant funds for a pet deposit as incoming applications are evaluated.  APG is working with the councilman's office to develop a new marketing strategy to reach district members and expand program reach. 

San Antonio: First Pet Deposits Expected on June 1

The city of San Antonio has finalized its contract with the selected administrator for the RFP.  APG will meet with San Antonio Neighborhood and Housing Services, Animal Care Services, and the contract partner in May to coordinate the rollout of the deposit program, with the first deposit expected to be available on June 1.   

Updates: Ongoing Projects 

STATE 

Arizona HB4017/ SB1582: Prohibiting Ownership and Breed/Size Restrictions for Homeowners

APG has partnered with Humane World for Animals to sponsor AZ HB4017, a bill introduced in February that would prohibit homeowner associations (HOAs) from enforcing rules that restrict pet ownership based on breed, size or weight.  After passing out of the House, HB4017 remains in the Senate.  SB1582 passed the Senate as well as both House minority and majority caucuses, but is being held from a House Floor vote in light of the Governor’s promise to veto every bill until a budget bill is produced.  Once the moratorium is lifted APG will seek a Floor vote.  If the bill faces challenges passing, APG will either expand upon it next session or introduce a more expansive package.  To showcase the launch of the Pets and Families Housing Coalition, APG also has worked with Senate sponsor, Kavanaugh, to create a video for the HABRI Spring Policy forum. 

Massachusetts SB3028: Pet Rent/Deposit Caps, Prohibiting Breed/Weight/Size Restrictions and Restricting Evictions

 The Senate passed the PETS Act, an omnibus bill that addresses many animal-related issues, including housing. The bill would establish a pet ownership program for residents of state-aided housing, including reasonable requirements for the care of animals by tenants. It would prohibit homeowners’ and renters’ insurance companies from discriminating against people based solely on the breed of dog they own (by canceling, refusing to renew, or charging a higher premium). The bill would create a study to provide recommendations on the prevalence and effects of pet-related fees in rental housing on housing stability.  The bill is currently before the House Ways and Means Committee, and no action is expected until after the House concludes its budget process in May.  

Oklahoma HB3389: Prohibiting Pet Rent and Regulating Pet Deposits

This bill establishes new regulations affecting pet ownership in rental housing, allowing landlords to require either a pet deposit or a pet fee from tenants.  Under the bill landlords are explicitly prohibited from charging pet rent, defined as a recurring charge for having a pet.  The bill has been referred to the Rules Committee.  To showcase the launch of the Pets and Families Housing Coalition, APG worked with House Sponsor Clinton to create a video for the HABRI Spring Policy forum. 

LOCAL

Dallas: Transparency in Advertising and/or Affordable Housing Reform  

APG will be meeting with the former Executive Director of Texas Humane Legislation and SMU Law faculty member to strategize possible champions of its transparency ordinance.

Portland: Pet Rent/Deposit Caps, Prohibiting Breed/Weight/Size Restrictions, and Transparency in Advertising

Portland’s current reorganization will result in the creation of a new “Housing and Permitting” committee that APG will engage upon conception.  APG has reached out to Councilmember Mitch Green, the current committee vice-chair, to keep its initiative on the radar.  APG also is working with a local food bank to distribute to clients a pets and housing survey to learn more about pet-related issues among this low-income population.  This data will be instrumental in highlighting the needs of Portland constituents and supporting the cause.

Kansas City, Missouri: Pet Rent Ordinance

After an initial discussion with the Kansas City Pet Project -- an organization that has a municipal contract with the city -- APG will lay the groundwork for pet rent regulations alongside this local partner and is in the early stages of formulating a pets and housing initiative. To ensure the local ordinance is consistent with state law, APG has worked with Kansas City Pet Project and a local law firm to conduct a legal analysis of preemption issues and has begun coalition-building.