APPA continues to work with and support Animal Policy Group (APG) to advance pet friendly housing initiatives and keep families and pets together.
Completed Project and Successful Outcomes
Denver: Pet Deposit Fund
APG met with Councilman Hinds’ office to expand the pet deposit pilot program. The pilot program will now award qualified District 10 applicants with funds for pet rent, in addition to pet deposits. Applicants can apply for either or both.
Updates: Ongoing Projects
STATE
Texas: Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) Qualified Allocation Plan (QAP) for 2027
The LIHTC and QAP plan is under review and the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA) draft was published for public comment. APG authored comments in support of pet-inclusive housing initiatives, and met with 13 stakeholder groups who agreed to sign on in support.
The coalition asks TDHCA to create incentives for Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) developments that:
- Allow pets without breed, size, or weight restrictions
- Eliminate non-refundable pet fees and pet rent
- Use a "pet-inclusive lease addendum" as a scoring criterion in the QAP
- Require pet-inclusive policies for developments seeking points for dog park amenities
The coalition consisted of key players for Dallas animal welfare advocacy, including the largest organizations in the state: Shared Home Project, Operation Kindness Humane Society, Lone Star Humane Association, Companions and Animals for Reform and Equity (CARE), SPCA of Texas, Dallas Pets Alive, Austin Pets Alive!, Houston Pets Alive!, Humane Tomorrow, Footbridge Foundation, Barrio Dogs, and Houston Humane Society.
LOCAL
Dallas/Fort Worth: Transparency in Advertising and/or Affordable Housing Reform
APG met with Dallas Councilmember Gracey, chair of the Quality of Life (QOL) committee, who was very enthusiastic about the cause and informed us of his plan to get pet policy transparency on the City’s priority agenda to pursue at the state level. This would entail the city drafting a bill and obtaining lobbyists to introduce legislation at the Capitol. Chairman Gracey has already discussed this issue with the Dallas Chair of the Legislative Affairs Committee. If the city chooses not to pursue a state-level change, we will pursue an ordinance change. APG subsequently shared with his office: its Texas-based research, TDHCA QAP letter, and customized factsheets for his office.
The meeting with Operation Kindness and Fort Worth’s Councilmember Hill has been rescheduled for early September. Fort Worth Housing Solutions will attend the meeting as well.
Portland, Oregon: Pet Rent/Deposit Caps, Prohibiting Breed/Weight/Size Restrictions, and Transparency in Advertising
APG heard back from Chairwoman Avalos’ office, and the Chairwoman has requested to meet in September to discuss next steps and a possible timeline. Avalos, as the Chair of the Housing and Permitting Committee, is well-positioned to introduce this bill.
San Diego, California: Residential Rental Price Gouging Fee Exploitation and Cost Transparency Ordinance
The Council has not taken further action on the Residential Rental Price Gouging Fee Exploitation and Cost Transparency Ordinance.
Learn More
Each time we achieve a milestone, we observe an increase in the number of households with pets. This rise in pet ownership significantly boosts demand for products and services among our members, including pet food, supplies, veterinary care, and technological innovations. By remaining a member, you play a crucial role in supporting this strategic initiative, which is essential for the well-being and future growth of the pet industry. Discover more about the other advocacy projects that APPA is actively engaged in here.
You can learn more about the Animal Policy group here.
Sep 15, 2026
