I’ve written several blogs about the crisis of overcrowding at animal shelters across the county, and, unfortunately, as we enter the new year, the crisis shows no sign of letting up.
Animal shelters are overcrowded, length of stay is increasing, and too many beloved pets are at risk. Unfortunately, there is no magic pill or simple solution to this problem. There are many factors contributing to the cause, including access to free and low cost spay/neuter, affordable vet care, and housing restrictions. I believe that a solution will depend on our willingness and ability to attack all facets of the problem at hand. One thing I can assure you is that we cannot adopt our way out of the crisis of pet overpopulation, no matter how hard we may try.
If we are serious about addressing the animal welfare crisis at its roots, we must talk about the role housing plays, and why less restrictive pet-friendly housing policies are essential to keeping families and pets together. And then let’s also talk about what you and I can do about it.
For many families, pets are not a luxury, they are family. Yet millions of people face policies that make keeping a pet difficult or impossible. Common barriers include:
- “No pet” policies in rental, condo, or coop housing
- Breed, size, or weight restrictions
- Excessive pet fees and deposits
- Strict limits on the number of pets allowed
When families are forced to choose between safe, affordable housing and their pet, the outcome is heartbreaking. These pets enter shelters not because of behavior or neglect, but because of policy barriers outside their family’s control. Studies consistently show that housing-related issues are one of the top reasons pets are surrendered to shelters. And here at Bideawee, we see it play out in real life every single day. The seemingly endless calls, emails, and applications for surrender due to the lack of affordable housing options for people with pets is heartbreaking – for the families, for the staff having to field those requests, and for the animals who are losing their beloved people and their homes. And a decision no family should have to face.
Furthermore, even so-called “pet-friendly housing” can impose big barriers to adoption and lead to animal surrender. The term “pet-friendly housing” is often misleading because “pet-friendly buildings” can still have a lengthy list of restrictions. Some only allow “one pet under 30 pounds” or ban certain breeds, which excludes a vast number of loving, well-behaved animals. Many of these pets wind up languishing in shelters for no good reason. Similarly, steep non-refundable fees can price families out of keeping their pets, particularly during times of financial hardship. True pet-friendly housing isn’t just about allowing one specific type or size of pet; it’s about reasonable, inclusive policies that benefit people, animals, housing providers, and communities.
This issue can feel overwhelming and even beyond our control, but individual actions truly matter. In ways you might not realize, you and I can do things to help keep pets and families together:
- Advocate: Talk to local elected officials, housing boards, and community leaders about the importance of pet-inclusive housing policies.
- Be an Ambassador: Do you have a big dog? An often banned or shunned breed? Make sure they are well-trained and let their behavior dispel common misconceptions and showcase the merits of their breed.
- Ask the question: If you rent or own property, consider whether your housing policies are as inclusive as they could be and encourage others to do the same.
- Support organizations: Donate to or volunteer with animal welfare organizations that provide housing support, surrender prevention, and community resources.
- Share the message: Help spread awareness by sharing information about how housing policies impact pets and families.
- Choose pet-inclusive housing: When possible, support landlords and housing providers who welcome pets and implement reasonable policies.
Keeping pets with their families is one of the most humane, cost-effective, and impactful ways to reduce shelter intake. Every time a family is forced to surrender a pet due to housing restrictions, it represents a systemic failure and not a personal one. The animal welfare crisis cannot be solved solely by building more and bigger shelters or even by solely increasing adoptions. We must work to help stop the flow in and less animals being surrendered due to housing restrictions is a great way to start!
If we want fewer animals in shelters, we must build a world where more pets are welcome at home.