The Association Blog

As a leader in the field, your perspective on this topic is essential

Understanding the true reasons behind owner relinquishment has long been a challenge for animal shelters. While many organizations track common intake reasons such as behavior concerns, too many animals in the home, or medical needs, we believe there is more to understand—particularly when it comes to housing-related barriers.

We hear with increasing regularity that challenges such as restrictive rental policies, high pet deposits and fees, and the limited availability of pet-friendly housing are forcing families to choose between keeping a roof over their heads or holding on to their best friends.

As we work to elevate housing challenges to a national level conversation, we’re asking shelter leaders across the country to help us better understand the role housing insecurity plays in pet relinquishment. This short survey was designed to help us better understand the scale and impact of this issue nationwide and, as a leader in this field, your perspective is essential.

Truly essential. I will be bringing aggregated insights from this survey to the HABRI Spring Policy Forum in Washington, D.C. on May 5, where leaders across housing, animal welfare, research, and public policy will be working to advance more pet-inclusive housing solutions. Your input will directly inform these national conversations.

Please take 3–5 minutes to complete the survey by end of day Thursday, April 2.

Your input will help:

• Illuminate how housing challenges are impacting shelter intake
• Inform advocacy efforts and cross-sector partnerships
• Shape strategies that keep pets with the families who love them

Your insight will help ensure that the realities facing the animal welfare field are represented in national policy discussions—and that together, we can advance solutions that support pets, people, and communities. All responses are confidential and will be shared only in aggregate.

Thank you for lending your voice to this important effort.

Let’s lead the way—together.

With appreciation,

Jim