The Association Blog

This important research offers a national snapshot of the challenges and disparities that pet-owning renters face

As leaders in the field, you know all too well that restrictive housing policies separate families, fill our shelters and create hardship for pet owners. Produced by Michelson Found Animals’ Pet-Inclusive Housing Initiative and Human Animal Bond Research Institute, the Pets & Housing Data: 2025 Edition presents statistical evidence to support your programs that advance housing equity for people with pets.

Key findings from the report include:

• State-by-State Pet Access Varies: Access to pet-friendly rental housing ranges dramatically, from 39% of properties in Hawaii to 91% in Texas and Arizona, revealing significant geographic disparities
• The “Pet-Friendly” Illusion: While 79% of rental properties claim to allow pets, fewer than 10% qualify as pet-inclusive, with no breed or weight restrictions
• Pet-Related Housing Barriers Often Force Impossible Choices: More than 80% of dog owners reported difficulty securing housing, leading many to rehome their pets, misclassify them as emotional support animals, or hide them – all outcomes that underscore the urgent need for more pet-inclusive rental policies

Read more about this resource for advocates and industry leaders seeking to close the gap between rental housing access and pet ownership reality. You can also read the full report here.