If you have a pet, you know the joy and companionship that comes with having a furry pal. Yet at a time where housing costs have left most young people renting, unnecessary pet fees have become normalized and exorbitant. Pet rent and other fees make it difficult to afford moving or even keeping your pets. 

Pet Rent is an issue because…

• Cost: Pet rent is an arbitrary charge that landlords often impose without clear justification. Separate from pet deposits, pet rent is an additional monthly fee often ranging from $25-250 per month per pet. For tenants already struggling with high living costs, these extra charges are a financial strain. According to a survey by Zillow, nearly 50% of renters have pets, and 59% of pet owners say they would have a hard time finding a pet-friendly rental due to these financial barriers. Pet rent needs to be regulated and ended to foster a more inclusive and fair rental market.

• Pet Surrenders: Pet fees are a factor in an increase in the number of animals surrendered to shelters. When people cannot afford the additional costs, they are left with no choice but to leave their pets. Many of these pets are larger dogs, which are less likely to be adopted. According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), approximately 6.5 million pets enter U.S. animal shelters every year, and of those, about 1.5 million are euthanized. Many shelter surrenders are attributed to financial constraints like pet fees. 

• Barrier to Moving: Many survivors of domestic violence or abuse struggle to leave abusive situations because they are unable to find affordable pet-friendly housing. The fear of losing a pet, who provides emotional support and companionship, keeps survivors in dangerous situations. 

Washington, D.C. recently passed the Pets in Housing Act, which caps, and restricts extra pet fees. That means landlords can no longer charge more than $25 monthly pet rent or deny housing based solely on a pet’s breed, size, or appearance. This policy helps create more fairness in housing as costs continue to increase. 

Housing is expensive enough — abolish pet rent now. It's time for housing authorities and lawmakers to step in and eliminate these unjust charges.

The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) must take action to abolish unnecessary pet rent and fees. Encouraging pet-friendly policies can greatly increase housing stability for countless people and reduce the burden on animal shelters. 

We are urging HUD to reevaluate current housing regulations in regard to pet ownership, and create inclusive housing policies. 

Please sign this petition to demand action from the Department of Housing and Urban Development to create more equitable housing opportunities for all pet owners. Your support is crucial in making a difference in the lives of both people and furry friends.  

This is a sponsored petition. Learn more here.