Every day I see posts for rehoming pets on Nextdoor, many of these pets will end up in abusive homes or in the overcrowded shelter system. Every day the Downey shelter is putting down young, healthy, adoptable dogs simply because they need the space. These animals deserved a chance at a happy life with people who love them. How can we not give them that chance? I know we can do better, please help me spread awareness of how important it is that people be allowed to have pets. If there are no homes for all these animals then nobody can foster or adopt and save their lives. The lack of pet-friendly housing must be addressed!

I am a renter and a pet owner. I know that finding pet-friendly housing can be difficult, and I am concerned about the number of pets that are surrendered to shelters because their owners cannot find housing that will accept them. With rising rents, housing shortage, stagnating wages and a disproportionate number of pet-friendly housing, things will only continue to worsen. 

 

Taking pets to shelters is not a solution. Last year alone, the United States euthanized an estimated 3.5 million companion animals. Our tax dollars are currently going towards euthanizing these animals, instead let's use these funds to provide pet-friendly accommodations. There has been an alarming decline in dog adoptions and an increase in owner surrenders, leading to more vulnerable animals in the shelters than ever, and according to the Shelter Animals Count database, at least 150,000 precious canine lives are at risk in 2023 alone. We need to do better!

 

I feel nobody should have to sentence their pet to death simply because there is no housing. I believe that pets are family members and should have the same rights as other family members. Landlords and property management should allow for all dogs and cats, regardless of breed or size. I believe that pet-friendly housing is beneficial for both landlords and tenants. For landlords, pet-friendly housing can attract a wider pool of tenants and can increase property values. For tenants, pet-friendly housing can provide a safe and secure home for their pets. In addition, companion animals provide emotional support as well as improving mental health. For those who struggle to bond with others, a companion animal can help with feelings of loneliness and belonging.

I urge you to join me in supporting pet-friendly housing. Please sign and share this petition, write to your senators or representative, and always adopt don't shop!

Thank you for your support.

 

 

Articles supporting the significance of the Human-animal bond:

 

1) https://newsinhealth.nih.gov/2018/02/power-pets#:~:text=Interacting%20with%20animals%20has%20been,support%2C%20and%20boost%20your%20mood

 

2) https://nami.org/Blogs/NAMI-Blog/November-2020/The-Remarkable-Human-Animal-Bond

 

3) https://habri.org/