People are being urged to isolate and distance themselves socially in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. Many cities will be enacting "Safer at Home" guidelines for at least a month. This will be an extremely lonely and anxious time for many and the benefits of having a pet to interact with have never been more apparent.

Meanwhile, shelters all over the US are overwhelmed and people willing to foster and adopt pets are unable to help due to restrictions from their landlords and/or building owners. At this time, most shelters are still open and many are appointment-only or setting up virtual meet-and-greets so you can maintain your health and safety while adopting a pet.

Let's come together during this time to urge landlords and building owners to reconsider their pet policies to adopt (or at least foster) animals in need. It's a small way for landlords to make a HUGE difference in the lives of their tenants during this unprecedented, trying time.

If you are signing because having a pet has positively impacted you during this time, or any time of uncertainty and loneliness, please leave a comment so landlords/property owners know what a great impact they could make by allowing their tenants to have pets. 

In the interest of responsible pet ownership, we want to clarify that we still advocate for thinking adoption through carefully. If you did not have time to own a pet before, please consider fostering instead of adopting. Please don't adopt if you will be forced to return an animal when you are able to return to your daily activities. If the only thing standing in the way of adopting was restrictions from your landlord/property owner, then sign, share, and make your voice heard!

Photo Credit: NPR