Support Illinois HB1603- End Dog Breed Discrimination in Housing!

Housing decisions should be based on an individual dog's behavior- not assumptions about its breed.

Across Illinois, responsible dog owners can face barriers to housing simply because of their dog's breed—not because of the individual dog's behavior, history, or temperament. Families with breeds such as Rottweilers, German Shepherds, Chow Chows, Dobermans, pit bull-type dogs, and others may find otherwise suitable housing unavailable because of blanket breed restrictions.

Illinois HB1603 would help change that. The bill would prohibit landlords of residential properties containing more than three units from refusing housing or imposing conditions on a tenant solely based on the breed of their dog.

This does not mean landlords would be required to ignore genuinely dangerous animals. HB1603 maintains protections involving dogs that have been legally determined to be dangerous or vicious. The goal is simple: judge the individual dog by its behavior—not its breed.

Breed restrictions can force responsible owners to choose between suitable housing and keeping a member of their family. Illinois residents shouldn't face that choice solely because of a breed label.

We are asking Illinois lawmakers to support HB1603 and move this legislation forward.

If you believe responsible dog owners deserve a fair opportunity to find housing, please sign this petition and share it with other Illinois residents.