By The Pet-Inclusive Housing Initiative
In a country where nearly two-thirds of households include a pet, the need for inclusive, pet-welcoming housing has never been more urgent. While the majority of rental properties in the U.S. technically allow pets, the fine print tells a different story: breed and size restrictions, exorbitant pet fees, and outdated insurance policies often prevent renters with pets from finding a suitable home. Despite growing awareness, myths and misconceptions continue to stymie efforts to make housing truly accessible for people with pets.
At Michelson Found Animals’ Pet-Inclusive Housing Initiative (PIHI), we’re committed to advancing decisions and partnerships that eliminate unnecessary barriers. Let’s unpack and examine more closely some of the most frequently cited concerns.
Misconception #1: Pets Are a Threat to Health, Safety, and Peace
The Concern
Pets jeopardize the well-being of renters, particularly those who are immunocompromised, allergic, or have trauma related to animals. Noise complaints from barking dogs can also disrupt remote workers and students.
The Reality
Based on PIHI’s analysis of Smart Apartment Data, about 25% of rental housing in the U.S. is not pet-friendly, which means that rental housing is available for renters who cannot or do not want to live in a community with pets.
Importantly, many renters are actively seeking pet-friendly accommodations. A 2025 Zillow survey found that 44% of renters passed on a property because it didn’t allow pets, and 32% rejected rentals with breed or size restrictions. Meanwhile, only 7% of renters said pet-friendliness would make them less likely to live at a property. Among them, the biggest issue wasn’t noise or allergies – it was residents not picking up after their pets.
Designing communities that welcome pets and support all renters isn’t just possible – it’s essential. Soundproofing, waste disposal stations, thoughtful unit planning, and pet agreements offer tangible solutions that protect every resident’s comfort and quality of life.
Misconception #2: Pets Cause Expensive Damage to Property
The Concern
Pets will destroy carpets, stain flooring, and chew through baseboards, especially in older buildings not designed with animals in mind.
The Reality
Estimates of pet-related damage in rental housing vary notably depending on the source. PetScreening’s The State Pets in Rental Housing December 2024 report revealed that rental housing professionals disclosed an average of $596 in pet-related damage per unit. According to the 2021 Pet-Inclusive Housing Report, pet-owning renters cited a much lower average of $210. The true cost likely falls somewhere in between, comfortably within the range typically covered by standard refundable security deposits.
Similarly, perceptions of how often pet-related damage occurs differ. According to PetScreening’s report, 28% of property managers indicated that pet-occupied units experience any damage. In comparison, according to the Pet-Inclusive Housing Report, just 9% of renters acknowledged their pets caused damage. Again, the reality is likely in the middle, but even using the higher estimate, over 70% of pet-occupied units do not result in any damage at all.
While any resident, pet owner or not, can cause damage, research shows that young adults and families with children are more often cited by property owners as sources of costly repairs than dogs. Moreover, many pet-related risks can be mitigated through thoughtful design: pet-safe landscaping, durable and scratch-resistant flooring, and waste stations promote a cleaner, more resilient environment.
Offering pet amenities like dog parks, wash stations, and designated play areas can enhance property appeal, reduce wear on units, and even boost occupancy rates. Communities that invest in pet-friendly infrastructure often find it pays off.
Misconception #3: Housing Providers Will Lose Control Without Breed and Size Restrictions
The Concern
Removing breed and size limits will leave housing providers vulnerable to liability and loss of insurance coverage.
The Reality
Breed does not determine behavior. In fact, exclusion based on perceived breed provides a false sense of security, as some dogs that meet requirements may be aggressive and cause damage, while many that would be excluded based on breed or size would be safe and joyful additions to the community. Studies show no correlation between a dog’s breed and its tendency to bite or behave aggressively. Furthermore, visual identification of dog breeds is notoriously unreliable, with experts misidentifying breeds about 75% of the time.
Housing providers can maintain control through more equitable, effective tools:
- Pet Profiles that evaluate behavior, not breed
- Pet Agreements outlining clear rules and expectations
- Renters Insurance from companies that don’t enforce breed restrictions
If breed-specific policies are removed without also addressing weight/size limits, housing providers can easily sidestep reform by implementing arbitrary weight caps. To be effective, policy change must address both.
Misconception #4: Pet-Inclusive Policies Will Shrink Housing Supply
The Concern
Inclusive pet policies could drive housing providers away, decreasing the rental housing stock.
The Reality
There is no evidence that this is happening. While more data is needed, early evidence in Colorado, for example, indicates that a 2024 law capping pet rents and deposits has not led to a decline in pet-friendly rental units. In fact, making rental units more pet-friendly aligns with demand and boosts the bottom line.
Pet-friendly rentals often see faster lease-ups and longer tenancies. On average, residents in such housing stay 21% longer, reducing turnover costs and vacancy loss. Inclusive policies don’t just support families with pets—they support sustainable businesses.
The Real Cost: Pets in Shelters and Rescues
Restrictive housing policies burden renters and fill animal shelters and rescues. A recent multi-shelter study found that over 28,000 pets were surrendered due to housing-related issues over a four-year period. Many of these pets were from breeds commonly restricted in rental housing, underscoring the heartbreaking impact of outdated policies.
Creating more pet-inclusive housing is more than a policy change. It’s a lifeline for renters, animals, and the communities we all share.
Conclusion
A truly inclusive housing market must account for the realities of modern life, including the central role pets play in our homes and families. With practical solutions, responsive design, and updated policies, housing providers can welcome more residents while maintaining vibrant, respectful communities. The choice is not between pets and peace – it’s about making room for both.
Let’s move beyond misconceptions and toward a more humane, inclusive housing future. To learn more, visit petsandhousing.org.