About The Pet-Inclusive Housing Initiative
History & Background
Dr. Gary Michelson started Found Animals in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. Found Animals established the first free microchip registry to help lost pets find their way home. With a commitment to continue keeping people and pets together, he turned to the next scalable solution: increasing the availability of truly pet-inclusive housing.
Teaming up with the Human Animal Bond Research Institute (HABRI), the Michelson Found Animals Foundation commissions research to better understand pet-related housing issues and find the right solutions to help keep people and pets together.
From this research, the Pet-Inclusive Housing Initiative develops resources, partnerships, and actionable tools to increase the availability of truly pet-inclusive housing. We are working hard to increase pet-inclusive housing because everyone should have access to the joy of pets. After all, pets help communities grow stronger.
Looking Ahead
Through compelling research and actionable tools, we build a stronger housing industry and a more pet-inclusive world.
SPARK A DIALOGUE
Our survey found that 92% of renters and 93% of rental housing operators agree pets are important members of the family. We use this positive connection with animals to drive the conversation. Further, we work together to help rewrite decades-old policies and find homes that keep people and pets together.
SHARE DATA
83% of property managers say pet-friendly vacancies fill faster. Certainly, there is a clear financial advantage for rental housing operators – and it could lead to millions more pets finding homes.
INFORM
Through relevant research, resources, and actionable tools, we help the housing industry explore pet-inclusive opportunities. At the same time, we support pet owners in being a positive part of their community.
Leadership
Dr. Gary K. Michelson and Alya Michelson
Co-Founders
Michelson Found Animals
Steve Feldman
PresidenT
Human Animal Bond Research Institute (HABRI)
Ross Barker
DIRECTOR
Pet-INCLUSIVE HOUSING INITIATIVE (PIHI)
Pet-Inclusive Housing Report
The Pet-Inclusive Housing Report highlights the benefits of pet-inclusive rental housing by sharing data and market-based solutions that benefit all – so residents, housing providers, and communities win together.
From Our Blog
Read the latest news, trends, and tips in building more pet-inclusive communities.
There’s a Smarter Way to Prevent ESA Fraud, and It Doesn’t Require Expensive AI
By The Pet-Inclusive Housing Initiative We have recently seen pet proptech platforms introduce new AI tools designed to help multifamily housing providers better evaluate emotional support animal (ESA) accommodation requests. These tools are also being used to drive...
The Pet-Inclusive Housing Gap: Data, Disparities, and the Path Forward
By The Pet-Inclusive Housing Initiative For millions of renters across the United States, pets are more than companions; they are family. Yet outdated, restrictive housing policies continue to separate families, fill animal shelters, and create unnecessary hardship...
Countering Common Concerns: The Case for Pet-Inclusive Housing
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...
Rethinking Pet Fees: Finding Fairness for Renters and Housing Providers
By Judy Bellack, Chief Consultant, Judith Lawrence Associates For many renters, pets are family. Yet in the rental housing industry, pet fees, deposits, and pet rent have become standard costs for pet owners. While these charges are often justified as necessary to...
Join Us for the 2025 Pets & Housing Awards: Celebrating Leaders in Pet-Inclusive Living!
By Judy Bellack, Industry Principal, The Pet-Inclusive Housing Initiative Mark your calendars for June 4th! This year’s Pets & Housing Awards are shaping up to be the can’t-miss event for anyone passionate about pet-inclusive rental housing! Whether you’re an...