We are working hard to increase pet-inclusive rental housing because everyone should have access to the joy of pets. After all, pets help communities grow stronger.
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 rental 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 rental housing. We are working hard to increase pet-inclusive rental 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 rental 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.
EDUCATE
Through relevant research, resources, and actionable tools, we help the rental housing industry explore pet-inclusive opportunities. At the same time, we support pet owners in being a positive part of their community.
Leadership
Meet some team members who are standing up for what’s important for pets and their people.
Dr. Gary and Alya Michelson
Co-Chairs of Michelson Philanthropies
Read bio
Dr. Gary K. Michelson is a board-certified orthopedic spinal surgeon, inventor of more than 990 patents throughout the world, the founder and funder of three private foundations, as well as an inventor, entrepreneur, philanthropist, and humane advocate. Alya Michelson is a recording artist and an integral part of the Michelson Philanthropy effort, launching FirstGen, an initiative that uplifts and supports immigrant women.
Steve Feldman
President
Human ANimal Bond Research InstiTute (HABRI)
Read bio
Steven Feldman is the President of the Human Animal Bond Research Institute (HABRI). As the leader of the only research organization focused solely on the human-animal bond, he has developed significant expertise in communicating the science of human-animal interaction and its practical application in society.
He also serves as liaison to the American Veterinary Medical Association Steering Committee on Human-Animal Interaction and on the Pet Partners Human-Animal Bond Advisory Board, where he has the opportunity to develop policies and resources to strengthen the human-animal bond for all.
Brett Yates
Chief Executive Officer, Michelson Found Animals
Read bio
Brett Yates is the Chief Executive Officer for the Michelson Found Animals Foundation, where he has helped launch and grow the Return To Owner program, Leap Venture Studios, the Better Neighbor Project, and the Pet-Inclusive Housing Initiative. His goal is to confront the industry’s broken legacy systems and create a world where everyone, regardless of their socioeconomic status, has access to the joy of pets.
Ross Barker
Program Director
Pet-inclusive housing initiative Michelson Found Animals
Read bio
Ross Barker focuses on creating more housing opportunities for people with pets trying to find rental opportunities by demonstrating the benefits of pet-friendly housing to rental housing operators, residents, and communities. Prior to joining Michelson Found Animals, Ross led research and innovation teams for Banfield Pet Hospital and Kinship, both part of the Mars Petcare organization. Ross serves on the board of CATalyst Council, which works to enable the lifelong health and welfare of companion cats, and holds master’s degrees in business and public policy.
Judy Bellack
Industry Principal
Pet-Inclusive Housing Initiative
Michelson Found Animals
Read bio
Judy Bellack is a 30-year veteran of the multifamily industry, holding various executive leadership positions with some of the foremost supplier companies. Judy has served both as Chair of NAA’s National Suppliers’ Council and NMHC’s Supplier-Partner Alliance and was the recipient of NAA’s Outstanding Supplier in 2010. She currently operates a consulting practice advising start-up technologies in the multifamily space. Through her expertise in the multifamily industry, Judy is helping to advance the Pet-Inclusive Housing Initiative.
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 operators, residents, and communities win together.
A major opportunity exists for property owners and operators to embrace pet-inclusive policies to attract and retain residents and enable more people to access the joy of pets in their lives.
From Our Blog
Read the latest news, trends, and tips in building more pet-inclusive communities.
Nominations for the 2024 Pets and Housing Awards are now Open!
Submit Your Nominations for Our Third Annual Pets and Housing Awards! The growing number of pets and the increasingly important role they play in the lives of families and individuals present a new world of opportunities for the multifamily industry. Many operators...
Are You Capturing the Right Data to Optimize Your Pet Strategies?
By Judy Bellack, Industry Principal, The Pet-Inclusive Housing Initiative In today's increasingly interconnected world, rental housing communities are recognizing the profound impact that pets have on the lives of their residents. From companionship to mental...
Pet Legislation: How Operators Can Meet These Challenges Proactively
By Judy Bellack, Industry Principal, The Pet-Inclusive Housing Initiative We recently published a blog titled “Embracing the Future: Why Rental Housing Operators Must Stay Informed of Legislative Trends Toward Dog Ownership.” With sweeping legislative proposals...
Beyond Pet-Friendly: How Does Your Property Score When It Comes to Being Pet-Inclusive?
The rental housing industry has welcomed pets and their owners for some time now. This is abundantly clear in today’s property marketing, which boasts ‘pet-friendly’ units, with many communities including dog parks, waste stations, grooming stations and even pet...
Renting, Pets, and the Gen Z/Millennial Mix; Are You Poised to Welcome Them?
By Judy Bellack, Industry Principal, The Pet-Inclusive Housing Initiative U.S. homebuyers are facing monthly mortgage costs that are 52% higher than the average monthly apartment rent, according to a recent analysis by CBRE Research, a real estate and investment...