You and your pet are family and a vital part of your community. Get support with housing resources.
Resources for Pet Owners
We have housing resources for pet owners to help you and your pets be a vital part of the pet-inclusive housing community.
Many rental housing providers require residents to have renters insurance. Click below for a list of some insurance companies that offer renters policies with no dog breed restrictions.
To have more effective conversations with your rental property owner or manager, be prepared with statistics that demonstrate the benefits of being pet-inclusive.
Empower yourself with information about the Fair Housing Act, a federal law that helps protect renters. Please note: This information does not constitute legal advice.
Use this tool to start a mutually courteous conversation with a housing provider about an ESA. Please note: This information does not constitute legal advice.
Finding a good way to introduce your pet to a housing provider can feel overwhelming. Ease into a more effective conversation by using this letter template.
A pet agreement helps set clear expectations between residents and housing providers. Utilize this totally modifiable Sample Pet Agreement.
The Pet-Inclusive Housing Initiative teamed up with Best Friends Animal Society to create resources about the benefits of welcoming dogs of all breeds and sizes.
Help is available! Check out even more resources for pet-owning renters, from assistance for pets and big-dog rental search help to important domestic violence resources.
Community-Friendly Owner
Help your pet become a welcomed and loved part of the community by following some easy tips aimed at keeping everyone happy.
Socialize
Help your pet get to know your neighbors – both people and pets. Just first make sure the others welcome the attention.
Pick it up
Poop is part of pethood. When nature calls, make sure you immediately clean up after your pet and properly dispose of the waste.
Exercise
Giving your pet enough exercise and mental stimulation is key to helping them release energy. Without it, pets might develop negative behavioral issues.
Tag
Ensure your pet is always wearing an identification tag and that their registration is up to date. Also, consider microchipping your pet in case they ever get lost.
Leash
Prevent your pet from sharing unwanted attention or wandering where they’re not supposed to by always leashing up. Consider working with your community to create an off-leash park where pets can roam free.
Train
Teaching your pet basic cues not only helps you build a pet-positive community; understanding simple cues like “sit” and “stay” can help save their life in an emergency situation.
Reflect
When considering a new pet, seek out resources to make an informed decision, and choose one that’s a good fit for your home and lifestyle.
Love
You and your pet are lucky to have each other. Giving your pet love and attention not only strengthens your bond, it helps build a more pet-positive community all together. When times get tough, resources are available in your community to help you keep your pet, and your local animal shelter is a great place to start.
Our 190-pound Great Dane Mastiff mix cut down on the number of places that we could move into. It was difficult to find one that would let us have a dog that size. But then we found The Crest and really liked it and have been happy with everything so far.
From Our Blog
Read the latest news, trends, and tips in building more pet-inclusive communities.
Why Pet-Inclusive Housing is a Win-Win for Everyone
By The Pet-Inclusive Housing Initiative For rental housing providers, embracing pet inclusivity is more than just a kind gesture—it’s a smart business move that fosters community, increases retention, and improves financial performance. Michelson Found Animals’...
A Purrfect Plan: How to Turn Your Community into a Cat-Inclusive Paradise
By Judy Bellack, Industry Principal, The Pet-Inclusive Housing Initiative Cats have long been the internet’s favorite residents, so why not make them feel just as welcome in your rental community? While many properties tout their pet-inclusiveness, feline friends...
Raise the Woof: 2025 Pets and Housing Awards Are Open for Nominations!
By Judy Bellack, Industry Principal, The Pet-Inclusive Housing Initiative The connection between people and their pets has never been stronger, and the multifamily housing industry is leading the charge in celebrating this bond. With more renters seeking pet-inclusive...
Breaking News: Dogs Have No Idea They Weigh Over 25 Pounds!
By Judy Bellack, Industry Principal, The Pet-Inclusive Housing Initiative If you’ve ever watched a Great Dane cuddle into a ball small enough to fit on a child’s bean bag chair, you’ve witnessed the undeniable truth: dogs have no idea how big they are. Unfortunately,...
5 Things Hotels and Temporary Housing Providers Can Do Now to Help Families with Pets Affected by LA’s Wildfires
By The Pet-Inclusive Housing Initiative Here's how hotels and temporary housing providers can help keep people and pets together after LA's extraordinary wildfires. Many families are facing displacement in the aftermath of the LA wildfires, and for pet parents, the...