New Report Calls for Action to Increase Pet-Inclusive Housing

HABRI Publishes Policy Forum Report to Share Insights and Equip Stakeholders with Resources to Advance Pet-Inclusive Housing

WASHINGTON, Sept. 3, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The Human Animal Bond Research Institute (HABRI) today issued the Pet-Inclusive Housing Report, focused on identifying solutions, building coalitions and equipping advocates with the data and tools necessary to increase the availability and accessibility of pet-inclusive housing. The Report is the output of the HABRI Spring Policy Forum, which brought together experts across housing policy, research, animal welfare, pet care, animal health, and human social services to work together to develop a roadmap toward more pet-inclusive housing.

"Research has repeatedly shown that pets benefit human health in profound ways. Yet, too many people in rental housing are prevented from experiencing these benefits by significant restrictions on pets in rental housing," said Steven Feldman, HABRI president. "This report focuses on the key question: what does it take to make pet-inclusive housing the norm, rather than the exception?" 

Policy Forum participants shared legislative initiatives from across the country and internationally, demonstrating the variety of approaches that can succeed in different contexts; everything from leasing transparency to pet deposit assistance programs to reducing restrictions on the breed and weight of pets. The Report encapsulates these engaging conversations, which concluded with the announcement of the newly formed Pets and Families Housing Coalition, organized to support practical, evidence-based policies to expand pet-inclusive housing at the local, state and federal levels.

"The creation of the Pets and Families Housing Coalition reflects a shared recognition that no single organization can achieve at scale what we need to accomplish," added Feldman.

"HABRI is incredibly grateful to all who have committed to advancing pet-inclusive housing across the United States, and we hope this report will support their important work."

The Pet-Inclusive Housing Report is made possible with support from the American Pet Products Association (APPA), the World Pet Association (WPA), the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), Mars, Michelson Center for Public Policy, PetSmart Charities, and Zoetis. 

To access the Pet-Inclusive Housing Report, please visit www.habri.org/policy-forum.

About HABRI
HABRI is a not-for-profit organization that funds innovative scientific research to document the health benefits of companion animals; educates the public about human-animal bond research; and advocates for the beneficial role of companion animals in society. For more information, please visit http://www.habri.org.

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SOURCE Human Animal Bond Research Institute (HABRI)