NEWS: Sen. Schiff Introduces Bill to Expand Protections to Keep Families and Pets Together in Public Housing

Washington, D.C. - Today, U.S. Senator Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) introduced the Pets Belong With Families Act, legislation that would prohibit overly broad restrictions against dogs based on breed, size, or weight, allowing families to keep their beloved pets in public housing. This bill would also make it more affordable for families to have pets by placing reasonable limits on housing deposits for pets.

Representatives Mike Lawler (R-N.Y.-17) and Jason Crow (D-Colo.-6) have introduced companion legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives.

"No family should have to choose between keeping their beloved pet or having a roof over their head. But too often, families are forced to make this difficult decision due to restrictions limiting the kinds of dogs allowed in their homes. This bipartisan bill would remove these unfair barriers to ensure that Americans and their pets can stay together," said Senator Schiff.

More than 25 million U.S. pet owners are renters, including public housing residents. Surveys have found that the vast majority of rental property owners and operators face restrictions on pets - rules that often include blanket bans on dog breeds that are considered "dangerous" such as pit bulls and rottweilers, or dogs that simply resemble these breeds, regardless of more than 20 years of data showing that calculating bite rates for specific breeds is virtually impossible. At their worst, such bans can exacerbate housing insecurity for low-income pet owners who understandably don't want to part with their companions. In a 2025 survey, more than 70% of renters reported that pet-friendly housing is difficult to find, and 59% said that it was too expensive. More than 80% of dog owners reported difficulty securing housing, leading many to rehome their pets.

The Pets Belong with Families Act would amend Section 31 of the Housing Act of 1937 to prohibit restrictions based exclusively on the breed in public housing, while still allowing for discretion with regard to potentially dangerous individual animals.

"Pets are our family. No one should have to choose between their pet and a roof over their head, but some housing currently requires them to," said Congressman Crow. "Our bipartisan bill will prevent needless restrictions on animal breeds in public housing so Coloradans and their pets can stay together, no matter where they call home."

"For a lot of families, mine included, pets are part of the family. It shouldn't come down to choosing between a place to live and keeping your dog or cat. This bipartisan, bicameral bill takes a more practical approach, cutting out those blanket restrictions while still holding owners accountable. It'll help more families find housing, keep pets out of overcrowded shelters, and bring a little more common sense back into the process," said Congressman Lawler.

"Families struggling with housing insecurity should not be forced to make the impossible choice between keeping a roof over their heads and staying with their beloved pets. Pets provide joy, comfort, and companionship - and no one should be denied that because of their income or housing status,"said Matt Bershadker, ASPCA President and CEO. "The Pets Belong with Families Act will ensure lower-income families can access stable, affordable housing without fear of being separated from a cherished member of the family. The ASPCA is proud to support this critical legislation."

This legislation is endorsed by the American Bar Association, American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, Animal Legal Defense Fund, Animal Welfare Institute, Best Friends Animal Society, Humane World for Animals, Humane World Action Fund, Michelson Center for Public Policy, National Housing Law Project.

The full text of the bill is available here.

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