Animal Welfare Professionals

Hello, My name is Erin and I am the Foster Coordinator at a humane society.  Currently, in order to foster animals or even adopt an animal from our shelter we require landlord permission or a pet policy if the family does not own their home. We are considering removing this requirement as it is one of the main things preventing adoptions and gaining foster families. No one seems to want to get their landlord's permission.  Our director is curious to find out what other shelters' (that do not have this requirement) return rates are. How many and how often are animals being returned because they weren't actually allowed to have the animal in their rental. Any help on this question would be much appreciated. Or if anyone knows of any links to any studies done on this topic, that would be great as well. Thank you!

#AdoptionsandAdoptionPrograms
#FosterPrograms

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Erin Robinson

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We had the same requirement as you do for 12 years.....we just recently removed it about a year ago and I can tell you that our return rates haven't changed. The dogs that do get returned DO NOT get returned because of landlord issues. I dug my heels in hard for this policy to NOT change because I thought the same as you and more dogs would get returned, but that is simply not the case. If people want to keep their dogs, they find a way around it with their landlords...at least that has been our experience.

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Cortney Dorney
------------------------------

Thank you for the reply. Our staff is very divided on this issue due to the worry that many animals will be returned or dumped outside. 

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Erin Robinson
Foster Coordinator
Licking County Humane Society
OH
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 02-20-2024 08:55 AM
From: Cortney Dorney
Subject: Adoption/Foster Requirements

We had the same requirement as you do for 12 years.....we just recently removed it about a year ago and I can tell you that our return rates haven't changed. The dogs that do get returned DO NOT get returned because of landlord issues. I dug my heels in hard for this policy to NOT change because I thought the same as you and more dogs would get returned, but that is simply not the case. If people want to keep their dogs, they find a way around it with their landlords...at least that has been our experience.

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Cortney Dorney
------------------------------

My suggestion is to just do a trial for a few months. If you like the results, then change your policy permanently...if you don't then there is no harm in it. Dogs being returned because of landlord issues isn't a bad thing. Think of it as a little break from the shelter and get as much information about how the dog was in the home while it was there...like a foster home. 

Its worth the trial!

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Cortney Dorney
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 02-20-2024 09:06 AM
From: Erin Robinson
Subject: Adoption/Foster Requirements

Thank you for the reply. Our staff is very divided on this issue due to the worry that many animals will be returned or dumped outside. 

------------------------------
Erin Robinson
Foster Coordinator
Licking County Humane Society
OH
------------------------------


Original Message:
Sent: 02-20-2024 08:55 AM
From: Cortney Dorney
Subject: Adoption/Foster Requirements

We had the same requirement as you do for 12 years.....we just recently removed it about a year ago and I can tell you that our return rates haven't changed. The dogs that do get returned DO NOT get returned because of landlord issues. I dug my heels in hard for this policy to NOT change because I thought the same as you and more dogs would get returned, but that is simply not the case. If people want to keep their dogs, they find a way around it with their landlords...at least that has been our experience.

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Cortney Dorney

Hi Mabel, yes it is very frustrating. I have had so many foster applications that come through where people rent and they simply don't want to go through the trouble to obtain landlord permission. Or their lease states that they are just not allowed to have animals. Same for adoptions. We have so many people angry with us for telling them that they need to get landlord permission because their lease states that they have to have something in writing. 

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Erin Robinson
Foster Coordinator
Licking County Humane Society
OH
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 02-20-2024 09:41 AM
From: Mabel Harlet Gastelum
Subject: Adoption/Foster Requirements

Hi,Erin how are you, Im a volunteer from a Rescue too, apparently we have the same issue ��, because as Much as we published looking or either asking for Foster we dont have any inquiries from anyone �� one requirement is that they should have landlords permissions if they dont own their property or it has to say it in their contracts as well. 

Sent from my Galaxy 

Mabel Harlet Gastelum

MaHaGa

Pet. Advocate.

����‍⬛ Rescuer & foster,

SCRO Team Member. 

������‍⬛������

Hi Erin,

Here are some resources to check out:

• Our 2022 National Foster Survey found some really interesting correlations between length of foster onboarding and the steps needed to become a foster and the size of the organization's program
• You can find links to research on adoption barriers in the HSUS's Adopters Welcome manual

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Kelly Duer
Senior Community Solutions Specialist
Maddie's Fund
------------------------------

Thank you so much Kelly!

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Erin Robinson
Foster Coordinator
Licking County Humane Society
OH
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 02-20-2024 11:21 AM
From: Kelly Duer
Subject: Adoption/Foster Requirements

Hi Erin,

Here are some resources to check out:

• Our 2022 National Foster Survey found some really interesting correlations between length of foster onboarding and the steps needed to become a foster and the size of the organization's program
• You can find links to research on adoption barriers in the HSUS's Adopters Welcome manual

------------------------------
Kelly Duer
Senior Community Solutions Specialist
Maddie's Fund
------------------------------

Hi Erin, I run into the same issue. I ask the adopter for a copy of their lease. If they are uncooperative they don't get to adopt.

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Renee Kraft
President
Save A Stray Rescue
NY
------------------------------

Hi, all

I'm going to play what I will guess will be devil's advocate. As chair of the foster committee , We require landlord permission and have no interest in taking the requirement away.  As a small, all-volunteer cat rescue in New York, we are facing strict requirements about all aspects of animal care, including certifying that our foster homes are physically in compliance with all the regulations.  If I'm certifying that by doing home visits to every foster home (the expectation, as I read the new and upcoming law), I am certainly also going to make sure renters have permission from landlords, on my very long list of i's to dot and t's to cross.  And I know our adoption team requires a landlord check too, with no interest in changing the policy.  We consider it disruptive to our cats to have anything less than our best effort to find their happily ever after. Dog returns may be a nice break from a shelter as one person said, but cats are different.  It takes a bit longer, but the adoption team feels it is an important step.  Is it perfect? Nope.  Do we have returns? And do we lose foster caretakers? Both yup.  But not as many as I hear other groups in our area who don't require this step.  

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Diane Metz
Volunteer
Orange Street Cats, Inc.
NY
------------------------------

My organization is in the same place as Diane. 

We regularly adopt out to other states. We do ensure that the landlord allows pets in the adopters home, as it would be very difficult to have animals returned to us from different states, especially for something that could have been prevented- like getting the landlord's permission

Amanda

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Amanda Gray
Grants and fundraising manager
Operation Liberation
FL
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 02-21-2024 12:52 AM
From: Diane Metz
Subject: Adoption/Foster Requirements

Hi, all

I'm going to play what I will guess will be devil's advocate. As chair of the foster committee , We require landlord permission and have no interest in taking the requirement away.  As a small, all-volunteer cat rescue in New York, we are facing strict requirements about all aspects of animal care, including certifying that our foster homes are physically in compliance with all the regulations.  If I'm certifying that by doing home visits to every foster home (the expectation, as I read the new and upcoming law), I am certainly also going to make sure renters have permission from landlords, on my very long list of i's to dot and t's to cross.  And I know our adoption team requires a landlord check too, with no interest in changing the policy.  We consider it disruptive to our cats to have anything less than our best effort to find their happily ever after. Dog returns may be a nice break from a shelter as one person said, but cats are different.  It takes a bit longer, but the adoption team feels it is an important step.  Is it perfect? Nope.  Do we have returns? And do we lose foster caretakers? Both yup.  But not as many as I hear other groups in our area who don't require this step.  

------------------------------
Diane Metz
Volunteer
Orange Street Cats, Inc.
NY
------------------------------

I love that your rescue has those regulations in place.  I wish we had similar requirements.  Just recently, I had a situation where the foster had a PI (person of interest/adopter) for a mastiff puppy she was fostering.  I found out where the person (pi) lived and discovered a whole host of landlord restrictions that were in place there.  The first of which was a 25 lb. weight limit.  The puppy at 8 wks. old was already weighing 18lbs!  When I brought it to the PI"s attention, she "claimed" that her landlord approved of her having the dog.  Although she had no proof of the landlord's approval, we still adopted the dog out to her. Our adoption team is not allowed to turn anyone away.  It broke my heart because I know at some point that dog will be re-homed or returned, and life will take a turn for him.  I wish we were required to check for landlord approvals just like your organization. It does make me happy and relieved to know that some places still do this.

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lauri ann Sloneker
Foster Manager
spca cincinnati
Sharonville OH
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 02-21-2024 12:52 AM
From: Diane Metz
Subject: Adoption/Foster Requirements

Hi, all

I'm going to play what I will guess will be devil's advocate. As chair of the foster committee , We require landlord permission and have no interest in taking the requirement away.  As a small, all-volunteer cat rescue in New York, we are facing strict requirements about all aspects of animal care, including certifying that our foster homes are physically in compliance with all the regulations.  If I'm certifying that by doing home visits to every foster home (the expectation, as I read the new and upcoming law), I am certainly also going to make sure renters have permission from landlords, on my very long list of i's to dot and t's to cross.  And I know our adoption team requires a landlord check too, with no interest in changing the policy.  We consider it disruptive to our cats to have anything less than our best effort to find their happily ever after. Dog returns may be a nice break from a shelter as one person said, but cats are different.  It takes a bit longer, but the adoption team feels it is an important step.  Is it perfect? Nope.  Do we have returns? And do we lose foster caretakers? Both yup.  But not as many as I hear other groups in our area who don't require this step.  

------------------------------
Diane Metz
Volunteer
Orange Street Cats, Inc.
NY
------------------------------

Hi Erin, 
I just calculated the return rate for my shelter in preparation for a meeting with an agency that was concerned about returns and adopters not being screened appropriately. The overall return rate was 5% in 2023. Of those,  0.3% were housing related. My shelter does not require landlord permission and did not have a trial adoption/foster to adopt program in place. 

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Jennifer Walter, CAWA
Division Chief
Animal Care & Protective Services
Jacksonville, FL
904-255-7372
------------------------------

Side note. I thought I changed my signature when I changed jobs, but it must be saved somewhere I didn't catch. 

New info:

Jennifer Walter, CAWA
Director of Operations
Asheville Humane Society
Asheville, NC
JWalter@ashevillehumane.org

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Jennifer Walter, CAWA
Director of Operations
Asheville Humane Society
Asheville, NC
JWalter@ashevillehumane.org
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 02-21-2024 06:18 AM
From: jennifer walter
Subject: Adoption/Foster Requirements

Hi Erin, 
I just calculated the return rate for my shelter in preparation for a meeting with an agency that was concerned about returns and adopters not being screened appropriately. The overall return rate was 5% in 2023. Of those,  0.3% were housing related. My shelter does not require landlord permission and did not have a trial adoption/foster to adopt program in place. 

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Jennifer Walter, CAWA
Division Chief
Animal Care & Protective Services
Jacksonville, FL
904-255-7372
------------------------------

Hi Jennifer,  thank you so much for providing those numbers!

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Erin Robinson
Foster Coordinator
Licking County Humane Society
OH
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 02-21-2024 06:18 AM
From: jennifer walter
Subject: Adoption/Foster Requirements

Hi Erin, 
I just calculated the return rate for my shelter in preparation for a meeting with an agency that was concerned about returns and adopters not being screened appropriately. The overall return rate was 5% in 2023. Of those,  0.3% were housing related. My shelter does not require landlord permission and did not have a trial adoption/foster to adopt program in place. 

------------------------------
Jennifer Walter, CAWA
Division Chief
Animal Care & Protective Services
Jacksonville, FL
904-255-7372
------------------------------

Hello Erin, 

This is a great question and discussion. Based on my 7+ years in the rescue community, I think it depends on the situation. Are you in a situation where you can be very picky about your adopters? I volunteer at a municipal shelter that is just trying to keep kennels open for new intakes every day. It's the 4th largest shelter in the country. They don't do home visits because it is just not possible with staffing. There are lots of positive adoption stories and some returns where we gather information about the dog's time in the home and then of course the ones that are found on the street after adoption, which is rare. It's not a perfect system and never will be but are you in a position to tell the potential adopter they are just taking the dog as a foster, and then finalize the adoption after a few weeks. I say a few weeks because of the 'rules of 3'. 

From what I have experienced, there are great homes that have terrible landlords that don't communicate with their tenets. The tenets pay the rent and live without oversight from the landlord bc they just aren't present. The adopters know their situation. They know the rules. They are adults. Who are we to deny them a pet because we don't have written consent from the landlord. It sounds crazy typing it out, but people know their situation. Will there be returns? Of course...there always will be. But most adults can decide whether they are able to have the dog in their home. 

The more restrictions, the less adoptions. The best you can do to control the situation is ask the adult adopter if they are allowed to have the pet. Explain to them why it's important. I have made a conscious decision to not judge adopters. They can be the richest people and the worst adopters or the poorest family to adopt that provide the best home. We want to do what's best, but at what cost to the dogs? Do we deny them a home because the family wasn't 'perfect' in our book? That seems extreme to me. 

I hope people don't come after me for this response. I truly want to be a part of the discussion and not a hindrance. 

Amy

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Amy Farner
Project Manager
Four Paws and Friends
AZ
------------------------------

Hi Amy, We are a no-kill controlled intake humane society so while we do have the option to be picky about adopters, this can also create the problem of a dog or cat being at the shelter for months or years. It really seems that this year, adoptions in general have been down. We have been having a hard time even getting interest in the puppies in kittens let alone the poor adult animals. Many of our negative reviews and the complaints that get sent to management are about people who don't own their own homes. Even if they have their lease in their hand, and we can point directly to the line that says that they are not allowed to have a pet without written landlord permission, they still get so angry. They tell us their landlord doesn't care, or their neighbor in the next apartment has a dog that over the weight limit. Or people will say that they don't have a lease, it's just a verbal agreement. Right now, we require written permission from the landlord or homeowner if it does not say in their lease/pet policy that they are allowed to have pets. We require that this permission include weight limit and breed restrictions. We then put this in the adopter's file so we have it. Even with this requirement, we have had many people fake the permission and we then get a call from the homeowner telling us we need to take our dog back because they don't allow pets. It really is a tricky slope to be on. 

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Erin Robinson
Foster Coordinator
Licking County Humane Society
OH
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 02-21-2024 06:21 AM
From: Amy Farner
Subject: Adoption/Foster Requirements

Hello Erin, 

This is a great question and discussion. Based on my 7+ years in the rescue community, I think it depends on the situation. Are you in a situation where you can be very picky about your adopters? I volunteer at a municipal shelter that is just trying to keep kennels open for new intakes every day. It's the 4th largest shelter in the country. They don't do home visits because it is just not possible with staffing. There are lots of positive adoption stories and some returns where we gather information about the dog's time in the home and then of course the ones that are found on the street after adoption, which is rare. It's not a perfect system and never will be but are you in a position to tell the potential adopter they are just taking the dog as a foster, and then finalize the adoption after a few weeks. I say a few weeks because of the 'rules of 3'. 

From what I have experienced, there are great homes that have terrible landlords that don't communicate with their tenets. The tenets pay the rent and live without oversight from the landlord bc they just aren't present. The adopters know their situation. They know the rules. They are adults. Who are we to deny them a pet because we don't have written consent from the landlord. It sounds crazy typing it out, but people know their situation. Will there be returns? Of course...there always will be. But most adults can decide whether they are able to have the dog in their home. 

The more restrictions, the less adoptions. The best you can do to control the situation is ask the adult adopter if they are allowed to have the pet. Explain to them why it's important. I have made a conscious decision to not judge adopters. They can be the richest people and the worst adopters or the poorest family to adopt that provide the best home. We want to do what's best, but at what cost to the dogs? Do we deny them a home because the family wasn't 'perfect' in our book? That seems extreme to me. 

I hope people don't come after me for this response. I truly want to be a part of the discussion and not a hindrance. 

Amy

------------------------------
Amy Farner
Project Manager
Four Paws and Friends
AZ
------------------------------

Hi Amy, 

Thank you for your post.  I just stated that our organization does not check for landlord approval and how, at times, that really bothers me.  However, after reading your post, I appreciate all the points you made.  They are important and spot on.  Thank you for letting me see it through your eyes.  I have been in animal welfare for 14 years and when I started, we did check with landlords but with time stopped checking.  Thank you for reminding me as to why we ceased doing so.  We all have more dogs and cats then we do homes, and it is not fair to them for us to discriminate and decide who is worthy to adopt and who is not.   They are adults, some responsible and some not so much.   Returns will happen regardless.  Again, thank you, I truly appreciate your insight! 

Make it a Great day!!

------------------------------
lauri ann Sloneker
Foster Manager
spca cincinnati
Sharonville OH
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 02-21-2024 06:21 AM
From: Amy Farner
Subject: Adoption/Foster Requirements

Hello Erin, 

This is a great question and discussion. Based on my 7+ years in the rescue community, I think it depends on the situation. Are you in a situation where you can be very picky about your adopters? I volunteer at a municipal shelter that is just trying to keep kennels open for new intakes every day. It's the 4th largest shelter in the country. They don't do home visits because it is just not possible with staffing. There are lots of positive adoption stories and some returns where we gather information about the dog's time in the home and then of course the ones that are found on the street after adoption, which is rare. It's not a perfect system and never will be but are you in a position to tell the potential adopter they are just taking the dog as a foster, and then finalize the adoption after a few weeks. I say a few weeks because of the 'rules of 3'. 

From what I have experienced, there are great homes that have terrible landlords that don't communicate with their tenets. The tenets pay the rent and live without oversight from the landlord bc they just aren't present. The adopters know their situation. They know the rules. They are adults. Who are we to deny them a pet because we don't have written consent from the landlord. It sounds crazy typing it out, but people know their situation. Will there be returns? Of course...there always will be. But most adults can decide whether they are able to have the dog in their home. 

The more restrictions, the less adoptions. The best you can do to control the situation is ask the adult adopter if they are allowed to have the pet. Explain to them why it's important. I have made a conscious decision to not judge adopters. They can be the richest people and the worst adopters or the poorest family to adopt that provide the best home. We want to do what's best, but at what cost to the dogs? Do we deny them a home because the family wasn't 'perfect' in our book? That seems extreme to me. 

I hope people don't come after me for this response. I truly want to be a part of the discussion and not a hindrance. 

Amy

------------------------------
Amy Farner
Project Manager
Four Paws and Friends
AZ
------------------------------

We require it and it has served us well. There are often limits of size, number, cat vs dog, no pets etc. There are also deposits and fees as well. Some of our rental agencies require current vaccination proof. We have had people request to surrender animals due to landlord issues.(namely the client knowingly violating the lease terms.) Getting the approval (we call/ landlord calls) is not a big hassle for us.

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Rochelle Hamp
Executive Director
Headwaters Animal Shelter
MN
------------------------------

Hi Erin, 

I agree with Diane.  We are a small rescue and only have cats for adoption.  One of the hats I wear is adoption and foster coordinator, and personally I'm glad we require the landlord's approval.  Depending on the cat, it can be really rough on them to be bounced around.  In addition, occasionally our cats have been adopted to folks that live >2 hours from us.  The concern is that if there is an issue, the cat will get dumped rather than returned to us and we would never know.  When someone fills out our adoption papers, it asks for the name and phone number of the landlord, and I follow up with the call to the landlord to ensure they are on board.  Hope this helps.

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Gwen Harding-Peets
Board Member, trapper, S/N certificate coordinator, adoption coordinator
PANT
Dutchess County, NY
------------------------------

We got rid of this requirement over two years ago and have not seen any increase in returns over housing issues, and this is in the SF bay area where housing is very challenging. Returns are by and large due to behavioral issues. I think it makes a big difference treating adopters and fosters like the adults they are who can make responsible decisions about their lives. Approaching the clients we serve from a distrustful place only puts up barriers and makes it more likely that they won't trust us or reach out to us if they need help. I've seen that engendering trust and open communication with the client from the start actually reduces returns, as they are willing to reach out to us for help with behavioral challenges and we can help counsel them and keep the pet home.

Data is going to be your best friend on this issue. If you aren't already, make sure you're capturing the reason for returns in a reportable field on your database, that way you can compare before and after making the switch. It's always helpful to start things on a trial basis - switch to no landlord checks for a period of 6 months and then compare the data before moving on to a permanent switch. It makes it easier for people to buy-in if it is a trial.

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Rachel Nehemaih
Pets In Need
CA
------------------------------

Hi Erin!  My name is Kelly and I am the Adoptions Manager at a Humane Society.  About a year ago, we revamped our adoption policies to remove barriers, the main one being checking for pet policy.  It has done wonders for our adoption numbers, especially for dogs!  One of the big things a lot of our staff were worried about was animals being returned because of the pet policy.  Over the last year, out of hundreds of dog adoptions, we have only had a handful of returns because the adopter could not have them in their rental.  Literally.  I was actually shocked myself at how few were returned.  We did add a section to our Adoption Questionnaire stating we welcome adopters who rent/live in apartments, and advising them that many landlords and management companies do have certain restrictions about breed, weight, and/or number of pets.

Overall, it has been a tremendously positive change, and matched some fantastic people with animals they would have never seen if we took restrictions into account!

Best of luck!

------------------------------
Kelly O'Connor
Adoptions Manager
The Humane Society of Harford County
MD
------------------------------

Thanks Kelly! Our staff is so divided on this issue fearing that so many animals will get returned or dumped. And then we have the issue of, is it then ok not to press landlord permission if it is a house. But if it is an apartment complex or a school campus, does that then become a problem? 

------------------------------
Erin Robinson
Foster Coordinator
Licking County Humane Society
OH
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 03-06-2024 08:47 AM
From: Kelly O'Connor
Subject: Adoption/Foster Requirements

Hi Erin!  My name is Kelly and I am the Adoptions Manager at a Humane Society.  About a year ago, we revamped our adoption policies to remove barriers, the main one being checking for pet policy.  It has done wonders for our adoption numbers, especially for dogs!  One of the big things a lot of our staff were worried about was animals being returned because of the pet policy.  Over the last year, out of hundreds of dog adoptions, we have only had a handful of returns because the adopter could not have them in their rental.  Literally.  I was actually shocked myself at how few were returned.  We did add a section to our Adoption Questionnaire stating we welcome adopters who rent/live in apartments, and advising them that many landlords and management companies do have certain restrictions about breed, weight, and/or number of pets.

Overall, it has been a tremendously positive change, and matched some fantastic people with animals they would have never seen if we took restrictions into account!

Best of luck!

------------------------------
Kelly O'Connor
Adoptions Manager
The Humane Society of Harford County
MD
------------------------------

For us, the general policy is that we do not check.  However, if someone mentions that they live on campus, we do ask for the pet policy.   The age to adopt from us is 18, and we have had a couple of issues with younger people adopting and their parents not being on board.  So, if a very young person lists that they live with their parents, we do get parent permission before adopting to them.   Or if someone has had to surrender in the past for landlord issues, and they still rent, we definitely check the pet policy. Essentially, we reserve the right to check on a case by case basis. Overall, removing that barrier has been a tremendous help to our adoption program. Many of our more seasoned staff members were really concerned at the start, but with how few returns we've had, they are now excited about it.  

------------------------------
Kelly O'Connor
Adoptions Manager
The Humane Society of Harford County
MD
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 03-07-2024 05:52 AM
From: Erin Robinson
Subject: Adoption/Foster Requirements

Thanks Kelly! Our staff is so divided on this issue fearing that so many animals will get returned or dumped. And then we have the issue of, is it then ok not to press landlord permission if it is a house. But if it is an apartment complex or a school campus, does that then become a problem? 

------------------------------
Erin Robinson
Foster Coordinator
Licking County Humane Society
OH
------------------------------


Original Message:
Sent: 03-06-2024 08:47 AM
From: Kelly O'Connor
Subject: Adoption/Foster Requirements

Hi Erin!  My name is Kelly and I am the Adoptions Manager at a Humane Society.  About a year ago, we revamped our adoption policies to remove barriers, the main one being checking for pet policy.  It has done wonders for our adoption numbers, especially for dogs!  One of the big things a lot of our staff were worried about was animals being returned because of the pet policy.  Over the last year, out of hundreds of dog adoptions, we have only had a handful of returns because the adopter could not have them in their rental.  Literally.  I was actually shocked myself at how few were returned.  We did add a section to our Adoption Questionnaire stating we welcome adopters who rent/live in apartments, and advising them that many landlords and management companies do have certain restrictions about breed, weight, and/or number of pets.

Overall, it has been a tremendously positive change, and matched some fantastic people with animals they would have never seen if we took restrictions into account!

Best of luck!

------------------------------
Kelly O'Connor
Adoptions Manager
The Humane Society of Harford County
MD

Same experience with us. Studies show this method works!

Whe I was young I had pets where not allowed. I didn't dump them, and I moved later to where they were allowed. C\This is a common experience and organizations miss out on so many great unconventional adopters by being so restrictive. Yeah, a couple times a year somebody blows town and leaves a pet. It sucks but you get them back. How many moved on successfully WITH their pets that you didn't know about? The vast majority of people want to do right by their pet. Thank you for believing!

------------------------------
Lisa Kitchens
Pet Central Helps!
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 03-06-2024 08:47 AM
From: Kelly O'Connor
Subject: Adoption/Foster Requirements

Hi Erin!  My name is Kelly and I am the Adoptions Manager at a Humane Society.  About a year ago, we revamped our adoption policies to remove barriers, the main one being checking for pet policy.  It has done wonders for our adoption numbers, especially for dogs!  One of the big things a lot of our staff were worried about was animals being returned because of the pet policy.  Over the last year, out of hundreds of dog adoptions, we have only had a handful of returns because the adopter could not have them in their rental.  Literally.  I was actually shocked myself at how few were returned.  We did add a section to our Adoption Questionnaire stating we welcome adopters who rent/live in apartments, and advising them that many landlords and management companies do have certain restrictions about breed, weight, and/or number of pets.

Overall, it has been a tremendously positive change, and matched some fantastic people with animals they would have never seen if we took restrictions into account!

Best of luck!

------------------------------
Kelly O'Connor
Adoptions Manager
The Humane Society of Harford County
MD
------------------------------

Hi Erin!

Happy to chat about this if you need support. We removed our landlord barrier for fostering probably 4-5 years ago. We rarely have to move fosters due to landlord issues. Last year we removed our landlord requirement for adopting as well. We prefer a conversation in these instances.

For example on our adoption applications and foster sign ups we use the following language:

• "Are you familiar with your landlord policy?" (Yes, No, Not Applicable)
•  "If you rent, is your home subject to breed or weight restrictions?" (Yes, No, Not Applicable)
  • We then have the disclaimer: It is important that you review your lease agreement and/or speak with your landlord prior to adopting a pet. Many landlords have restrictions on whether you can own pets, how many pets you can own, and the type of pets allowed (including size and breed). Many landlords discriminate against pit bull-type dogs and many of our dogs fall into that very generic category. The last thing we want you to do is take home a pet and fall in love and then have to return the pet to us. That is heartbreaking for you and the pet who has bonded with you. We expect that you are taking ownership of verifying the pet policy for your rental situation prior to adoption.

Since starting the new policy for NOT calling landlords, putting the work on the adopters, and making it conversation based we have not had adoption returns due to landlord. 

We have been trying to be as barrier-free as possible for both adopting and fostering, and I am overjoyed with the results. I am so glad to see other organizations looking into this. Well done!!

------------------------------
Jenay Bennett
Assistant VP of Animal Ops |
Foster Director
Dallas Pets Alive!
------------------------------

Thanks Jenay! I appreciate you sharing the disclaimer that you use with us. 

------------------------------
Erin Robinson
Foster Coordinator
Licking County Humane Society
OH
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 03-07-2024 10:03 AM
From: Jenay Bennett (she/her)
Subject: Adoption/Foster Requirements

Hi Erin!

Happy to chat about this if you need support. We removed our landlord barrier for fostering probably 4-5 years ago. We rarely have to move fosters due to landlord issues. Last year we removed our landlord requirement for adopting as well. We prefer a conversation in these instances.

For example on our adoption applications and foster sign ups we use the following language:

• "Are you familiar with your landlord policy?" (Yes, No, Not Applicable)
•  "If you rent, is your home subject to breed or weight restrictions?" (Yes, No, Not Applicable)
  • We then have the disclaimer: It is important that you review your lease agreement and/or speak with your landlord prior to adopting a pet. Many landlords have restrictions on whether you can own pets, how many pets you can own, and the type of pets allowed (including size and breed). Many landlords discriminate against pit bull-type dogs and many of our dogs fall into that very generic category. The last thing we want you to do is take home a pet and fall in love and then have to return the pet to us. That is heartbreaking for you and the pet who has bonded with you. We expect that you are taking ownership of verifying the pet policy for your rental situation prior to adoption.

Since starting the new policy for NOT calling landlords, putting the work on the adopters, and making it conversation based we have not had adoption returns due to landlord. 

We have been trying to be as barrier-free as possible for both adopting and fostering, and I am overjoyed with the results. I am so glad to see other organizations looking into this. Well done!!

------------------------------
Jenay Bennett
Assistant VP of Animal Ops |
Foster Director
Dallas Pets Alive!
------------------------------

I suspect some of the reluctance to get official written approval is because of bad landlords and/or corporate landlords. Even if pets are allowed by the lease, some people aren't going to want to stick their neck out, put themselves on the radar, and give their landlord a reason to notice them. Especially if the landlord already doesn't like them for some reason that has nothing to do with their ability to care for a pet. Bad landlords can also simply refuse to provide written permission, or say they will and never get around to it, because they don't care and they aren't required to do it.

Another issue is so many buildings being owned by massive corporations. There may not be one specific "landlord" person they can go to and easily get a written permission slip. 

------------------------------
Maria Saucedo
GIS Analyst
Pets for Life at HSUS
Baltimore, MD
------------------------------

Hi all, 

My name is Janice and professionally, I am Realtor. My answer is specific to California.  One of the firms I previously worked for was the 3'rd largest property management in our region.  Here in CA the owner OR MANAGER can dictate pet policy. i.e. size, breed, number,  weight, type (cat/dog), amount of deposit, amount of monthly increased pet charge for animal. 

The original owner of the firm was adamant NO PIT OR PIT LOOKING dogs.  Not even as service animal.  Here in CA a service animal or emotional support are exempt from deposit and can't be blocked from renting based on animal restrictions. 

Most of the time I would see the unwritten policy for property managers just deny the applicant out right.   Right now a personal friend of mine is renting 3 blocks away. They would love to foster and have "approval" but the landlord will NOT make fence repairs.  They live on fairly busy street so a cat is out of question but they see what I do with fosters how I care for fosters and would love to do the same. But can't afford to do major fence repairs. It's gone on for 18 months so far. 

Another short story, a member of the congregation I belong to called me and asked about a attorney referral for their adult disabled daughter who is living in a condo the parents own. The HOA complex  was very upscale an ran with lots of people on there hands. The HOA was trying get the daughter to give up her service animal that is Bull Terrier.  I was able to have attorney write a letter to the HOA that this was a service dog and if they persisted they (the parents) would have no problem filing a discrimination suit. 

I have heard of, but don't know where to find it, but group that will pay the pet deposit.  

On another side note. I belong to  a group of Real Estate professionals that that try to help market a local rescue. Called THE REAL ESATE PET RESCUE PROJECT.  It's not a huge group but if you want to be connected to RE professional to help market your rescue, please let me know. 

------------------------------
Janice Wheeler
Foster
TSGSR
CA
------------------------------

Second post from me on this discussion .We have the landlord approval in place. A couple of times of year we get called  from landlords whose tenants have blown town and left the pets  behind. The tenants did not have approval for the pets.... We  just want to make sure pets that our leaving our shelter are allowed in the adoptor's home. we also have clients calling to surrender for the same reason. Landlord found out they got a pet in a "no pets" allowed rental...

------------------------------
Rochelle Hamp
Executive Director
Headwaters Animal Shelter
MN
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 03-09-2024 10:26 AM
From: Janice Wheeler
Subject: Adoption/Foster Requirements

Hi all, 

My name is Janice and professionally, I am Realtor. My answer is specific to California.  One of the firms I previously worked for was the 3'rd largest property management in our region.  Here in CA the owner OR MANAGER can dictate pet policy. i.e. size, breed, number,  weight, type (cat/dog), amount of deposit, amount of monthly increased pet charge for animal. 

The original owner of the firm was adamant NO PIT OR PIT LOOKING dogs.  Not even as service animal.  Here in CA a service animal or emotional support are exempt from deposit and can't be blocked from renting based on animal restrictions. 

Most of the time I would see the unwritten policy for property managers just deny the applicant out right.   Right now a personal friend of mine is renting 3 blocks away. They would love to foster and have "approval" but the landlord will NOT make fence repairs.  They live on fairly busy street so a cat is out of question but they see what I do with fosters how I care for fosters and would love to do the same. But can't afford to do major fence repairs. It's gone on for 18 months so far. 

Another short story, a member of the congregation I belong to called me and asked about a attorney referral for their adult disabled daughter who is living in a condo the parents own. The HOA complex  was very upscale an ran with lots of people on there hands. The HOA was trying get the daughter to give up her service animal that is Bull Terrier.  I was able to have attorney write a letter to the HOA that this was a service dog and if they persisted they (the parents) would have no problem filing a discrimination suit. 

I have heard of, but don't know where to find it, but group that will pay the pet deposit.  

On another side note. I belong to  a group of Real Estate professionals that that try to help market a local rescue. Called THE REAL ESATE PET RESCUE PROJECT.  It's not a huge group but if you want to be connected to RE professional to help market your rescue, please let me know. 

------------------------------
Janice Wheeler
Foster
TSGSR
CA
------------------------------

We also have numerous requests to re-home based on property restrictions. The situation varies from place to place and in our situation it makes sense to check in with landlords to be sure they allow pets before we send an animal out the door.

------------------------------
Eudora Watson
Trainer and Volunteer Coordinator
Potsdam Humane Society Shelter
New York
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 03-10-2024 09:44 AM
From: Rochelle Hamp
Subject: Adoption/Foster Requirements

Second post from me on this discussion .We have the landlord approval in place. A couple of times of year we get called  from landlords whose tenants have blown town and left the pets  behind. The tenants did not have approval for the pets.... We  just want to make sure pets that our leaving our shelter are allowed in the adoptor's home. we also have clients calling to surrender for the same reason. Landlord found out they got a pet in a "no pets" allowed rental...

------------------------------
Rochelle Hamp
Executive Director
Headwaters Animal Shelter
MN
------------------------------


Original Message:
Sent: 03-09-2024 10:26 AM
From: Janice Wheeler
Subject: Adoption/Foster Requirements

Hi all, 

My name is Janice and professionally, I am Realtor. My answer is specific to California.  One of the firms I previously worked for was the 3'rd largest property management in our region.  Here in CA the owner OR MANAGER can dictate pet policy. i.e. size, breed, number,  weight, type (cat/dog), amount of deposit, amount of monthly increased pet charge for animal. 

The original owner of the firm was adamant NO PIT OR PIT LOOKING dogs.  Not even as service animal.  Here in CA a service animal or emotional support are exempt from deposit and can't be blocked from renting based on animal restrictions. 

Most of the time I would see the unwritten policy for property managers just deny the applicant out right.   Right now a personal friend of mine is renting 3 blocks away. They would love to foster and have "approval" but the landlord will NOT make fence repairs.  They live on fairly busy street so a cat is out of question but they see what I do with fosters how I care for fosters and would love to do the same. But can't afford to do major fence repairs. It's gone on for 18 months so far. 

Another short story, a member of the congregation I belong to called me and asked about a attorney referral for their adult disabled daughter who is living in a condo the parents own. The HOA complex  was very upscale an ran with lots of people on there hands. The HOA was trying get the daughter to give up her service animal that is Bull Terrier.  I was able to have attorney write a letter to the HOA that this was a service dog and if they persisted they (the parents) would have no problem filing a discrimination suit. 

I have heard of, but don't know where to find it, but group that will pay the pet deposit.  

On another side note. I belong to  a group of Real Estate professionals that that try to help market a local rescue. Called THE REAL ESATE PET RESCUE PROJECT.  It's not a huge group but if you want to be connected to RE professional to help market your rescue, please let me know. 

------------------------------
Janice Wheeler
Foster
TSGSR
CA

This is so sad. Pets-friendly housing is a huge factor in pet retention. I heard that California has a bill (AB2216) that if passed might be helpful to renters with pets.  I hope it does. It is super kind of you to help local rescue. 

https://www.cbsnews.com/sacramento/news/california-bill-to-require-landlords-to-allow-pets/

https://www.politico.com/news/2024/03/08/california-haney-landlords-pets-00145867

------------------------------
Julielani Chang
The Life of Kai: Compassion Connections Inc.
Davis CA
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 03-09-2024 10:26 AM
From: Janice Wheeler
Subject: Adoption/Foster Requirements

Hi all, 

My name is Janice and professionally, I am Realtor. My answer is specific to California.  One of the firms I previously worked for was the 3'rd largest property management in our region.  Here in CA the owner OR MANAGER can dictate pet policy. i.e. size, breed, number,  weight, type (cat/dog), amount of deposit, amount of monthly increased pet charge for animal. 

The original owner of the firm was adamant NO PIT OR PIT LOOKING dogs.  Not even as service animal.  Here in CA a service animal or emotional support are exempt from deposit and can't be blocked from renting based on animal restrictions. 

Most of the time I would see the unwritten policy for property managers just deny the applicant out right.   Right now a personal friend of mine is renting 3 blocks away. They would love to foster and have "approval" but the landlord will NOT make fence repairs.  They live on fairly busy street so a cat is out of question but they see what I do with fosters how I care for fosters and would love to do the same. But can't afford to do major fence repairs. It's gone on for 18 months so far. 

Another short story, a member of the congregation I belong to called me and asked about a attorney referral for their adult disabled daughter who is living in a condo the parents own. The HOA complex  was very upscale an ran with lots of people on there hands. The HOA was trying get the daughter to give up her service animal that is Bull Terrier.  I was able to have attorney write a letter to the HOA that this was a service dog and if they persisted they (the parents) would have no problem filing a discrimination suit. 

I have heard of, but don't know where to find it, but group that will pay the pet deposit.  

On another side note. I belong to  a group of Real Estate professionals that that try to help market a local rescue. Called THE REAL ESATE PET RESCUE PROJECT.  It's not a huge group but if you want to be connected to RE professional to help market your rescue, please let me know. 

------------------------------
Janice Wheeler
Foster
TSGSR
CA
------------------------------

We require permission, but there have been times that I can't reach a landlord and am desperate to have a foster. The animals were not returned due to the landlord finding out.

------------------------------
Robin Barker
Fuzz Ball Animal Rescue
------------------------------

We got rid of the landlord calls over two years ago and have not seen even a slight increase in returns. And this is in an area where about 40% of people rent.

------------------------------
Rachel Nehemaih
Pets In Need
CA
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 01-08-2025 07:25 AM
From: Robin Barker
Subject: Adoption/Foster Requirements

We require permission, but there have been times that I can't reach a landlord and am desperate to have a foster. The animals were not returned due to the landlord finding out.

------------------------------
Robin Barker
Fuzz Ball Animal Rescue
------------------------------