Animal Welfare Professionals

Hi, 

   Could you folks share some best practices that you have used regarding overcoming breed restrictions in housing developments within your community? Our community has VERY little housing for certain breeds and we are partnering with another organization to create an action plan to address this. I am interested in knowing what has been successful for your group.

Sometimes DNA testing can "cure" that stigma since most "pitbulls" are not actually pitbulls.  Most are a heinz 57 mix of four other dog breeds that arent restricted breeds.  Maybe finding a DNA testing company that can offer free or low cost dna tests could help with that.  I know quite a few home owners who have breed restirctions on their home owners insurance policies have fixed that issue with DNA testing on their "pitbulls".

We've just submitted a DNA for one of our shelter dogs who is absolutely fabulous but gets overlooked because he has the 'pittie look'. Anxious to see what his DNA shows and if it makes a difference in his interest. The test costs around $80 and our Volunteer Fund paid for it, but if it makes a difference it's worth it and we have another lined up to test. We are actually going to hold a contest to 'guess the breed' so that hopefully it will bring even more interest to him. 

Let us know how that turns out!

Thanks Shannon, I'll add that to our list of possible solutions.

Hey Audrey!

One of your fellow Network partners is working on this in their community in Orlando (and doing quite well). I definitely suggest giving them a shout to discuss further - they love chatting about it! More information here: https://petallianceorlando.Org/community-involvement/registered-apartments/

Contact Information: Pet Alliance of Greater Orlando - Destiny Houghton at DHoughton@petallianceorlando.org.

HI! I have heard of people having better success by creating a "pet resume" to submit along with their housing application. It sounds like a great way to show case the dedicated relationship between a dog and it's guardian. This website shows an idea of what should/could be included http://www.badrap.org/renting-your-dog

I love the idea of a Pet Resume!

Yes! I made a pet resume for my ESA when looking for housing that gave a more personal touch to who my dog is, how long we've had her, pet references plus cute pictures. 

Hi Audrey,

We did some work in Washington DC that may help. First we found that they were violating federal law by not allowing the elderly or disabled to have pets (not talking about service animals) so we reached out to HUD and they issued a letter threatening defunding. Once we won that battle we got a city councilwoman who served on the housing committee to intervene. We shared all sorts of studies showing the benefits of pet ownership etc and she came to our aid and forced them to work with us to develop a pet policy. The housing authority continued to argue against it so the Councilmember started drafting legislation to require it. The battle is still going on but we believe we will ultimately win once the bill gets passed. I'd be happy to talk more and offer up what we did step by step if you think it will help?

Hey Scott, thanks for that info. In our community it's more about landlords of regular, not HUD, apartments. I'd definitely love to see the legislation you end up with though.

Hi We are BIG on education on BSL issues and other methods/approaches.  But this also means educating PEOPLE as well!  Especially on having "false" service dogs meeting federally,by standings outlined by ADA laws.

We have partnered with Happy Tails service dogs to have people informed as we work around Arizona and there is a self study book and DVD to help rural people as well. http://shop.happytailsservicedogs.com/?

We also work with Marc Sollee at Farmers Insurances a specialist in pet insurace https://agents.farmers.com/az/gilbert/marc-sollee and a realitor 

Audrey,

I see Emily referenced our Apartment Registry that we started in January.  We are working with complexes to eliminate breed and size restrictions.  We currently have 15 complexes registered and have managed to get two complexes to eliminate their breed and size restrictions.  You may want to check your community as some owners such as MAA are national companies and their  properties do not have restrictions.

Call me if you want to discuss - 407-248-1747.  It does take some time to develop but it is definitely worth the investment long term.