Washington, Stand Up for Pet-Friendly Housing

WA H.B. 2114—Removing Barriers to Pets in Housing

ASPCA Position: Support

Sponsor: Rep. Emily Alvarado

Update—March 5, 2024: Washington's 2024 legislative session ended before this bill could receive the votes it needed to become law. The fight isn't over! We will continue working to help families in the Evergreen State find and keep homes that welcome their beloved pets.

This pet-friendly housing bill would have increased housing stability for renters and removed barriers to pets by capping deposits and fees charged upfront by a landlord.

Why pet-friendly housing is important Pet owners face huge barriers when searching for a home. Renters, especially lower-income renters, are more likely to have to rehome their pets due to housing issues than for any other reason. When renters do find housing that allows pets, it often comes with costly upfront pet deposits and/or pet-related fees. When added to other upfront expenses, these additional costs have a devastating impact on people who are already struggling to find cost-appropriate housing.

Pets are considered part of the family by most, yet an increasing number of pet owners are being forced to surrender their animals due to restrictive and costly housing policies. It’s severing important bonds and flooding animal shelters and rescues with pets who could have remained with their families if these barriers didn’t exist. Washington House Bill 2114 would have been a huge step in eliminating barriers to keeping pets at home with the people who love them.

Thank you for each action you took to advance this bill. To continue advocating for animals and pet owners, join the ASPCA's Mobile Action Team. You'll receive breaking news and alerts when there are actions you can take to help animals in your community and beyond.

Advocacy Alert

Your Message

Subject Please Vote YES on H.B. 2114, Housing Stability for Tenants

Dear Senator,

As your constituent, I am asking you to please support H.B. 2114 to create greater housing stability for all renters, while encouraging more equitable access to renters with pets. This bill passed in the House on February 13.

The high cost of housing in Washington affects families in a variety of adverse ways, including putting families in a position where they are forced to choose between keeping their pet or keeping a roof over their head. As housing instability has increased, the upfront costs that landlords assess to allow a pet is regularly cited as a reason why people relinquish their pet to animal shelters.

Pet-friendly housing options are essential to keeping pets and people together. Pet deposits and pet-related fees are adding up to put housing out of reach for most pet owners. House Bill 2114 would create greater housing stability for all renters, while addressing one of the most significant housing-related issues that cause people to make the heartbreaking decision to give up their pet.

Those who are willing and able to care for their pets should not be faced with the impossible decision of relinquishing their beloved animals due to a lack of housing options.

Once again, I ask that you please support H.B. 2114 to ensure that the excessive upfront costs imposed by landlords doesn’t force families to make a decision to give up a member of their family.

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Thank you for your time and consideration of my position.

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[Your Address]

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