I am in support of VA HB 1415. Across the country, there is a dearth of pet-inclusive housing, particularly for pet owners that rent. It is estimated that less than 10% of housing is truly pet-inclusive in the US, that is without type, breed, or size restrictions. And for over 30 years, housing has been implicated as the primary human-related reason why owners relinquish their pets to animal shelters. A traumatic experience for both the owner and the pet. This bill will address the lack of pet-inclusive housing in Virginia, including removing restrictions based on breed, and go a long way in helping keep people and their pets together.

The Virginia Federation of Humane Societies (VFHS) is the oldest and largest membership organization representing animal welfare organizations and professionals in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Our more than 250 members include municipal animal shelters, private shelters, animal control officers, law enforcement, rescue organizations, animal welfare professionals, and compassionate individuals across the state. VFHS recognizes that the lack of affordable and accessible pet-friendly housing is one of the leading causes of pet surrender across the Commonwealth. Our members, from urban communities in Northern Virginia to rural localities in Southwest Virginia, consistently report the same challenge: families with pets are struggling to find housing that allows them to keep their whole family together. With nearly two-thirds of Virginia households having at least one pet, it’s time for Virginia to take this important step to protect families with pets. HB 1415 takes a comprehensive approach to a widespread problem, addressing housing access, insurance barriers, and transparency for renters with pets. Restrictive pet policies not only force families to make the heartbreaking choice to surrender beloved pets, but they also strain local animal shelters, which must absorb an avoidable influx of animals. This places additional pressure on shelter resources, increases costs, and limits the capacity to serve pets in true emergencies. By promoting fairness, transparency, and equity, these measures help renters make informed decisions, keep families together, and reduce preventable shelter intakes that impact communities across the Commonwealth. VFHS strongly supports HB 1415 and urges the Subcommittee to advance this legislation. By taking this step, Virginia can help families maintain housing stability while keeping pets safe and at home.

Coalition of animal welfare organizations statement in support of HB 1415.

Since its inception in 1946, the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria (AWLA) has been a leading voice for animal welfare. As the field has evolved, the human–animal bond has become central to our work. Recognizing that pets are considered family members by most guardians, AWLA strongly supports legislation that expands housing options for families with pets so they can remain together. HB145 addresses this need by protecting families from excessive fees and prohibitive breed restrictions that too often lead to unnecessary separation, and AWLA strongly supports this bill. Renters with pets face significant barriers to securing housing. Many landlords prohibit pets entirely, while those who allow them often impose high, non-refundable deposits and monthly pet rent that can add hundreds of dollars to housing costs. Pet-friendly rentals frequently maintain restrictive policies related to breed, size, or number of pets. Nationwide, only 8% of rental properties have no pet restrictions, and the percentage in Alexandria is even lower. Breed-based policies are especially problematic, as visual breed identification is unreliable, many dogs are mixed breeds, and decisions are often arbitrary with no clear appeals process. In Alexandria, these barriers exist within an already strained housing landscape. In 2024, 54% of residents lived in rental housing, and 44% were considered housing-cost burdened. With approximately two-thirds of U.S. households including pets, these challenges affect a substantial portion of Alexandria families. An estimated 61,000 dogs and cats live in the city, meaning nearly 33,000 pets reside in rental households. For families facing housing instability, the risk is not only losing their home but also being forced to relinquish a beloved animal. Housing challenges are the leading reason community members seek assistance from AWLA. In 2024, AWLA took in over 200 pets due to housing-related crises, accounting for roughly 25% of all pets surrendered or temporarily boarded through our Crisis Care program. In 2025, that figure rose to nearly 30% of total intakes, underscoring the growing impact of housing barriers on families and animals. Excessive pet fees and restrictive policies disproportionately harm low-income households. According to United Way’s 2024 ALICE report, 39% of Alexandrians live below the ALICE threshold, nearly all in rental housing. These barriers undermine housing stability and, in some cases, compel individuals to choose between housing and their companion animals. HB145 would provide meaningful support to vulnerable community members, help keep families together, and reduce the number of pets entering shelters due solely to a lack of pet-inclusive housing.