Massachusetts: Ensure that dogs and their families can stay together

For many Massachusetts families with companion animals, housing can be hard to find and retain — particularly for larger-size dogs or those of certain breeds. Lack of access to animal-friendly housing can lead to housing insecurity for vulnerable families or the surrender of a beloved companion animal to a shelter or rescue group.

An Act to Maintain Stable Housing for Families with Pets in an Economic Crisis and Beyond (S.876/ H.1367) would help keep families housed together with their companion animals during and after the pandemic.

The bill would expand access to housing for families with companion animals by:

• Prohibiting certain housing providers from arbitrarily refusing tenants or residents based solely on a dog’s size, weight, or perceived breed;
• Preventing evictions based on the presence of a dog for one year after a state of emergency ends;
• Requiring hotels to allow companion animals during a state of emergency; and
• Preventing homeowners and renters insurance from cancelling, refusing to renew or charging a higher premium based solely on a dog’s perceived breed.

Please urge your state legislators to support S.876 and H.1367.