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Action Alert

Massachusetts: Ensure that dogs and their families can stay together

This action is for Massachusetts residents only.

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.

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