AURORA | Aurora Democratic Rep. Jason Crow is leading a bipartisan group of lawmakers with new legislation aimed at ensuring families living in public housing can keep their pets, seeking to ease restrictions that often force residents to choose between housing and family dogs or cats.
Crow unveiled the “Pets Belong With Families Act,” which would limit public housing policies that ban dogs based on breed, size or weight. The measure would also cap pet-related deposits, addressing concerns that added costs can put housing out of reach for lower-income families.
“Pets are our family. No one should have to choose between their pet and a roof over their head,” Crow said in a statement. “Our bipartisan bill will prevent needless restrictions on animals in public housing so Coloradans and their pets can stay together, no matter where they call home.”
Crow previously led an effort to ensure homeless shelters offer ways to allow pets and owners to come in off the street, and to offer grants for shelters to make the accommodation.
The PUPP Act, introduced last year, would direct the Department of Agriculture to award grants for temporary and long-term homeless shelters to make changes allowing residents to keep their pets. The bill would set aside $5 million annually for grants, with the program lasting for four years. The measure still awaits a hearing in a House Agriculture committee.
The new legislation has support from both parties and chambers of Congress. Sen. Adam Schiff, D-Calif., introduced a companion bill in the Senate, while Rep. Mike Lawler, R-N.Y., joined Crow in sponsoring the House version.
“No family should have to choose between keeping their beloved pet or having a roof over their head,” Schiff said in a statement, adding that current restrictions can force difficult decisions for families seeking stable housing.
Lawler said the bill takes a “more practical approach” by removing blanket restrictions while maintaining accountability for pet owners. He added that the measure could help reduce overcrowding in animal shelters and make housing more accessible.
Animal welfare advocates and legal groups have voiced support for the proposal. Matt Bershadker, president and CEO of the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, said the legislation would help ensure that lower-income families are not separated from pets that provide “joy, comfort, and companionship.”
The bill is endorsed by a range of organizations, including the American Bar Association, Animal Legal Defense Fund, Animal Welfare Institute, Best Friends Animal Society and the National Housing Law Project.
The latest proposal comes as housing advocates continue to highlight barriers faced by renters with animals, particularly in federally assisted housing programs. Lawmakers backing the bill say easing those restrictions could improve housing stability while keeping families and their pets together.