East Arapahoe News

WASHINGTON — On June 9, Representative Jason Crow (D-CO-06), Army veteran, along with Representatives Nancy Mace (R-SC-01), Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA-01), and Adam Schiff (D-CA-30) reintroduced the Providing for Unhoused People with Pets Act of 2023 (PUPP Act). This bipartisan legislation provides funding for shelters to retrofit their facilities to better accommodate pets, so unhoused individuals don’t have to make the impossible decision between having a roof over their head or staying with their beloved pet. 

“Pets are a much-needed source of comfort and companionship—they’re part of the family. No one should have to choose between their pet and a roof over their head," said Congressman Crow. "I’m glad to introduce the PUPP Act so shelters can better accommodate unhoused individuals with their pets. All Coloradans should have a safe, affordable place to call home.”

"As strong advocates for both our brave veterans and our furry companions, we wholeheartedly support the PUPP Act,” said Congresswoman Mace. “This critical legislation removes a significant barrier to emergency housing by recognizing the importance of keeping families and individuals together with their beloved pets. By authorizing grants for acquiring, renovating, and constructing pet-friendly housing, we ensure no one is forced to choose between their own well-being and the well-being of their four-legged friends. We can make a lasting impact on the lives of countless individuals, providing them with the safety and support they deserve, while keeping their cherished pets by their side."

“Pets belong with their owners, and all responsible owners deserve to keep their four-legged companions, regardless of housing status,” said Congressman Fitzpatrick. “This bipartisan pair of bills will ensure that unhoused individuals are able to have shelter with their pets, and remove breed-restrictions on public housing that often forces individuals to choose between their pets and stable housing. I’m proud to join my colleagues on the PUPP Act and the Pets Belong With Families Act to stand up for animals and their owners.”

“No one should have to make a difficult decision between keeping their beloved pet or having a roof over their head. The PUPP Act will help people experiencing homelessness who are moving into housing keep their pets with them by providing resources and support for shelters and housing services to accommodate their needs. Pets provide their owners with companionship and love, and this bill ensures those bonds can remain intact for people experiencing housing insecurity,” said Congressman Schiff. 

“Pets are vital sources of love and comfort to their owners—especially during stressful times—and neither that bond nor the safety of those animals should ever be threatened by discriminatory breed restrictions in public housing or a lack of pet-friendly homeless shelters. The PUPP Act and Pets Belong with Families Act will ensure no one will have to choose between keeping their pets and securing affordable, stable housing for themselves,” said Matt Bershadker, ASPCA President and CEO. “The ASPCA is proud to support these critical pieces of legislation that protect the powerful and mutually beneficial connections between people and their beloved pets.” 

"Through My Dog Is My Home's work with homeless services organizations across the US, we know providers recognize the importance of preserving the human-animal bond for people experiencing homelessness, particularly homeless veterans. People need their animals the most when they are in crisis. With the introduction of the Providing for Unhoused People with Pets Act, legislators, advocates, and service providers together are now carving a path forward so communities can transform their systems to keep people and animals together in shelter and housing," said Christine Kim, Founder and Board Member of My Dog Is My Home. "My Dog Is My Home thanks Representatives Crow, Schiff, Fitzpatrick, and Mace for their leadership in ensuring homeless veterans no longer have to choose a bed or their best friend."

This legislation is endorsed by the following organizations: American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, The Humane Society of the United States, Humane Society Legislative Fund, My Dog Is My Home, Animal Welfare Institute, The National Alliance to End Homelessness, Colorado Coalition for the Homeless, The Street Dog Coalition, Humane Rescue Alliance, RedRover, Design Resources for Homelessness, Animal Legal Defense Fund, Portland Animal Welfare Team, Best Friends Animal Society, Feeding Pets of the Homeless, Pals N Pets, HEART LA, Michelson Center for Public Policy, Annie and Millie’s Place, Project Street Vet, and GRACE Marketplace. 

This week, Congressman Crow also joined Reps. Schiff and Fitzpatrick to introduce the Pets Belong with Families Act, which prohibits broad and sweeping restrictions on dogs based on breed or size in public housing. 

Read the full text of the legislation here.

Original source can be found here