Pet-Inclusive Housing Discussion & Happy Hour
May 29 @ 5:30 pm - 7:00 pm
Many animal shelters, including the AWLA, are seeing increases in the number of animals surrendered due to housing-related issues. Nationally, around 14% of owners who surrender their pets to animal shelters cite underlying housing insecurity. In Alexandria, in 2024, nearly 21% of people surrendering their animals cited housing as the reason they could not keep their animal. That is up from 14% in 2021.
Why is this happening? Namely, because there is a huge lack of pet-inclusive affordable housing not only in Alexandria, but across the U.S.
What is pet-inclusive housing? This is rental housing that welcomes all cats and dogs as companions, regardless of their breed, weight or size. Pet-inclusive housing does not have exorbitant financial barriers, including non-refundable fees or high monthly pet rent. Campaigns like “Opportunity Starts at Home” has found that realistically only 9% of all rental housing can be considered pet-inclusive based on the standards shared above.
Why is pet-inclusive housing so important? For people, the health and social benefits of animal guardianship have long been established. The companionship of an animal can decrease the risk of depression, anxiety and other ailments and improve a person’s physical, mental and emotional health.
If you want to learn more about and work to change housing-related pet policies in our community, you’re invited to join the AWLA, other community members and local leaders at our Pet-Inclusive Housing Discussion and Happy Hour on Thursday, May 29 from 5:30-7 p.m. at Royal Restaurant, 730 N. St. Asaph St., Alexandria.
The event is free to attend. Registration is required, so we can account for food and drink. Click here to RSVP.