Legis Daily

Pets Belong with Families Act

USA119th CongressHR-8378| House 
| Updated: 4/20/2026
Michael Lawler

Michael Lawler

Republican Representative

New York

Cosponsors (7)
Dina Titus (Democratic)Sharice Davids (Democratic)Brian K. Fitzpatrick (Republican)Jason Crow (Democratic)Rashida Tlaib (Democratic)Lauren Underwood (Democratic)Nicole Malliotakis (Republican)

Financial Services Committee

  • Introduced
  • In Committee
  • On Floor
  • Passed Chamber
  • Enacted
This legislation, known as the "Pets Belong with Families Act," aims to standardize and liberalize pet ownership policies within public housing by significantly amending the United States Housing Act of 1937. A key provision prohibits public housing agencies from imposing restrictions on pets based solely on their breed, size, or weight , ensuring greater flexibility for residents. The bill outlines specific reasonable requirements that agencies may implement, such as pet deposits. These deposits are strictly limited to 10 percent of the tenant's monthly base rent , must be amortized over at least three months, and any unused portion must be reimbursed within 30 days; they also cannot be withheld for non-pet damage or ordinary wear and tear. Additionally, permissible rules include limiting the number of animals per dwelling unit based on size, and prohibiting species or individual animals already banned by state or local law or declared a threat by a court, all to ensure consistent and fair pet regulations for public housing residents and support families keeping their pets.
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Timeline

Bill from Previous Congress

HR 117-5828
Pets Belong With Families Act

Bill from Previous Congress

HR 118-3989
Pets Belong With Families Act
Apr 20, 2026
Introduced in House
Apr 20, 2026
Referred to the House Committee on Financial Services.
Apr 21, 2026

Latest Companion Bill Action

S 119-4361
Introduced in Senate
  • Bill from Previous Congress

    HR 117-5828
    Pets Belong With Families Act


  • Bill from Previous Congress

    HR 118-3989
    Pets Belong With Families Act


  • April 20, 2026
    Introduced in House


  • April 20, 2026
    Referred to the House Committee on Financial Services.


  • April 21, 2026

    Latest Companion Bill Action

    S 119-4361
    Introduced in Senate

Housing and Community Development

Related Bills

  • S 119-4361: Pets Belong with Families Act

Pets Belong with Families Act

USA119th CongressHR-8378| House 
| Updated: 4/20/2026
This legislation, known as the "Pets Belong with Families Act," aims to standardize and liberalize pet ownership policies within public housing by significantly amending the United States Housing Act of 1937. A key provision prohibits public housing agencies from imposing restrictions on pets based solely on their breed, size, or weight , ensuring greater flexibility for residents. The bill outlines specific reasonable requirements that agencies may implement, such as pet deposits. These deposits are strictly limited to 10 percent of the tenant's monthly base rent , must be amortized over at least three months, and any unused portion must be reimbursed within 30 days; they also cannot be withheld for non-pet damage or ordinary wear and tear. Additionally, permissible rules include limiting the number of animals per dwelling unit based on size, and prohibiting species or individual animals already banned by state or local law or declared a threat by a court, all to ensure consistent and fair pet regulations for public housing residents and support families keeping their pets.
View Full Text

Suggested Questions

Get AI-generated questions to help you understand this bill better

Timeline

Bill from Previous Congress

HR 117-5828
Pets Belong With Families Act

Bill from Previous Congress

HR 118-3989
Pets Belong With Families Act
Apr 20, 2026
Introduced in House
Apr 20, 2026
Referred to the House Committee on Financial Services.
Apr 21, 2026

Latest Companion Bill Action

S 119-4361
Introduced in Senate
  • Bill from Previous Congress

    HR 117-5828
    Pets Belong With Families Act


  • Bill from Previous Congress

    HR 118-3989
    Pets Belong With Families Act


  • April 20, 2026
    Introduced in House


  • April 20, 2026
    Referred to the House Committee on Financial Services.


  • April 21, 2026

    Latest Companion Bill Action

    S 119-4361
    Introduced in Senate
Michael Lawler

Michael Lawler

Republican Representative

New York

Cosponsors (7)
Dina Titus (Democratic)Sharice Davids (Democratic)Brian K. Fitzpatrick (Republican)Jason Crow (Democratic)Rashida Tlaib (Democratic)Lauren Underwood (Democratic)Nicole Malliotakis (Republican)

Financial Services Committee

Housing and Community Development

Related Bills

  • S 119-4361: Pets Belong with Families Act
  • Introduced
  • In Committee
  • On Floor
  • Passed Chamber
  • Enacted