#USA #Denver #HABRI #Pet Rent #Animal Connection

New Research on Pet Rental Deposit Assistance Programs

The Human Animal Bond Research Institute (HABRI) has taken a significant step forward in the fight for housing security among low-income pet owners. On November 17, 2025, HABRI announced a new grant awarded to the Institute for Human-Animal Connection at the University of Denver. This funding is earmarked for a research study assessing the effectiveness of pet rental deposit assistance programs. As pet ownership continues to rise, so does the necessity to understand how these assistance programs can help tenants retain their pets amidst housing challenges.

Why This Research Matters

The issue of pet relinquishment due to housing instability is an escalating crisis. According to Lauren Loney, a public policy consultant involved in the study, many tenants find themselves in the heart-wrenching dilemma of choosing between their beloved pets and maintaining a roof over their heads. The research aims to investigate how pet rental deposit programs can serve as an effective intervention to minimize pet relinquishment while boosting housing stability for these vulnerable tenants.

Loney emphasizes the importance of this study: "While various organizations have implemented pet deposit assistance programs, our research will be the first comprehensive analysis of their long-term impacts on both tenants and their pets. We'll also delve into evaluating the cost-effectiveness of these programs compared to traditional methods of relinquishment and rehoming animals."

Research Methodology

The research will utilize data derived from two surveys conducted one year apart among tenants who have benefited from pet deposit assistance. By comparing responses, researchers will garner insights into the actual impact and efficiency of the program across various jurisdictions, including areas where regulations on pet deposits differ. The primary objective is to establish how such assistance can enhance perceived housing security and prevent the relinquishment of pets due to financial constraints.

In addition to exploring the perceptions of housing stability, the research will juxtapose pet deposit assistance costs against care costs incurred by shelters and pet rescues. The aim is to uncover whether financial support for pet deposits could be a more economical alternative to rehoming and relinquishment practices that have significant emotional and financial repercussions for both pets and owners.

Regulatory Environment and Housing Security

A vital component of the study will also focus on the legislative framework surrounding pet deposits. Researchers will assess the relationship between state and local regulations related to general security deposits and pet deposits, measuring how these laws affect tenants' perceived security levels and the retention rates of pets. Steve Feldman, President of HABRI, recognizes the importance of this research when he states, "The challenge of finding pet-friendly rental housing significantly obstructs many pet owners. It is crucial that we gather data to advocate for policies that prioritize keeping pets in loving homes."

Conclusion

As this pioneering study progresses, it holds the promise of yielding essential data that could influence policies and practices surrounding pet rental deposits. The findings will serve not just as an academic resource but as a foundational blueprint aimed at reforming the housing landscape for pet owners. For many individuals, their pets are not just animals; they are family members, and ensuring that they can remain together in times of financial hardship is an imperative worth pursuing. HABRI's commitment to this cause reflects an understanding of the integral role pets play in our emotional well-being and underscores the need for a collaborative approach to housing security.