Because of fears of animals “running wild in the halls,” it is argued that pets must be kept out of public housing (“Don’t send CHA to the dogs,” Editorial, March 12). Supporters of pet ownership in public housing understand these fears and believe landlords are justified in being concerned about animals in their units. “No pets allowed” policies, however, consistently fail to keep animals out of rental complexes.
Welcoming responsible pet owners enables landlords to gain control of resident animals by establishing clear rules. The pet ownership provision allows housing owners and managers to set standards that are appropriate to their situations and requires compliance with state and local public health, animal control and anti-cruelty laws.
Senior citizens and disabled people living in specially designated federal housing have been allowed to keep pets since 1983, and the Department of Housing and Urban Development recently admitted that problems they foresaw never materialized. Massachusetts, in particular, has implemented a highly effective responsible pet owners program. Key components of that program include tenant-based “pet committees,” requiring spaying or neutering of dogs and cats, payment of a “pet deposit” and clear expectations for tenants and landlords.
Pet ownership encourages compassion and a sense of commitment beyond oneself. These qualities help to form and maintain stable families and neighborhoods. There is a great deal of evidence that keeping companion animals improves health and quality of life of
