Greater Boston’s Housing Crisis Is Leaving Pets Homeless, Area Shelters Report
Massachusetts’ housing crisis is leaving more than people in a precarious state. Animal shelters across Greater Boston say that people’s precious pooches and felines also suffer. The Animal Rescue League…
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Massachusetts' housing crisis is leaving more than people in a precarious state. Animal shelters across Greater Boston say that people's precious pooches and felines also suffer.
The Animal Rescue League of Boston (ARL Boston) and the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (MSPCA) have reported an increasing number of pets losing access to homes due to the high cost of housing and a lack of affordable housing options.
MassLive reported that in 2023, ARL Boston took in nearly 340 pets due to housing-related reasons. On Monday, March 3, the organization said it has doubled that number to more than 700.
ARL Boston has also reported incidents recently where pet owners in crisis left their animals outside shelters or veterinary offices out of despair. The organization says that pet surrenders are happening at a higher frequency for three reasons:
- Property managers or owners have added no-pet or restrictive pet policies to their leases with little or no notice to tenants.
- Renters may be forced to move to a less expensive apartment or townhome that doesn't allow pets.
- People may suddenly experience a loss in their homes that causes them to become homeless.
Coupled with these factors, the challenge of finding pet-friendly accommodations in the state also burdens pet owners. Less than 40% of rental units in the state permit some type of pet, and only 7% have no breed or weight restrictions, according to research by the MSPCA.
“Finding housing is already a challenge, and having a pet — particularly a dog — makes finding housing that much more difficult,” MSPCA Advocacy Director Kara Holmquist said in a statement emailed on Monday, March 3, to MassLive.
Just as home prices have been climbing, so too have been the costs of pet ownership. In 2024, it costs $1,400 to own a dog and $1,200 for a cat, compared to $875 in 2010 and $670 for a dog and cat, respectively.
Two bills currently in the Massachusetts Legislature aim to address the pet housing crisis by protecting pets during housing emergencies and reestablishing and expanding pet ownership programs in state-aided housing.
