PRESS ESC TO CLOSE
 

Los Angeles Is Taking Steps to Get More Dogs Out of Shelters and Into Apartments

Share
|

For Los Angeles dog owners, it can be hard to find a home for both you and your pup, as many, many landlords have a “no pet” policy. Indeed, according to a recent survey of 300 Los Angeles landlords, 42 percent do not allow pets in their buildings, resulting in many animals ending up in shelters. But this may change soon.

Recently, the Los Angeles City Council unanimously voted to take on the cause of working with landlords to be more open to accepting pets into their buildings.

The motion was introduced by Councilmember Paul Koretz’s office and lays out two different recommendations.  One is educate tenants of their rights as a dog, or pet, owner. The other is to address concerns landlords have with allowing dogs into their buildings, with cost and the potential for destruction ranking high.

“Pets create damage,” Jim Clarke, the head of the Apartment Association of Greater Los Angeles, told KPCC. “Scratches on wooden floors, carpet that’s been soiled by pet urine.” He also says landlords are concerned that by allowing animals into their buildings, it will have a negative impact on other tenants’ quality of life. “People feeding pets outside can bring in other types of wildlife and vermin. There’s potential for pets to bite other tenants.

This initiative comes after the city of Los Angeles is striving to become a “no-kill” city, a goal that will need the cooperation of landlords. According to the American Humane Association, the no. 1 reason owners relinquish their pets to shelters is “moving,” with “landlord restrictions” ranked fourth. Currently, city shelters euthanize approximately 25 percent of animals they take in each year, according to KPCC.

Los Angeles plans on looking at other city’s programs to find successful ways to get more shelter animals in homes while respecting landlords’ concerns.

Image via Flickr

By Andrea Huspeni

Andrea Huspeni is the founder and CEO of This Dog's Life. Her mission it to help dogs live a happier, healthier and longer life. When she isn't working, she spends time with her two dogs, Lola and Milo. She resides in Brooklyn, NY.

All You Need

Shop now
Loading component ...
What My Dog, My Zen Master, Taught Me About Life After My Mom's Passing

What My Dog, My Zen Master, Taught Me About Life After My Mom's Passing

Some of the Most Popular Valentine’s Day Flowers are Toxic to Dogs. Do you Know Which Ones to Avoid?

Some of the Most Popular Valentine’s Day Flowers are Toxic to Dogs. Do you Know Which Ones to Avoid?

What’s Going on With Your Senior Dog: Is it Behavioral or Medical?

What’s Going on With Your Senior Dog: Is it Behavioral or Medical?

The 6 Winter Skin Miracles Your Dog Needs

The 6 Winter Skin Miracles Your Dog Needs