Keeping People and Pets Together: OAA Visits Found House’s Pet Support Program in Cincinnati
On April 22, 2026, My Dog Is My Home (MDIMH) hosted an Open House at Found House Interfaith Housing Network in Cincinnati, bringing together advocates and professionals from across the tri-state area and beyond.
Ohio Animal Advocates (OAA) was proud to attend and witness firsthand the incredible work Found House is doing to support individuals experiencing housing instability without separating them from their pets.
Attendees traveled from across Ohio and as far as Indianapolis, Louisville, and Lexington to learn how they could replicate this model in their own communities, highlighting a growing recognition that pet-inclusive housing is essential, not optional.
Why Pet-Inclusive Housing Matters
For many individuals experiencing homelessness, pets are more than companions—they are family, emotional support, and a source of stability. Yet barriers persist.
In 2019, nearly 48% of unhoused individuals with pets reported being turned away from shelters due to pet policies.
Programs like Found House’s Pet Support Program are changing that reality. By offering temporary safe havens and resources for both people and their pets, Found House ensures that individuals can access shelter — and ultimately stable housing — without being forced to make an impossible choice.
A Model That Works
Found House’s approach demonstrates what’s possible when housing services evolve to meet real community needs:
Temporary housing that accommodates pets
Support services for both people and animals
A pathway toward long-term stability
It’s a compassionate, practical solution and one that communities across the country are eager to replicate.
Advancing Solutions Through Policy: The PUPP Act
OAA continues to partner with MDIMH to advocate for federal solutions that expand access to pet-inclusive housing. One key piece of legislation is the Providing for Unhoused People and Pets (PUPP) Act of 2025 (H.R. 4921). This bipartisan bill would:
Authorize USDA and HUD grants for shelters and housing providers
Fund pet-friendly infrastructure such as kennels and secure outdoor spaces
Support veterinary care, supplies, and behavioral services
At its core, the PUPP Act addresses a critical barrier: People should not have to choose between safe housing and their pets.
Why This Matters
Keeping people and pets together leads to better outcomes for both.
Individuals are more likely to seek and accept shelter
Pets remain safe, cared for, and out of shelters
Communities benefit from more effective, humane housing solutions
This is not just an animal welfare issue. It’s a public health, housing, and human services issue.
Take Action
OAA encourages supporters to help advance pet-inclusive housing solutions:
1. Learn more about the PUPP Act on our Housing or Financial Insecurity advocacy page
2. Submit an Action Alert to Support Unhoused People and Pets
3. Find housing with pet support programs and safe havens in Ohio on our Statewide Directory
4. Sign up for the Ohio Animal Advocates newsletter to stay informed about animal welfare updates across Ohio.
