Thanks to a recent advocacy update from the Coalition on Homelessness and Housing in Ohio (COHHIO), we are pleased to report that Congress recently passed the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act. This is the most comprehensive federal housing legislation in more than two decades. The bipartisan law aims to expand affordable housing, improve access to housing assistance, and increase housing supply.

A new report from the National Low Income Housing Coalition and the Coalition on Homelessness and Housing in Ohio highlights a growing challenge for Ohio renters: wages are no longer keeping pace with the rising cost of housing. According to the 2026 Ohio Out of Reach report, a full-time worker in Ohio must earn at least $23.82 per hour to afford a modest two-bedroom apartment.

For many people entering inpatient treatment for substance use disorder, one heartbreaking question can become a barrier to getting help: Who will take care of my dog? That's where Dogs Matter comes in. The fear of surrendering or abandoning that companion can cause people to delay—or avoid—life-saving treatment altogether.

A recent policy shift from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has created confusion and concern for many people who rely on emotional support animals (ESAs) as part of their disability accommodations.

While HUD has announced changes to how it handles certain ESA-related complaints under the federal Fair Housing Act, it is important to understand that state and local protections for people with disabilities and emotional support animals may still remain fully intact.

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.

When someone is facing eviction, domestic violence, hospitalization, or another crisis, one of the hardest fears is:

“What will happen to my pets?”

For many people, pets are not just animals — they are family. They are emotional anchors during already traumatic times. That’s why it’s so important to understand the difference between temporary safe housing and surrender for adoption before signing any paperwork.

In an important advocacy win, with meaningful implications for people and animals across Ohio, Congress has passed a government funding bill that includes significant new investments in housing and homelessness programs. This reverses earlier proposals that would have cut critical support. This bipartisan legislation ends the brief government shutdown and provides $77.3 billion in funding for the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) in Fiscal Year 2026, including protections for the Continuum of Care (CoC) program — the backbone of homeless services nationwide.

Nevada has taken a major step forward for pet-inclusive housing. On May 31, 2025, Governor Joe Lombardo signed Senate Bill 166 (SB 166) into law—expanding protections for renters and families with pets across the state.

When someone experiences domestic violence, the safety of their pets is often at risk too. Abusers may harm or threaten animals as a way to maintain control. Recognizing this, many states have adopted animal-inclusive protection order statutes, allowing survivors to include their pets in protective orders.

The Ohio Department of Agriculture (ODA) has continuously failed to control the abusive puppy mill industry in Ohio and to hold the abusers accountable. Commercial dog breeders disregard the health of their dogs to keep costs low and maximize their profits. According to Humane World for Animals, most puppies sold in pet stores and through online retailers are born in puppy mills. Additionally, the 2025 Horrible Hundred report ranks Ohio as the second worst state in the nation regarding the care of dogs in puppy mills, with 16 of the nation's worst puppy mills located in our state.

The Office for Victims of Crime (OVC) is now accepting applications for the FY 2025 Emergency and Transitional Pet Shelter and Housing Assistance for Victims of Domestic Violence Program. This competitive grant offers up to $500,000 per award to help create or expand pet-friendly housing for survivors of domestic violence.

When survivors of domestic violence or individuals experiencing homelessness are forced to flee unsafe or unstable conditions, they often face a heartbreaking choice: seek safety, or stay with their beloved pets. For many, that bond is too strong to break — and unfortunately, many shelters aren't equipped to house animals alongside people. But that’s changing, thanks to lifesaving initiatives like RedRover’s Safe Housing program.