The PUPP Act: Keeping Families and Pets Together
Hundreds of thousands of Americans experience homelessness every year. For many, their greatest source of comfort and unconditional love is their pet. Sadly, too many unhoused individuals face a heartbreaking choice: seek shelter and give up their beloved companion—or remain on the streets together.
The Providing for Unhoused People and Pets (PUPP) Act aims to change that.
What Is the PUPP Act?
On August 8, 2025, Representatives Jason Crow (D-CO-06), Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA-01), Brittany Pettersen (D-CO-07), and Mike Lawler (R-NY-17) reintroduced the bipartisan PUPP Act of 2025 (H.R. 4921). If passed, this legislation would create a federal grant program for shelters and transitional housing facilities so they can accommodate both people and their pets.
“Pets are a much-needed source of comfort and companionship—they’re part of the family. No one should have to choose between their pet and a roof over their head," said Congressman Crow.
By supporting pet-friendly housing policies, the PUPP Act recognizes the importance of the human-animal bond and addresses one of the biggest barriers to shelter access for pet owners experiencing homelessness.
Why It Matters
More than 70% of U.S. households include pets, and studies consistently show that animal companionship improves both physical and mental health. For unhoused individuals, pets can be especially life-changing—providing safety, stability, purpose, and unconditional love.
Unfortunately, most shelters still lack the resources or infrastructure to accept pets. This leaves many families facing an impossible choice, while others forgo vital shelter entirely.
If enacted, the PUPP Act would:
Fund pet-friendly housing and shelter programs
Support access to veterinary care, including spay/neuter, vaccinations, and basic medical services
Help ensure that families experiencing homelessness can stay together with their pets
Ohio Animal Advocates is proud to join the ASPCA and over 150 organizations nationwide in supporting this bill.
Take Action
You can help make the PUPP Act a reality. Here’s how:
Contact your U.S. Representative and urge them to cosponsor the PUPP Act (H.R. 4921). Use this easy action alert from Ohio Animal Advocates to send your message today.
Spread the word by sharing this alert on your social media. Encourage friends, family, and coworkers to join you in advocating for people and their pets.
Stay informed—sign up for updates from Ohio Animal Advocates to learn how you can continue supporting humane, pet-friendly policies.
No one should ever have to choose between shelter and a beloved pet. With your support, the PUPP Act can help keep families together and give unhoused individuals access to the care and stability they need.
