Advocacy Center
In addition to supporting better protections for animals, we are also advocating for affordable, pet-friendly housing and vet care options for those who need them. Learn more about our policy priorities here.
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Our Policy Priorities
Pet-Friendly Housing
Finding a home shouldn’t mean giving up a beloved pet. Yet many renters face barriers like high pet fees, breed restrictions or limited availability of pet-friendly units. Combined, this can often lead to heartbreaking surrenders.
Unfortunately, these challenges are felt most acutely by lower income households. A recent study found that lower income communities and communities of color are more likely to pay disproportionately higher fees to keep pets in their homes. And a national study conducted by the ASPCA revealed that those who rent are more likely to need to rehome their pets for housing-related issues than for any other reason.
By promoting housing policies that welcome pets—and minimize additional costs to renters with pets—we help keep families together and reduce shelter intake.
Affordability in Pet Care
Caring for a pet is a lifelong commitment, but rising costs for veterinary care, food and insurance make it harder for families to provide essential care. When pet care becomes unaffordable, animals suffer and families are forced into impossible choices.
Research shows that at least one-third of pets in the U.S. do not see a veterinarian regularly, and one out of every four pet owners faces significant obstacles to obtaining veterinary care for their pets, such as finances, transportation or because they live in areas underserved by veterinarians.
By supporting policies that expand access to affordable veterinary services, we can help pets get the care they need and keep more pets with the people who love them.
Why It Matters
Both priorities—housing and vet care affordability—are about keeping pets with their people, avoiding unnecessary surrenders and strengthening the human-animal bond. When pets have secure homes and access to care, our entire community benefits. Seattle Humane is working with our partners and our elected officials to ensure policies that support these priorities.
2026 Wins in Washington and Legislative Session Recap
Seattle Humane remained deeply involved throughout the Washington state legislative session this year. We sincerely appreciate everyone who engaged with our new Action Alert tool to advocate for bills expanding access to pet care and safeguarding animal welfare. Although the session was brief and some initiatives didn’t advance, together we’ve set the stage for future progress.
One major victory this session was the passage of HB 2247, which increases telemedicine options and makes veterinary care more accessible for pet owners across Washington. The bill cleared both legislative chambers and was signed into law by Governor Ferguson on March 24, 2026.
Regrettably, HB 1078—which would have strengthened consumer protections for pet insurance—passed the House but did not proceed to the Senate. Similarly, HB 1904, aimed at banning elective declawing, did not move forward in the House. We expect to pick these initiatives back up in the 2027 legislative session.
Learn More!
- Seattle Humane is supporting H.R. 4921, the Providing for Unhoused People and Pets (PUPP) Act of 2025. This federal, bipartisan legislation addresses a critical barrier to shelter for individuals and families experiencing homelessness: the inability to stay with their pets.
- In 2026, we also supported HB 2247 to expand access to veterinary care through telemedicine.
- Sign up above to receive Advocacy Updates and keep an eye out for opportunities to join us for events.
Thank You Fur Fighters!
Seattle Humane was proud to host the annual legislative planning session for the Fur Fighters Caucus, a bipartisan group of WA state legislators committed to supporting animal welfare issues to our campus for their meeting. The Caucus, led by Rep. Amy Walen, was founded in 2021 to champion bills that protect animals in WA state. Caucus members were joined by local animal welfare advocates to review recent policy successes and discuss priority areas for the 2026 legislative session. We are grateful to be aligned with our many peer organizations in pursuing these aims as we find new ways to grow our impact together.