LAS VEGAS, Nev. (FOX5) – An idea to help keep pet owners from having to give up a pet when they move is being proposed this legislative session in Nevada. One Nevada lawmaker, with the support of the AKC and the largest animal shelter in Las Vegas, is proposing to give landlords a state tax credit.
“Along with probably every other rescue in this city we are at capacity,” shared Kiss My Paws Rescue in a video posted on social media. The animal rescue group says they simply cannot take in any more dogs for the next two months. They are stretched to their limit. Some of the dogs in their care are owner surrenders.
“It is really sad when you read many of the stories of why the dog is or cats being turned in is because, ‘I’ve had to move. The landlord doesn’t allow pets… The landlord doesn’t allow this dog because it’s a certain weight,” Assemblywoman Melissa Hardy recounted after speaking with pet owners while volunteering in the Henderson shelter.
Hardy can’t imagine having to give up her dog to have a home but knows that is the reality for far too many Nevadans. Hardy introduced Assembly Bill 447 two weeks ago which would offer a finical incentive to landlords who accept pets in their rental units.
“Each fiscal year, they would get basically a tax abatement of $7,500 or $750 for each unit that had an animal in it,” explained Hardy.
“When you have a pet, it severely limits your options,” contended, Bob Rilling-Smith with the American Kennel Club. Rilling-Smith says there are similar bills across the country that would allow pets in rentals. The law would not mandate pets be allowed but instead incentivize landlords with the tax credits. Rilling-Smith argues the idea is good for both people and pets as housing instability is one of the biggest drivers of pets ending up in shelters.
“Obviously, it’s sad for the family that loses their family pet, but it’s also then becomes a burden right on the city or the county,” Rilling-Smith contended.
The Animal Foundation where so many of those surrenders’ pets end up shared this statement with FOX5:
We applaud Assemblywoman Hardy for taking common-sense steps to make housing more accessible for pet owners. Every day our team hears heartbreaking stories of financial barriers like extensive pet fees, dog breed and size restrictions and outright “no pets” policies leading to pets being surrendered to the shelter. In a challenging housing market, encouraging rental property owners to adopt pet-friendly policies can make a tremendous difference for pets and people across the state.
-Hilarie Grey, CEO, The Animal Foundation
Hotels, motels, and homeless shelters would not be eligible for the tax credit program. The bill will need to pass out of committee later this month to move forward.
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