New Protections for Tacoma Tenants with Pets

Since the height of the pandemic, industries have returned to business as usual. Unfortunately, business as usual for most animal shelters means operating at full capacity or over capacity. Contrary to popular belief, return-to-office policies are not necessarily the culprit. For the Humane Society for Tacoma & Pierce County (HSTPC), it’s housing insecurity.  

Between May and July 2023, our Pet Support team fielded nearly 1,800 consultations with pet guardians, of which about 20 percent were seeking alternative options for their pets due to housing insecurities. Increased rent, hefty pet deposits and monthly fees, and breed restrictions have left many Tacoma renters having to choose between paying rent or bills and providing care for their pets. 

However, breed restriction will not be a problem for City of Tacoma renters much longer. On July 11, 2023, the Tacoma City Council passed new rental housing code legislation, Amended Substitute Ordinance 28894, which strengthened requirements for Tacoma landlords and set forth new protections for tenants. This new legislation prohibits landlords from restricting dogs as pets based on breed, unless they have an insurance company-required breed restriction. There are no breed restrictions for service animals.  

Notably included in the updated protections effective July 24, 2023, are the following for tenants with pets:  

Rental agreement regulations:

• Prohibited from regulating or restricting dogs based on breeds, unless they have an insurance company-required breed restriction. There are no breed restrictions for service animals. 

Landlords will be prohibited from:

• Requiring a pet damage deposit exceeding 25 percent of one month’s rent. 

• Withholding full refund of a tenant’s pet damage deposit if unused.  

“Tacoma pet guardians should not be forced to decide between putting a roof over their heads and caring for their pets,” says Leslie Dalzell, chief executive officer at the Humane Society for Tacoma & Pierce County.  

“Thank you to the Tacoma City Council for passing Amended Substitute Ordinance 28894, and our sincerest gratitude to council member Olgy Diaz for sponsoring legislation critical to the well-being of pets and their people,” adds Dalzell. “In this economic climate, we will continue to serve as a resource for pet guardians in crisis in Tacoma and Pierce County. We’re here to help keep pets out of the shelter and with the people who love them.” 

The shelter offers low-cost microchips, a free Pet Food and Supply Pantry, and a Spay/Neuter and Wellness Assistance Program. Our Pet Support team is available to counsel pet guardians in crisis, providing access and resources for pet food and supplies, pet behavior and training, pet rehoming options, low-cost veterinary care assistance, and much more. Learn more about the shelter’s Pet Support services.