The Human Animal Bond Research Institute (HABRI) is issuing a special call for research proposals seeking rigorously designed, impact-driven research focused on addressing the complex issue of pet-inclusive rental housing.
Donor Name: Human Animal Bond Research Institute
State: All States
County: All Counties
Type of Grant: Grant
Deadline: 02/26/2026
Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000
Grant Duration: 2 Years
Details:
A lack of access to pet-inclusive rental housing (including affordable rental housing) in the United States poses a significant barrier to pet ownership for many, while also adversely impacting animal welfare systems and municipalities by limiting the ability of those with pets to continue to keep and care for their animals.
While the physical, mental and social benefits of owning and interacting with pets are well-documented, research and data are needed to further support policies and programs that increase the availability of pet-inclusive housing overall and keep people and pets together in their rental homes, helping to prevent pet relinquishment and supporting future pet acquisition.
Areas of Interest
HABRI is interested in funding studies that address this complex issue. Areas of interest include, but are not limited to:
- Quantifying the Economic and Social Benefits of Increasing the Availability of Pet-inclusive Rental Housing
Specifically, as it pertains to stakeholders such as:
- Rental Housing Providers/Owners/Operators
- Analyzing the costs/benefits of removing pet-related restrictions (related to size, breed, type and number of pets) through identifying the costs of pet-related damages in relation to the economic/profitability benefits of pet inclusivity.
- Municipalities
- Identifying the current and/or projected budgetary value of reducing strains on the animal welfare system and/or on adjacent human and social services through pet inclusive housing policies and programs. Measuring or projecting increases in the livability of communities that support pet-inclusive housing.
- Renters/Tenants
- Analyzing the costs/benefits of pet-inclusive housing to current or potential pet-owning renters (i.e. increased housing security or ability to stay in housing longer, keep their pets, and/or acquire new pets).
- Identifying and Addressing Barriers to Increasing the Availability of Pet-inclusive Housing in Communities
- This includes, but is not limited to, affordable rental housing.
- Producing Actionable Advice, Guidelines, and Recommendations for Policymakers
- Specifically, as it relates to supporting pet-inclusive housing that:
- Provides insights into how best to design pet-inclusive housing;
- Provides resources for renters and owner/operators of rental housing;
- Identifies ways in which government can support pet-inclusive communities;
- Analyzes the impact of implemented/passed pet-friendly policies, including legislation on communities from an economic and/or social lens.
- Identifying Optimal Program Design
- for community-based efforts focused on increasing access and affordability of pet-inclusive rental housing, including assisting low-income or underserved populations with pets, and helping pet owners access financial assistance for themselves and their pets.
Funding Information
While there is no budget cap, HABRI awards an average of 5-6 projects each year with project costs averaging approximately $50,000 per project and an average duration of about 20 months.
Eligibility Criteria
Desired applicants are U.S. based community-led academic partnerships, advocacy or community groups that conduct research, academic researchers partnered with a community-based group or organization. Researchers from all policy disciplines employing quantitative, qualitative, or mixed-methods research designs are eligible, and early-career and nontraditional scholars are encouraged to apply.
For more information, visit HABRI.
