Pets In Housing Program

Pets are Family, Too!

The Hawaiian Humane Society’s Pets in Housing program works to increase the number of residences that allow pets. We work with landlords and tenants, home owners and associations, property and resident managers, realtors, as well as people who love animals and people who don’t. Workable solutions can be achieved for the benefit of all.

More than 60 percent of Oahu’s households include pets. Policies that ban animal companions limit the pool of qualified applicants and unnecessarily penalize the majority of pet owners who are responsible. Bans also increase the number of families that have to relinquish pets.

Finding a Pet-Friendly Home

Step 1 – Take your time

Give yourself eight weeks before your lease expires to check ads and contact realtors and rental agencies. When buying a condominium, plan on a minimum of four to six months for your search.

Step 2 – Get help from the experts

Seek assistance from realtors, rental agents or resident managers. Make a professional connection with someone who understands how important it is to stay united with your pet.

Step 3 – Secure endorsements

Secure a letter from your current landlord or condominium association that says you’re a responsible pet owner. Also get a letter from your veterinarian stating that you have been diligent in your pet’s medical care and that your pet is sterilized. Put your pet through the AKC Canine Good Citizen test as further demonstration of good behavior and manners.

Step 4 – Respect the rules

Keeping a pet in violation of a no-pets rule puts your pet and you at risk for eviction and other legal action.

Step 5 – Put your best paw forward

Responsible pet owners make excellent tenants. Once the right home is found, pet owners are more likely to stay longer, and lower vacancy rates can mean lower costs and fewer challenges for landlords and real estate agents. Offer to bring your well-behaved pet to meet the owner or property manager.

Step 6 – Put it in writing

Permission to have a pet should be in writing and should be signed by you and your new landlord. We recommend using our Pet Addendum form, which can be found at hawaiianhumane.org. Comprehensive agreements protect people, property and the animals themselves. If your lease has a no pets clause, verbal approval is not enough. The clause should be crossed out of the lease before you sign it, and be sure it’s crossed out on your landlord’s copy, too.

Pet Friendly Rentals available online 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Click here to post a rental or search for one. By completing a simple posting form, landlords can post free ads for their rentals that allow pets. Tenants can conveniently browse rentals that allow pets.

For your convenience, you can download more information:  see Downloadable File List.

Tools For You

Property managers, tenants, landlords, Neighborhood Justice Center representatives, and experts in real estate and condominium association law provided input in the development of the Pets in Housing program and materials. Use these materials as is or as a guide. We will come talk to your Association and can help you custom design pet policies for your building or rental unit.

Contact Us

For more information, contact us at 356-2247 or email vgolding-fox@hawaiianhumane.org.

Other Resources

• State of Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs (DCCA) Landlord-Tenant Hotline at (808) 586-2634

• Questions regarding service animals or the Fair Housing Act can be answered by contacting the State of Hawaii Disabilities and Communication Access Board (DCAB) - (808) 586-8121

• Legal Aid Society of Hawaii at (808) 536-4302

Misconceptions

• Allowing one person to have a pet does not necessarily mean you have to allow everyone who applies to have them. Clear guidelines help screen out irresponsible pet owners and allow you to better control who is allowed to rent your property.

• Tenants who own more than one pet are not necessarily a negative! Most companion animals, including dogs and cats, are social animals and having company tends to make for a happier pet, which in turn makes for a better tenant by eliminating behaviors that stem from boredom and isolation.

• Smaller dogs do not necessarily make better tenants. Large dogs tend to be less prone to barking and can actually be less high strung. The truth is there is a pet to suit every living environment. The most important thing is that the owners are responsible and address the needs of their pets.

• Cat declawing is inhumane and is considered a form of amputation because the cut goes below the first digit. Nail clipping, nail capping and scratching post training are all more effective solutions. The key is responsible owners.

• Aggression is not confined to specific breeds. Individual temperament, socialization and training determine how the animal behaves. Judgment should always be made on a case-by-case basis and the owner of the animal should be held responsible for the appropriate care and training of their pet.

• There is no reason a pet should be pedigreed. Most of the dogs awaiting adoption on Oahu are mixed breeds, and are just as wonderful, smart, loving and deserving of a new home. You’ll find these animals are very aware of being given another chance of having a loving home and a wonderful life.