Federal grants could help house homeless people with their pets

The Agriculture Department could award competitive grants in direct consultation with the Department of Housing and Urban Development. Local governments, nonprofits, and homeless housing or shelter providers could apply to offer temporary or permanent housing for homeless people with pets. Animal wellness organizations, animal welfare organizations, and animal shelters could partner with recipients but could not receive grants directly. Congress would still need to provide the money. The funding authorization would cover fiscal years 2026 through 2030.

Recipients could spend grants only on the listed housing and pet-care costs. Allowed costs would include buying, building, or improving housing; pet-related housing operations; and basic pet-care training for staff and volunteers. The property must serve as temporary or permanent housing that accommodates homeless people or families with pets.

Grant-supported housing would have to provide suitable pet accommodations and make services available to residents and their pets. Temporary and permanent housing would offer resident support, basic veterinary care, and pet behavior support. Managers would coordinate with public services, local animal-care providers, and the area's homelessness service network. Services must be available on-site unless they cannot be provided there. Off-site services would require direct links to transportation.