Ordenanza propuesta en San Diego apunta al alquiler de mascotas para mantener unidas a familias y mascotas ● UPDATING

The San Diego Humane Society reports that pet deposits, monthly pet rent, and no-pet policies are major factors driving a rise in pet surrenders across the city. In response, the San Diego City Council is advancing a proposal that could make pet-friendly housing more accessible and affordable for tenants.

Gary Weitzman, president of the San Diego Humane Society, highlighted the severity of the issue, stating, "This has been a gigantic challenge for us and for the community." The organization's campuses have been operating near or at full capacity, with housing-related issues now among the top reasons owners give up their pets.

"People have to give up their animal members of their family because of housing," Weitzman said. "Either housing is too expensive or too restrictive." The impact is visible inside shelters, where many of the dogs awaiting adoption are larger breeds that often face restrictions in rental housing.

In October, a City Council committee advanced a proposal aimed at cracking down on so-called rental "junk fees." The proposed changes would require landlords to disclose all rental costs upfront, limit certain add-on fees, and eliminate monthly pet rent while still allowing pet security deposits. Weitzman noted that a one-time security deposit is reasonable, but recurring monthly fees are unnecessary.

The full San Diego City Council is scheduled to vote on the proposal on June 30. The San Diego Humane Society is urging residents to voice their support or opposition during the public meeting.

The organization believes that reducing pet fees could help keep more animals out of shelters and more families together.

"We see that tragedy every single day here," Weitzman said. "It truly is a hard choice for people to have to decide about keeping their pet or keeping their home. That's a tragedy we really think doesn't have to exist."