No Pets Allowed: Discrimination, Homelessness, and Pet Ownership

Seattle University School of Law, Homeless Rights Advocacy Project, 2016

53 Pages Posted: 11 May 2016 Last revised: 20 May 2016

See all articles by Ruby Aliment

Ruby Aliment

Seattle University School of Law

Sara Rankin

Seattle University School of Law

Kaya Lurie

Seattle University School of Law

Date Written: May 9, 2016

Abstract

This brief is the first to address the particular challenges faced by pet owners experiencing homelessness, particularly as they relate to treatment by society at large, law enforcement practices, and access to housing and services. Researchers estimate that up to 25 percent of people experiencing homelessness own pets, yet these pet owners face constant attention, harassment, and scrutiny by both passersby and law enforcement officers. The brief observes how laws and policies regulating these behaviors not only stem from bias and discrimination against visible poverty, but also encourage poor policy outcomes and inhumane practices.

Keywords: homeless, pets, poverty, shelter

Suggested Citation

Aliment, Ruby and Rankin, Sara and Lurie, Kaya, No Pets Allowed: Discrimination, Homelessness, and Pet Ownership (May 9, 2016). Seattle University School of Law, Homeless Rights Advocacy Project, 2016, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=2776427 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.2776427

Ruby Aliment

Seattle University School of Law ( email )

Sara Rankin (Contact Author)

Seattle University School of Law ( email )

901 12th Avenue, Sullivan Hall
P.O. Box 222000
Seattle, WA n/a 98122-1090
United States

Kaya Lurie

Seattle University School of Law ( email )

901 12th Avenue, Sullivan Hall
P.O. Box 222000
Seattle, WA n/a 98122-1090
United States

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