City Council support of S1022/H.1559, An Act to maintain stable housing for families with pets, and H.4835, An Act to codify pet-friendly elderly housing policies and ensure pet parity across housing authorities.

POR 2026-56 FIRST IN COUNCIL March 16, 2026 City of Cambridge COUNCILLOR MCGOVERN COUNCILLOR SOBRINHO-WHEELER MAYOR SIDDIQUI COUNCILLOR SIMMONS WHEREAS: For many individuals and families, pets are cherished members of the household that provide companionship, emotional support, and meaningful improvements to quality of life; and WHEREAS: Numerous studies have shown that pets can help reduce loneliness, improve mental and physical health, and strengthen social connections, particularly for seniors and individuals living alone; and WHEREAS: Housing policies that restrict or prohibit pets can force residents to make the heartbreaking choice between keeping a beloved animal companion and maintaining stable housing; and WHEREAS: These policies can disproportionately impact seniors, low-income residents, and families who rely on the emotional support and companionship that pets provide; and WHEREAS: S. 1022/H. 1559, An Act to maintain stable housing for families with pets, would help ensure that responsible pet owners are not unnecessarily displaced or denied housing due to reasonable pet ownership; and WHEREAS: H. 4835, An Act to codify pet-friendly elderly housing policies and ensure pet parity across housing authorities, would establish consistent and humane standards so that seniors living in public housing have fair and equitable access to pet companionship; and WHEREAS: No one should have to choose between a well-behaved pet and their home; now therefore be it

RESOLVED: That the Cambridge City Council hereby expresses its strong support for S. 1022/H. 1559 and H. 4835 and urges the Massachusetts Legislature to enact these bills to protect stable housing and promote humane, pet-friendly housing policies across the Commonwealth; and be it further RESOLVED: That the City Clerk be and hereby is requested to forward suitably engrossed copies of this resolution to the Cambridge State House delegation on behalf of the entire City Council. In City Council March 16, 2026. Adopted as Amended by Affirmative Vote of Seven Members:- Attest:- Paula M. Crane, Interim City Clerk A true copy; ATTEST:- Paula M. Crane Interim City Clerk