Supporting the Animals Who Support Us

Recently filed legislation would prevent California landlords from rejecting pets in a rental unit absent a “reasonable reason.” image: Bay Woof

Have you ever found yourself in a moment of stress or frustration only to have your furry friend sense this and come over to soothe you? When I’m having one of these moments, Rembrandt, my cat companion, never hesitates to jump on my lap, purring and comforting me.

I’m not alone in this. Studies show a clear link between pets and major mental and physical health benefits, from easing loneliness to even potentially improving cardiovascular health.

But for San Francisco renters - and in California as a whole - adopting a companion animal can come with huge hurdles. In our city, only 21% of available rentals allow pets and statewide only 30% do. Given that 70% of people in California consider themselves pet owners, this is a major deficit.

While some individuals are able to have their animals classified as Emotional Support Animals, to do so requires resources for medical or mental health care, which many simply do not have. As a result, tenants, especially those with lower incomes and fewer housing options, often have to make tough calls about surrendering their animals, an incredibly distressing action for the people and animals involved.

Luckily, this may soon change. San Francisco’s Assemblymember Matt Haney, recently introduced legislation that would prevent California landlords from rejecting pets in a rental unit absent a clear “reasonable reason.” The bill - AB 2216 - would also prohibit landlords from inquiring about pet ownership until after a tenant’s application is approved.

As Haney notes, this legislation would help prevent people from being forced to surrender their animals in order to obtain housing. It could also provide some potential relief to shelters that are currently overflowing with animals that need care. If adopted, AB 2216 would be a major milestone for both renters and pet companions.

AB 2216 is just one issue in the city that commissioners are currently discussing. In fact, 2024 has already been a jam-packed year for the Commission of Animal Control & Welfare, including a very informative presentation from Project Coyote at our May meeting, highlighting ways to coexist with coyotes in San Francisco.

At our June 13 meeting, commissioners will recap several issues we’ve discussed in recent months and introduce some new ones to the conversation.

Here’s a rundown of some topics we’re hoping to explore in June and at upcoming meetings:

• California AB 2216

• Glue trap bans

• Rat poison restrictions and bans

• Wildlife trapping and concerns

• Horseback riding at Golden Gate Park

• Coexisting with coyotes and other wildlife

• Statewide animal policies

• …And more!

As a commissioner, I always value hearing what our community members have to say about these topics so that we’re able to consider a range of perspectives before making any recommendations. Please join us for our June meeting to hear this month’s discussion and our community’s thoughts. Of course, you’re also welcome to tune in virtually or watch a recording of the meeting on our website. Hope to see you there!

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The next meeting of the Commission of Animal Control and Welfare will be held at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, June 13, in Room 408 at City Hall (1 Carlton B. Goodlett Place, San Francisco, CA 94102). Information concerning remote access to meetings is on our website. Agendas are published 72 hours prior to the meeting.

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Please be aware that the views and opinions expressed in this column are those of Commissioner Garfinkel and do not necessarily reflect the official policies or positions of the Commission of Animal Control and Welfare.