Raise the woof: the nominations are open for the fourth-annual 2025 pets and housing awards presented by the pet-inclusive housing initiative from the Michelson Found Animals Foundation.
By Judy Bellack
Industry Principal, Pet-Inclusive Housing Initiative
The connections between people and their pets has never been stronger, and the multifamily housing industry is leading the charge in celebrating this bond. With more renters seeking pet-inclusive communities, forward-thinking operators are redefining what it means to be a “pet-friendly” property—and now it’s time to recognize their groundbreaking work.
Michelson Found Animals Foundation is thrilled to announce that nominations are now open for the Fourth Annual Pets and Housing Awards, presented by the Pet-Inclusive Housing Initiative. These awards honor the trailblazers, innovators, and community champions who are making housing more welcoming for pets and their people. Ross Barker, Director of the Pet-Inclusive Housing Initiative, describes the event as a highly anticipated opportunity to highlight outstanding efforts in pet-inclusive housing. “We eagerly anticipate this event every year because it lets us shine a spotlight on the outstanding organizations leading the pack with their pet-inclusive housing solutions,” Barker said. “This fourth annual event will be our best yet, and we’re excited to see the great work organizations nominate!”
Why Nominate?
This is your chance to showcase your achievements and gain industry-wide recognition as a leader in pet inclusivity.
Whether you’ve launched an innovative amenity, hosted successful adoption events, or reimagined pet policies by easing or eliminating size and breed restrictions, we want to celebrate your dedication to improving the lives of pets and residents alike. Whether you’re part of a large company spanning multiple states, an independent rental operator serving a local community, an advocate for pet policy change or a nonprofit champion for pets in housing, we want to hear from you! Or you may know some great work in one of these categories you would like to nominate on behalf of someone else – go for it!
According to Diane Yensen, representing Rainier Properties and one of last year’s award winners, “To be recognized with the Best Leap Forward in the Pet-Inclusive Housing Awards was very exciting. It helps validate the fact that we really do live this and are passionate about it, and I hope other companies in the industry see this and get excited about it, too.”
Award Categories
With nine exciting categories, there’s a spotlight for every kind of innovation:
- Best Leap Forward: Recognizing significant progress in pet inclusivity.
- Most Impactful Adoption or Foster Event or Program: Applauding efforts that connect pets with loving homes.
- Most Innovative Pet Amenity or Amenity Group: Shining a light on creative spaces and services for pets.
- Most Innovative Pet Marketing Campaign: Showcasing campaigns that engage and attract pet-loving residents.
- Most Pet-Inclusive Property: Celebrating a property that goes above and beyond for pets and their people, setting the pet-inclusive standard.
- Outstanding Pet Citizen: Highlighting a resident pet that has made a meaningful impact.
- Paws & Progress Nonprofit Award: Celebrating nonprofits driving positive change in pet-inclusive housing.
- Pets & Housing Policy Advancement Award: Recognizing advocacy and policy advancements that benefit pets and housing.
- Vanguard Award: Honoring a company advancing leading-edge initiatives that set new standards and serve as an example to the rental housing industry.
Key Details
- Nomination Deadline: March 30, 2025
- Winners Announced: Virtually (details to follow)
How to Nominate
Submitting a nomination is simple and unlimited! Highlight the achievements in any—or all—categories. Share your (or another’s) story, inspire your peers, and claim your place as an industry leader. Simply click here to get started.
Let’s Celebrate Together
The Pets and Housing Awards are more than just accolades—they’re a celebration of the innovative and heartwarming ways the multifamily housing industry improves lives. Let’s honor the creativity, compassion, and commitment that make pet-inclusive housing a reality.
Don’t wait! Start your nominations today, and join us in setting the standard for pet-inclusive communities. Together, we’ll keep raising the woof!
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