# The PUPP Act: Housing for Homeless People with Pets

Many homeless individuals face an impossible choice: give up their beloved pet or stay on the street. The PUPP Act (Providing for Unhoused People with Pets Act) addresses this problem by creating a federal grant program to help build and operate housing specifically designed for homeless people who have pets. The U.S. Department of Agriculture would distribute grants to local governments, nonprofits, and homeless service organizations to convert or construct buildings into temporary or permanent housing that welcomes residents with their animals.

The money from these grants can be used to purchase and renovate buildings, cover the costs of running pet-friendly housing, and train staff in basic pet care. Crucially, the housing must provide on-site veterinary services including spay and neuter procedures, vaccinations, dental care, and treatment for common pet health issues like heartworm and fleas. The facilities also need to offer supportive services to residents like mental health counseling, job training, and substance abuse treatment, plus transportation to services that can't be provided on-site. Each housing facility must have appropriate spaces for pets, whether that's designated areas, kennels, or crates depending on the building's layout.

To receive funding, organizations must submit a plan showing where they'll locate the housing, how many homeless people with pets need help in their area, and which local veterinarians and animal welfare groups will partner with them. The bill sets aside $5 million per year from 2024 through 2028 for this program. This addresses a real barrier to housing: studies show that some homeless people refuse shelter beds because they won't abandon their pets, so this program could help get more people off the streets while keeping families—human and animal—together.

PUPP Act of 2023

Providing for Unhoused People with Pets Act of 2023 or the PUPP Act of 2023 This bill permits the Department of Agriculture to award grants for interim and permanent housing that accommodates individuals (or families) who are homeless and have pets. Entities eligible for the grant include local governments, nonprofits, and entities that house or shelter homeless individuals. Additionally, grant recipients must make available supportive services and basic veterinary care.