Raise the woof- the 2026 pets and housing awards are open for the fifth year for nominations from the Pet-Inclusive Housing Initiative.
The connections between people and their pets have 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 says nominations are now open for the Fifth 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 fifth annual event will be our best yet, and we’re excited to see the great work organizations nominate!”
Why Nominate For Pets And Housing Awards In 2026?
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 pet-focused 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!
2026 Pets And Housing Awards Categories
With nine categories, there’s a spotlight for every kind of innovation:
- Best Leap Forward: Recognizing significant progress in pet inclusivity.
- Vanguard Award: Honoring a company with a sustained, long-term commitment to pet-inclusive housing.
- Most Impactful Pet & Community Engagement Event or Program: Recognizing a rental housing property or company for its adoption or foster initiatives, partnerships, education, or other pet-focused programs.
- 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.
- 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.
Key Details For 2026 Pets And Housing Awards
- Nomination Deadline: March 27, 2026
- 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 2026 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!
