The winners of the annual pet-inclusive housing initiative awards have been announced by the Michelson Found Animals Foundation’s Pet-Inclusive Housing Initiative. Each year the awards celebrate outstanding leadership in pet-inclusive rental housing policies and practices that drive business success and foster community wellness.
The growing number of pets and their increasingly important role in families’ and individuals’ lives present crucial opportunities for the housing industry, as outlined in the company’s Pets in Rental Housing: 2025 Outlook.
Many housing providers have already recognized this opportunity to meet renters where they are and are leading the way by going beyond pet-friendly to make their communities truly pet-inclusive.
“The winners of this year’s awards are showing what’s possible when housing embraces the full reality of people’s lives—including the pets they love,” Ross Barker, Director of Michelson Found Animals Foundation’s Pet-Inclusive Housing Initiative said in a release. “Their efforts are making communities not just more welcoming, but also more stable, connected, and resilient.”
The 2025 Pets and Housing Award Winners are:
Most Impactful Adoption or Foster Event, or Program:Â Dane Park Communities
Recognized for partnering with 97 shelters to help over 200 dogs find loving homes annually through community-driven adoption events and foster programs.
Most Innovative Pet Amenity or Amenity Group:Â Livano Kemah
Awarded for creating an exceptional pet center with structured play, enrichment activities, veterinary services, and themed experiences that strengthen community bonds.
Most Innovative Pet Marketing Campaign:Â The Management Group, LLC (TMG)
Celebrated for a heartwarming, pet-centered marketing campaign showcasing genuine resident-pet relationships, setting a new benchmark for pet-inclusive marketing.
Pets & Housing Policy Advancement Award:Â DC Councilmember Robert C. White, Jr.
Honored for groundbreaking legislation (Pets and Housing Act, “Roscoe’s Law”) eliminating pet-related housing barriers, including burdensome fees and breed restrictions, establishing a national model for pet-inclusive housing policy.
Paws & Progress Nonprofit Award:Â Found House IHN
Commended for their innovative program supporting families navigating homelessness alongside their pets, including the establishment of Melrose Place, a permanent supportive housing solution.
Best Leap Forward:Â Avilla Homes by NexMetro
Acknowledged for pioneering single-level rental homes with private yards and no breed restrictions, significantly advancing accessible pet-inclusive housing.
Vanguard Award:Â Dane Park Communities
Recognized for sustained excellence and leadership in pet-inclusive policies, amenities, and initiatives, making pets integral community members.
Most Pet-Inclusive Property:Â The Press House, MGMT Residential
Awarded for embracing full pet inclusivity with no breed or weight restrictions or pet fees, deposits, or rent, achieving a perfect Pet-Inclusive Score.
Winners were announced virtually at the annual awards event, highlighting the rapidly growing significance of pet-inclusive practices in the housing industry. Please view the award ceremony here. For more information on the Pets and Housing Awards and to learn about pet-inclusive best practices, visit petsandhousing.org.
About Michelson Found Animals
The Michelson Found Animals Foundation (MFA), founded in 2005, directly provides animal welfare services and champions pets at every point they intersect with our society. The foundation operates a range of initiatives, including grants and programs that put resources in the hands of communities in need, research that promotes pet-friendly policies, and more. Learn more at foundanimals.org.
