Meredith Lee/Humane World for Animals

New York: Urge Gov. Hochul to sign S.364 into law

LATEST UPDATE: The New York Legislature passed S.364, but the bill still needs Gov. Kathy Hochul’s signature by December 19 to become law. Please urge her to sign S.364 to help expand access to safe, stable housing and keep New York families and pets together.

No renter should have to choose between their home and their beloved pet. Yet, some insurance companies unfairly deny coverage, cancel policies or charge higher premiums based solely on the breed of a tenant’s dog—forcing families into impossible decisions.

S.364 aims to change that by prohibiting insurance companies from discriminating against renters based on their dog’s breed. While homeowners in New York already have these protections, renters remain vulnerable to breed-based restrictions that limit their housing options.

This bill ensures that insurance decisions are based on actuarial risk—not outdated breed stereotypes—helping more families find and keep safe, affordable housing with their pets.

TAKE ACTION

Please make a brief, polite call to Gov. Hochul’s office today at
518-474-8390 urging her to sign S.364 into law. You can simply say: “I’m urging Gov. Hochul to please sign S.364 into law to prohibit insurance companies from discriminating against tenants based on the breed of dog they own. Homeowners already have these protections; renters and their pets deserve the same.”

After making your call (please do not skip that crucial step!), fill in and submit the form below to send a follow-up message.

This action alert is for U.S. residents.

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Dear Gov. Hochul, 

As a New York resident, I want to thank you for your strong record on animal protection and urge you to please sign S.364 into law to help expand access to safe, stable rental housing and keep more families together. 

At a time of unprecedented housing challenges, access to renters’ insurance should not be another barrier to keeping families whole. Yet, many insurance providers deny coverage, cancel policies or charge higher premiums based solely on the breed of a tenant’s dog—leaving renters with limited options and forcing some to make the heartbreaking choice between their home and their pet.

S.364 will prohibit insurance companies from discriminating against renters based on their dog’s breed, ensuring that underwriting decisions are based on actuarial risk rather than outdated and unscientific breed stereotypes. While homeowners in New York already have these protections, renters remain vulnerable to breed-based insurance restrictions that contribute to housing insecurity and even pet surrenders to overcrowded shelters.

Please help close the gap in protections for renters across our state by signing this important bill into law by the December 19 deadline.

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