If you own a pit bull, Rottweiler, or Cane Corso, you might face unexpected challenges that have nothing to do with your dog’s behavior. Dog breed discrimination remains a pressing issue for pet parents in 2025, shaping everything from housing choices to legal rights.
Breed-specific legislation (BSL) restricts or bans certain dog breeds based on appearance rather than behavior. While some states have made strides in banning such Draconian laws, others still enforce them. Despite mounting evidence questioning the effectiveness of these policies, many pet lovers still struggle with the consequences of breed discrimination daily.
This blog post will explain how these policies impact you, your furry friend, and your wallet, and what you can do about it.
The Current State of Breed-Specific Legislation in America
The landscape of breed-specific laws varies dramatically across the United States. Some states have made significant progress, while others maintain restrictive policies. For instance, Florida joined the growing list of states prohibiting breed discrimination.
ABC Action News reveals that Governor Ron DeSantis passed legislation in 2023 preventing local governments from enacting breed-specific ordinances. This change means pet owners can no longer be penalized simply for their dog’s breed. However, homeowners’ associations (HOAs), non-governmental apartments, or rental properties can enforce breed restrictions.
The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals reports that over 700 US cities maintain some form of breed-specific legislation. The Best Friends Animal Society discloses that 22 states prohibit breed-specific restrictions. Mountain Home (AR), Clay Center (KS), Kearney (MO), and Aurora (CO) became the latest cities to ban such laws.
These inconsistencies create confusion, especially for families moving across state lines. USA TODAY reveals that the debate around dangerous dogs recently intensified after a serious incident in Columbus, Ohio. A mother is advocating for stronger dog attack laws after her 11-year-old suffered severe injuries from a neighbor’s dog.
The attack disfigured the victim’s ears, nose, forehead, and shoulders, forcing surgeons at the Nationwide Children’s Hospital to operate for nine hours. Victims of such cases often need legal aid to tackle the ensuing complicated implications. A personal injury attorney can help families understand their rights and seek compensation for medical expenses, emotional trauma, and other damages.
TorHoerman Law recommends documenting all medical treatment costs, gathering witness statements, and preserving evidence of negligence when pursuing these cases. Remember, if an unprovoked dog assaults you on public land or lawfully on individual premises, the dog’s handler can be deemed responsible.
Insurance Challenges for Owners of “Restricted Breeds”
One of the most common challenges some breed owners face is finding affordable homeowners’ insurance. Many insurance companies maintain lists of “dangerous” or “restricted” breeds. Dogs commonly found on these lists include pit bulls, Doberman pinschers, Rottweilers, wolf-dogs, and wolf hybrids.
Owning one of these breeds can result in higher premiums or even coverage denial. According to Forbes Advisor, some insurers have begun to move away from blanket breed restrictions. Instead, they’re adopting more nuanced approaches based on individual dog behavior and training history.
For example, State Farm, the country’s largest home insurance company, does not have a list of banned dog breeds. Their spokesperson, Heather Paul, who owns two pit bulls, stated that they focus on a dog’s individual history of behavior rather than their breed. State Farm believes that any dog can bite depending on circumstances and prioritizes education on dog bite prevention.
Housing Discrimination and Rental Challenges
Finding pet-friendly housing becomes even more problematic when your dog is a restricted breed. Many landlords and property management companies enforce strict breed limitations, forcing pet parents to give up their pets or pay higher deposits.
Some regulations even limit housing options to less desirable or more expensive areas. A Michelson Found Animals’ Pet Inclusive Housing Initiative survey found that over 90% of rental properties have some form of breed restriction policy. Moreover, 72% of tenants say they have difficulty finding pet-friendly housing. This creates a significant barrier for pet lovers who need to relocate or find new housing.
However, the financial impact of breed discrimination extends beyond housing and insurance. Pet parents of restricted breeds often face:
- Higher liability insurance requirements
- Additional costs for muzzles, specialized training, and containment systems
- Increased boarding fees from facilities that charge more for certain breeds
- Legal expenses to challenge unfair policies
People Also Ask
Q1. How does breed discrimination affect homeowners’ insurance?
Many homeowners’ insurers consider certain dog breeds to be higher risk. This can lead to higher insurance premiums for owners of these breeds or even coverage exclusion. While some insurers are shifting their focus to a dog’s behavior, the breed can still be a factor in determining insurance eligibility and cost.
Q2. How can I check if my local laws are fair for my dog’s breed?
Review your city and state regulations online, or consult local animal welfare groups. Check legal resources or community forums for updates and opinions. This keeps you informed on any changes or planned reforms that could impact your rights as a pet owner.
Q3. Can I get an emotional support animal (ESA) certification to bypass breed restrictions?
ESA certifications may help bypass some housing restrictions under the Fair Housing Act, but not all. Many landlords still challenge these accommodations, and ESA status doesn’t automatically override insurance restrictions or local BSL laws. Always check specific property policies before relying on this approach.
While breed discrimination remains an issue for many pet parents in 2025, there are encouraging signs of progress. More states are adopting behavior-based approaches rather than breed-specific restrictions. Likewise, insurance companies are beginning to evaluate dogs as individuals rather than stereotyping them by breed.
Pet parents facing discrimination can connect with advocacy organizations and stay informed about changing regulations to overcome these challenges. With continued education and advocacy, we can work toward policies that promote responsible pet ownership across all breeds.
