The Pet Alliance of Greater Orlando (Website) has set a goal to end pet homelessness by 2026. Part of that effort will be to expand the amount of rental properties that allow for residents to keep cats and dogs, regardless of breed or size.

According to the Pet Alliance, 1,800 pets were turned over to them in 2016 due to the lack of pet-friendly housing in Orlando, which accounted for 20 percent of the total animals surrendered that year.

According to research by The Foundation for Interdisciniplary Research and Education Promoting Animal Welfare (FIREPAW), residents with pets stay in place for an average of 46 months compared to 18 months for residents in non-pet friendly homes. Other findings include:

Tenants with pets pay 20-30 percent more rent each month than their pet-less counterparts.

Tenants with children cause more damages to homes than tenants with pets.

As part of their new Apartment Registry Program, the Pet Alliance is asking local apartment complexes to lift their bans on breed and size restrictions, and in return they will offer recommendations to people seeking animal-friendly housing and provide signage to participating property owners.

To see what complexes have signed up already, click HERE.