On May 31, 2025, Nevada Governor Joe Lombardo signed Senate Bill 166 (SB 166) into law, marking an important step for pet-inclusive housing in the state. Sponsored by Senator Melanie Scheible and supported by the ASPCA, Humane World for Animals (FKA Humane Society of the United States), the Animal Legal Defense Fund, Michelson Center for Public Policy, and others, the new law removes barriers that have forced many Nevada families to choose between housing and their pets.
Expanding Protection Against Breed-Based Insurance Restrictions
In 2021, Nevada passed SB 103, which prohibited insurance companies from denying, canceling, refusing to renew, or increasing premiums on homeowners or renters insurance based solely on a dog’s breed. However, renters still faced challenges, as landlord-imposed breed restrictions, resulting from limitations in their property insurance coverage, continued to reduce the number of rental properties available to families with certain dogs.
SB 166 closes this gap. By removing dog breed from the underwriting criteria for landlord liability policies, landlords who want to welcome all dogs no longer risk losing their coverage. The new law expands existing protections to include policies that cover multi-family residential dwellings, not just single-family homes.
Pets Allowed in Supportive Housing
Another key provision of SB 166 ensures that tenants in supportive housing can keep at least one pet. Supportive housing, funded largely through state grants, is designed to reduce barriers for people who have experienced homelessness, faced institutionalization, or are living with disabling health conditions.
Studies show that lower-income renters and communities of color often face fewer pet-friendly housing options and disproportionately higher fees to keep pets. These barriers contribute to housing insecurity and pet surrenders.
Under the new law, recipients of supportive housing grants administered by the Housing Division of the Department of Business and Industry, must agree in writing to allow tenants to have at least one pet. This change addresses existing housing disparities and makes supportive housing accessible to pet owners, ensuring that more families can remain together.
Danielle Works is the Community Engagement Manager for RedRover. With more than 10 years of experience in animal welfare, Danielle consults with shelters throughout the country to identify collaborative solutions for pets and owners in crisis. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Biology from Willamette University in Salem, Oregon.
