Council adopts rule allowing pets in city-owned housing starting Sept. 1; spay/neuter and microchip required

The Palm Desert City Council adopted a resolution Sept. 9 amending the Housing Authority administrative plan to allow pets in city-owned affordable residential communities, effective Sept. 1 if the resolution is implemented.

Jessica Gonzalez, housing manager for Development Services, told the council the administrative plan revision would permit residents to keep pets in their units subject to species limitations (prohibitions on certain animals such as reptiles and rabbits), licensing and a spay/neuter requirement. Gonzalez said the animal policy is included as an exhibit to the plan and that applicants must meet residency and income qualifications where applicable.

Council Member Quintanilla asked whether breed restrictions would apply; Gonzalez said the plan currently does not include breed-specific prohibitions because accommodation considerations and disability-related requests may complicate an across-the-board ban, but staff said they will include behavior and nuisance limitations and allow restrictions in response to specific incidents. Council Member Quintanilla and others pressed for a broader citywide spay/neuter policy; Assistant City Manager Richard Canoni said additional ordinance changes, including spay/neuter requirements and microchipping mandates, were being prepared for fall council consideration.

The council voted 5-0 to adopt the resolution amending and restating the Housing Authority administrative plan and authorized the executive director to implement the changes. Staff said the plan will include requirements that animals be licensed and spayed/neutered and that additional guidance on emergency contacts and next-of-kin arrangements for animals would be encouraged to reduce the risk of animals becoming stray when a resident is hospitalized or dies.