Animal Rescue Konnection (ARK) focuses its efforts on helping dogs deemed “unadoptable.” With the support of our like-minded partners, we have saved numerous dogs including those scheduled for euthanasia.

Most of our dogs are pit bulls, pit mixes, or other commonly blacklisted breeds. We’ve had several potential fosters with good applications who volunteer to care for these homeless dogs until they are ready for adoption. However, one of the many obstacles we face comes from insurance companies. They have a misplaced, biased attitude toward certain breeds, especially pit bulls (the breed focused in this article) and as a result, we have lost many fostering opportunities.

The ripple effect is that dogs remain in shelters for months and eventually degrade physically and emotionally, making it harder to rehome them. Some landlords are uninformed and simply refuse pit bulls, but the main problem is all about money. We have lost fosters because insurance companies raise premiums or refuse to insure landlords who house pit bulls.

In some cases, fosters who own their own homes can’t afford the raised rates and therefore can’t volunteer to help pit bulls. Furthermore, some homeowners or renters who have pit bulls are suddenly discriminated against and forced to surrender a much-loved family member that happens to be a breed the insurance company labels high risk. This occurs regardless of the dog’s history or if the homeowner has responsibly socialized and trained the dog. What happens then? Good dogs end up in shelters, possibly kill shelters. 

According to the Insurance Information Institute and State Farm (largest writer of homeowner policies), dog bites and dog-related claims were nearly $700 million in 2017, with an average claim of $37,000 (https://www.insurancejournal.com/news/national/2018/04/06/485542.htm). Understandably, insurance companies have passed on costs of exorbitant claims to homeowners and renters who own certain breeds. 

It’s clear the actuaries are highly mistaken in selecting specific breeds over individual dog history. Fortunately many organizations are working to educate the public and fight such unfair policies. Here in Massachusetts, the MSPCA is supporting an Act concerning the use of certain insurance underwriting guidelines pertaining to dogs living on insured properties (S. 533, H. 554).

 This bill would prevent homeowner insurance companies in Massachusetts from discriminating, that is cancelling, refusing to renew, or charging a higher premium based solely on the breed of dog owned. The bill is now being reviewed by the Committee on Financial Services.

 The Massachusetts legislature has already prohibited “municipalities from discriminating against dogs based on breed — because no such legislation has ever proven effective at reducing dog bites. It is time for the same standard to be applied to the insurance industry.” (https://www.mspca.org/animal_protection/insurancebill/)

 With this in mind, ARK looks forward to the passage of Bill S. 533, H. 554 as it would certainly increase our foster pool. Meanwhile, we hope that potential fosters will pursue other insurance options instead of taking no for an answer.

 In Massachusetts, if homeowners are denied coverage, they may be able to get insurance through the state’s Fair Access to Insurance Requirements (FAIR) Plan (http://www.mpiua.com/) or through dog-friendly companies like Liberty Mutual, Nationwide, and Amica. In addition, some renter insurance plans cover dog bites and perhaps a landlord may then agree to allow targeted breeds.

For MSPCA’s complete response in support of this bill, check out https://www.mspca.org/animal_protection/insurancebill/. You should also take action. Contact your state representative and state senator and ask them to support this bill. Not sure who represents you? Visit www.wheredoivotema.com.