Recently, State Representative Kathleen “KC” Tomlinson (Dist. 18- Bucks County) introduced legislation that seeks to prohibit insurance companies in Pennsylvania from discriminating against homeowners based solely on the breed of dog they own.
If passed, House Bill 1515 would prohibit insurers from making decisions on policy coverage based solely on dog breed. They may still change or deny coverage if the dog has been legally classified as a “dangerous dog” under Pennsylvania’s Dog Law.
Pennsylvania residents are encouraged to contact lawmakers in support of House Bill 1515 (Scroll down for more information).
Background
Currently, Pennsylvania law does not prohibit breed-based discrimination by insurers. Each insurance company sets its own underwriting rules, which may include dog breed exclusions. Some companies have lists of “restricted breeds” that may result in denial or cancellation of coverage.
Although current law does not bar insurers in Pennsylvania from refusing to issue a new policy based solely on the breed of a dog in the home, once a policy has been active for 60 days or more, Pennsylvania’s Unfair Insurance Practices Act prohibits insurers from canceling that policy based solely on the breed of the dog.
Notwithstanding the Unfair Insurance Practices Act, if a dog exhibits dangerous behavior or has a history of biting, insurers are allowed to consider this in deciding whether to renew policy.
What HB 1515 Does
Specifically, the bill would make it unlawful for insurers to:
- Refuse to issue or renew a homeowner’s insurance policy.
- Cancel an existing policy.
- Increase premiums or rates solely because the insured owns a particular dog breed or breed mix.
However, insurers may still take action if the dog has been officially designated a “dangerous dog” the existing Dog Law.
The bill has been assigned to the House Housing and Community Development Committee. If passed, the law would apply to any new, renewed, or modified homeowner’s insurance policy.
Why It Matters
This bill would protect responsible dog owners—particularly those with breeds often labeled by insurance companies as “aggressive”—from discriminatory insurance practices. It emphasizes individual behavior over breed stereotypes, supporting both animal welfare and fair access to homeowner’s insurance.
Read AKC’s talking points for more information on this issue.
What You Can Do
- Contact Representative Tomilson and thank her for introducing the legislation.
- Contact Representative Brandon Markosek, House Housing and Community Development Committee Chair and ask him to hold a committee hearing and vote on HB 1515.
- Contact the members (click on member’s name) of the House Housing and Community Development Committee and ask them to support the bill and encourage the Committee Chair to hold a hearing and vote on the bill.
- Contact your State Representative and ask them to support the bill and encourage the House Housing and Community Development chair to hold a hearing and vote on the bill.
For more information, contact AKC’s Government Relations Department at (919) 816-3720, or email doglaw@akc.org.
AKC GR and our partner the Pennsylvania Federation of Dog Clubs will continue to monitor this and other legislation the impact the rights of dog owners and the dogs they love.