Breed Restrictions and Unfair Housing Led Me to Found The Pit Bull Doctor

The journey that led to the founding of The Pit Bull Doctor started with a simple desire: to provide a safe and loving home for my pit bull, Justice. Little did I know that this quest would expose the deeply rooted breed restrictions and unfair housing practices that make it difficult for responsible dog owners to find suitable housing. This is my story.

Finding Justice and Navigating Housing Discrimination

When I first got my American Staffordshire Terrier puppy, Justice, she was a bundle of energy and love. Like many pit bulls, Justice quickly became more than just a pet—she was my confidant, my exercise buddy, and my source of comfort. As an Emotional Support Animal (ESA), Justice played a crucial role in helping me navigate life’s challenges. But as I soon discovered, owning a pit bull comes with its own set of challenges, especially when it comes to finding housing.

I spent nearly two years living in an apartment complex which took me quite some time to find that didn't impose breed restrictions, and for a while, it felt like we had found our sanctuary. The apartment fit our needs, and Justice was happy. However, as my life circumstances changed, I decided it was time to move into a rental home. I began the search with excitement, hopeful that I could find a place where Justice and I could thrive.

The Disappointment of Discrimination

After several viewings, I finally found a rental home that seemed perfect. The application process went smoothly, and I was accepted—until the listing agent discovered that I had a pit bull. Despite Justice’s status as an ESA, the agent began to alter the lease terms, making it impossible for me to agree. It became clear that they were trying to push me out so they could offer the place to another applicant, someone without a pit bull.

The experience was disheartening. I felt like I was being punished for choosing to love and care for a dog that society unfairly stigmatizes. However, instead of giving up, I became more determined to protect my rights and Justice’s well-being.

A Step Towards Empowerment

Recognizing that this wouldn't be the last time I would encounter such blatant discrimination, I decided to complete Justice’s service dog training. This step was empowering—it gave me the legal backing I needed to demand reasonable accommodations under the law. However, it also made me realize how many others might not have the resources or knowledge to fight back against breed discrimination.

I eventually found another apartment complex willing to accept us, but the struggle didn’t end there. When it came time to search for housing again, I faced a prejudiced landlord who attempted to deny my request for reasonable accommodations. I discuss this encounter in-depth in this blog post: https://thepitbulldoctor.com/blog/housing-discrimination-black-queer-woman-with-a-pit-bull-service-animal.

Founding The Pit Bull Doctor

These experiences led me to found The Pit Bull Doctor, which I initially called Atlanta Pit Bull Training. I wanted to create a platform where pit bull owners could find the support, resources, and advocacy they needed to fight back against breed restrictions, housing discrimination, and unfair housing practices. I believe that no one should have to choose between their pet and a place to live, especially when their pet is a trained service animal or provides crucial emotional support.

The Pit Bull Doctor is more than just a name—it’s a mission to break down the barriers that pit bull owners face, to educate landlords and property managers about the rights of service animal owners, and to provide a community where we can all share our stories, struggles, and successes.

Moving Forward

Justice and I have come a long way, and I’m proud of the work we’ve done through The Pit Bull Doctor. But the fight is far from over. As long as breed restrictions and unfair housing practices exist, there will be more battles to fight and more stories to tell.

Thank you for taking the time to read about our journey. If you’ve faced similar challenges or need support in navigating breed restrictions and housing discrimination, or would like advice on your pit bull’s behavior, The Pit Bull Doctor is here to help.