Renting with Dogs
One reason often given for giving up pets is that the
owner did not find pet-friendly rentals. But many
renters do own pets. Here are some tips for pet
owners looking for rental housing.
Check out these databases and resources on the web:
People With Pets also offers a free nationwide
apartment locator service by toll-free phone:
1-888-293-PETS.
In addition, the Humane Society of the United States
offers a variety of helpful print materials about
renting with pets. You'll find information for
landlords, property owners/managers and tenants. See
the HSUS website at www.hsus.org or call 202-452-1100.
Some tips for persuading a landlord to accept your
dog:
* Provide references from past landlords as well as
veterinarians, trainers and petsitters.
* Show veterinary records to prove the animal is
up-to-date on vaccinations and that you take good care
of your pet.
* Show any training certificates and obedience
awards. A good idea is to obtain Good Canine
Citizenship (CGC) certification for your dog.
* Provide a written statement that you will always
keep your dog on a leash when outside and that you'll
clean up after your pet.
* Prepare and provide a pet resume about your dog,
including his good behavior, good health, any training
courses, quotes from neighbors, the type of flea
control you use, spay/neuter status, and other
positive details.
* Offer to pay a pet deposit if required. Try to
arrange for a refundable one. Note to landlords and
other property managers: refundable deposits
encourage tenants to take good care of rental
property.
* Invite the landlord to meet your dog. Make sure
the dog is in a calm state during the meeting. It
helps to exercise the dog well before the meeting
time.
LeaseWithPets.com offers an inventive option: a
pet-deposit warranty that you can purchase and present
to a landlord. The cost is $250 a year plus a
one-time refundable deposit of $300. The policy
insures against pet damage up to $5,000.
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For more Dog Tips about pet
care, adoption and the work PAW does, visit our
website at:
Partnership for Animal Welfare, Inc.
For additional information and tips for finding
pet-friendly rentals, see the articles on Renting with
Pets in the Dog Tips section of the PAW website
www.paw-rescue.org.
Also see the recent Dog Tip, "Traits and Training
Matter More Than Size."
How to create a pet resume that you can use to
persuade landlords to allow your dog:
www.sfspca.org (go to the Open Door Program)
www.paw-rescue.org
P.O. Box 1074, Greenbelt, MD 20768