Moving With Your Pet
When looking for a house or apartment to rent, ensure that pets are allowed and if so, be sure to gather the following information:
Pet Profiles
- What types of pets are allowed (felines, canines, aquatics, avian, etc.)?
- How many pets are allowed?
- Is there a maximum weight limit for pets?
- Is there a minimum age requirement for pets?
- Are there any breed restrictions?
Financial Requirements
- Is there a refundable pet deposit?
- Is there a monthly pet rent and does that increase for multiple animals?
- Is there a one-time nonrefundable pet fee?
Create a Pet Resume
- Include your contact information (first & last name, phone number, email)
- Add photos that bring out the best in your pet and their basic information (name, breed, age, weight, spay/neuter status)
- List training courses your pet has completed and a summary of their personality
- Include a copy of your pet’s updated vaccination records as well as licensing and microchip information
- Have references who can vouch for your pet (their veterinarian, trainer, pet sitter, boarding facility/doggie daycare, and past neighbors & landlords)
- Can also include your pet’s exercise routine, bathing/grooming regimen, their behavior with other animals, and whether they’re crate trained
Sample Pet Resumes, fillable PDFs, and information about Understanding Your Landlord can all be found through Rentberry and Rent to Own Labs.
Tenant Rights
Know the difference between a Service Dog, Therapy Dog, and Emotional Support Animal
Therapy Dogs are dogs who do visitations to help spread cheer or help with a specific therapy as directed by a physician or therapist. They don’t have public access or access to “No Pets Allowed” housing.
Emotional Support Animals or Comfort Animals can be “prescribed” by a doctor or therapist but are not considered service animals by the ADA. On the state level, some states have housing laws that require emotional support animals to have access, but most don’t because they do not fall under the jurisdiction of the ADA.
More information can be found through Canine Journal.