Pet-Friendly Housing

If you have a large dog or a dog whose breed is commonly misunderstood:

• Plan ahead. Give yourself plenty of time to find a place where your whole family, including your dog can live.
• Be a great representative. Make sure you dog is well behaved. Consult a positive trainer if needed.Click here to read more about finding a positive trainer.
• Be polite. No matter how the property owner or manager responds, be polite.
• Bring your dog. If your dog responds well to new people and situations, bring him or her with you. If there’s any wiggle room in the pet policy, it’s much harder to say no to a sweet dog and tail wags.
• Show off how great your dog is. Bring reference letters from previous landlords, a reference letter from you your positive trainer and/or your dog’s Canine Good Citizen certificate.
• Make sure your dog is healthy. Be ready to show a potential landlord proof that your pet is current on vaccinations and spayed or neutered.
• Have insurance. This can be a property owner’s biggest concern. Be proactive and go ahead and purchase renters insurance that covers your pets and let the landlord know that you have this when you apply.
• Be honest. Don’t try to hide your dog or sign a lease that doesn’t allow him or her. If you get caught, you’ll have to find a new place to live with little time to look or be faced with having to give up your dog.
• Pay a higher deposit. If you can, offer to pay a higher deposit or rent to help with any concerns over damage your pet may cause.