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Be prepared!!
It's not easy to find pet-friendly rental housing in most cities, so the
SF SPCA developed the Open Door Program and agreed to share much of their materials with
us. We would like to thank the SF SPCA for providing such a valuable resource to pet
owners. If you are in the area of the San Francisco SPCA, be sure to pick up their
tenant's guide. The address is 2500 16th Street, SF CA 94103. Tel: 415-554-3000.
When looking for a place that will take your pets, remember the
following:
- Be prepared to work hard and spend time.
- Find out what makes landlords say yes to pets.
- Demonstrate that you are a responsible pet owner and a good tenant.
- Be a great representative for all pet-owning tenants.
Tips for Tenants Seeking Housing:
- Bring up the subject of pets in person with the property owner rather than over
the phone, if possible. Personally presenting information about yourself and your pet may
help convince the landlord to say yes.
- Prepare a dossier on your pet to present to the landlord. Include your pet's
resume and references from former landlords, neighbors, obedience instructors, and
veterinarians.
- Offer to sign a pet agreement and pay an additional pet deposit.
- Encourage a pet owner to meet your freshly groomed, well-behaved pet.
A Responsible Pet Owner
Creates a dossier (see
sample below) about the pet, including such documents as proof of
spay/neuter, records of up-to-date vaccinations, indications of regular veterinary visits,
and obedience school diplomas;
Has written references from former
landlords and neighbors, dog trainers, obedience class instructors, and veterinarians
specifically discussing the pet;
Offers to sign a pet agreement with the landlord;
Encourages the potential landlord to
meet the well-groomed, well behaved pet;
Invites the landlord to see the animal
in his or her current setting, and to check on the pet after move-in;
Always cleans up after his or her pet;
Has the pet spayed or neutered;
Provides appropriate exercise and attention
for the pet daily, and makes suitable arrangements for the same when planning to be away;
and
Doesn't let the dog or cat roam the streets,
and knows the health & safety benefits of keeping a cat indoors and a dog under
control.
If you're a prospective tenant, impress upon your potential
landlord your knowledge and practice of responsible pet ownership. Usually, responsible
pet owners make responsible, good tenants.
Why a Pet Resume?
A pet resume provides an
opportunity to present potential landlords with a summary of your companion animal's best
qualities and examples of your responsibility as a pet owner. Try to address the following
areas in your pet resume.
Mention anything about your pet's age, activity level,
and/or breed traits that help make him or her a "good tenant." Emphasize
characteristics that make your pet suited for city living. Tell the landlord something
special about your companion animal's personality, and how much you care about your pet.
Give examples of your pet's good behavior, and your
responsibility. Has your dog been to obedience school or had special training? If your dog
has lived in apartment before and is accustomed to it, be sure to say so. If you have more
than one cat, let the landlord know how well your pets get along, and keep each other
company while you are away. If your cat uses a scratching post, say so and also note your
cat is litter box trained.
There can be a big difference between a 10-year old dog
and a frisky puppy. If your pet is quiet and calm and/or less active, point that out. If
you have an active dog, explain how you fulfill his or her exercise requirements.
Explain how you keep your pet clean and free of fleas.
Let the landlord know your dog or cat is spayed or
neutered and explain that this makes for a well-behaved, healthier pet. Also note that the
animal is up-to-date on his or her vaccinations, and mention who your pet's veterinarian
is.
Describe your arrangements for your pet when you go to
work or on vacation.
If you are a member of the San Francisco SPCA or other
animal protection organization, be sure to mention it in your pet resume.
In addition to your pet's resume, you
may also want to attach reference letters from current and pervious landlords and/or
neighbors; certificates of completion of obedience/training classes; references from your
pet's trainer or groomer; and a health certificate from your vet; and a picture of your
pet, especially if the animal is cute.
Sample Pet Resume
(For a dog:)
Bingo the Dingo
(John & Jane Doe, owners)
1234 Canine Court, Apt. 5
San Francisco, CA 94100
(415) 654-4321
Description
Bingo is a friendly, well-behaved dog who is accustomed to apartment life. He is
a five-year old medium-sized black Lab mix who is mature, calm and easy going. We have had
Bingo for four years, and he is a cherished member of our family. If you have any
questions about our dog, please ask.
Training
San Francisco SPCA Dog Training School, 199_.
Bingo is fully housebroken, and obeys voice commands. He does not bark excessive, although
he will give a short warning bark to alert us to strangers.
Activities
We walk Dingo twice a day, and go to one of the city's many off-leash areas for more
vigorous exercise at least three times a week. Bingo's behavior on an doff leash is
exemplary. He loves the beach, and friends often "borrow" him to go along with
them. These activities satisfy Bingo's exercise requirements, and he is calm and contented
relaxing indoors while we are away at work.
Health/Grooming
Bingo is neutered, which benefits both his behavior and his health. He is kept up-to-date
on all vaccinations, and receives regular health exams at the All Pets Animal Hospital. We
bathe Bingo at least once a month and groom him at least twice a week. He is on a
year-round flea prevention program.
About Us
As dog owners, we always try to act responsibly. We have taken a class on dog behavior, we
always clean up after our dog, and we arrange for reliable pet care if we are going out of
town. We are so sure Bingo will be a "good tenant," that we are willing to put
up an additional security deposit. We are members of the San Francisco SPCA, and we are
committed to responsible, caring pet ownership.
References
Our current landlord can be contacted at (415) 555-5555. Please also see attached letters
of recommendation and other documentation.
We would be happy for any potential landlord to meet
Dingo, visit him in his current home, and/or check to see how he is adjusting to his new
surroundings.
(For a cat):
Lucky
(John & Jane Doe, owners)
1234 Canine Court, Apt. 5
San Francisco, CA 94100
(415) 654-4321
Description
Lucky is a friendly, well-behaved cat who is used to being indoors and is
accustomed to apartment life. She is a five-year old female tabby who enjoys sleeping in
the sun and playing with her toys. She has a large scratching post which is the only thing
she uses to sharpen her claws, and she is fully letterbox trained. We have had Lucky for
four years, and she is a cherished member of our family. If you have any questions about
our cat, please ask.
Health/Grooming
Lucky is a spayed, which benefits both her behavior and her health. Since she does not go
outside, fleas are generally not a problem though she is on a year-round flea prevention
program. We groom Lucky often and she is naturally very tidy. She is also kept up-to-date
on all of her vaccinations, and receives regular health exams at All Pets Animal Hospital.
About Us
As cat owners, we always try to act responsibly. We clean Lucky's litter box every day,
and always dispose of litter in a sealed bag. We always arrange for reliable pet care if
we are going out of town. We are so sure Lucky will be a "good tenant," that we
are willing to put up an additional security deposit. We are members of the San Francisco
SPCA, and we are committed to responsible, caring pet ownership.
References
Our current landlord can be contacted at (415) 555-5555. Please also see attached letters
of recommendation and other documentation.
We would be happy for any potential landlord to meet
Lucky, visit her in her current home, and/or check to see how she is adjusting to her new
surroundings.
Pets in Rental
Housing: Myths & Realities
Myth: "If I let one tenant have a
pet, I'll have to let everyone have one."
Reality: Many landlords fear that if
they allow pets they will be overrun with irresponsible pet owners and the problems they
create. But with a few simple procedures and precautions in place, landlords can
successfully screen out these people without penalizing responsible pet owners who will
make excellent tenants.
Myth: One pet might be okay, but
more than one is just too many."
Reality: In some cases, a second pet
may actually make life easier all around. Most companion animals, including dogs and cats,
are social beings and companionship is one of their highest priorities. For a pet that
spends a lot of time alone, a playmate will help alleviate boredom. And the playmates need
not be of the same species; many dogs and cats, for instance, can become the best of
friends when raised together or properly introduced.
Myth: Dogs need big
back yards and someone to be home with them all day.
Reality: Dogs do
need regular exercise and a chance to spend time with their human companions. But when
these requirements are met, dogs can be happy in the city or country. And, fortunately,
it's easy to keep a dog happy a city where there are numerous off-leash dog runs to make
exercising and socializing fun and convenient.
Myth: Small dogs are okay, but
big dogs just aren't suited for apartment life."
Reality: It's not a dog's size
that determines how well it will do in rental housing; it's a dog's energy level and
exercise requirements that are important. Many large dogs tend to be more laid back and
easy going than their tiny counterparts. More active breeds may require a greater
commitment from their owners to ensure these animals get the exercise they need. Other
factors, such as age and temperament, can also be important. Older dogs, even larger one,
for instance, are generally less active than puppies.
A Guideline for Property
Owners
Successful Pet Policies
The following are some general guidelines for property owners when
setting up a pet policy. These are not hard and fast rules, and policies for individual
properties should be designed to best meet your specific needs.
Start with screening
Careful screening of prospective tenants is the first step to a successful pet policy. By
asking a few simple questions, property owners can screed out irresponsible pet owners and
find the responsible ones who will make good tenants.
Put it in writing
A written agreement protects the interests of both owner and tenant, and pet rules and
procedures help avoid misunderstandings.
Charge reasonable pet deposits
What is reasonable may vary, depending on the nature of each rental. While many landlords
don't charge any additional pet deposit, once survey showed the average pet deposit was
$150.
Establish limits
Limit permissible animals to common pets like dogs, cats, rodents, fish, and birds. A
policy on how many pets each tenant may own can also help keep the building's pet
population at manageable levels.
Set parameters
Should certain types of pets be confined to tenants' apartments? Should other pets be
permitted in all or only parts of the common areas? Should dogs be leashed when in
hallways and other communal areas? Establish pet regulations in advance, before any
conflicts arise.
Ensure cleanliness
A responsible pet owner will agree to immediately pick up and dispose of dog feces, bag
kitty litter before placing in garbage containers, and take other necessary sanitation
measures.
Require spaying and neutering
Spayed and neutered animals are generally healthier, better behaved, and more suited to
apartment living than their unaltered counterparts. That an animal is spayed or neutered
is one indication of a responsible pet owner. Be cautious of pet owners who have not
spayed or neutered their pets as this can indicate an indifference to the welfare of the
community at large.
Determine emergency arrangements
Property owners may want to keep a file with the names and addresses of each pet's
veterinarian and substitute caretakers designated by the tenant.
Put disciplinary procedures in writing and enforce them
fairly
These procedures might include a provision for warnings before any punitive measures are
taken. Whatever the policy, fair and consistent enforcement will reduce disputes and make
for better relations between management and tenants.
