by Nancy Peterson
You have found the perfect apartment. It's roomy, and the view is spectacular. There's just one problem. There is a "no pets" policy. What will you do with your beloved Fido? Unfortunately, "moving" and "landlord won't allow" are among the top reasons given by pet caregivers when they relinquish their pets to animal shelters. But if you are overwhelmed by the challenges of moving and finding pet-friendly rental housing, take heart. Whether it is an apartment, condominium, or a rental house, finding pet-friendly rental housing is a realistic goal in virtually any area of the country.
The key is to be a responsible pet caregiver. Many landlords and housing managers have legitimate concerns about allowing pets. They may have had bad experiences with irresponsible pet caregivers who didn't safely confine their animals or pick up their feces, sneaked pets in, or left ruined carpets and drapes when they moved out. Others worry about complaints from neighbors, wonder how to deal effectively with pet caregivers should problems arise, and think that if they allow one resident to have a pet, they will have to let everyone have pets.
Considering the many benefits of living with a pet, it is unfortunate that some landlords and housing managers reject all residents with pets without realizing that allowing pets could benefit them as well. Responsible pet caregivers make excellent residents. Because they must search harder for a place to live, pet caregivers are more likely to stay put. Lower vacancy rates mean lower costs and fewer headaches for landlords and real estate agents. If more rental housing permitted pets, millions of dogs and cats could be placed in homes and stay in their homes when their caregivers move. That is why The HSUS is helping rental managers, property owners, and pet caregivers solve the challenges of keeping pets in rental properties. It's all part of our Pets for Life™ campaign, designed to keep pets in their homes, where they belong, for life.
Whether you're a renter or a landlord and need information about pets in rental housing, visit www.rentwithpets.org, the nation's premier website on pets in rental housing. The site is full of information that helps pet caregivers, rental managers, and property owners solve the challenges of keeping pets in rental properties. Or if you are a pet owner looking for pet-friendly housing, order a copy of our new booklet 13 Steps to Finding Rental Housing That Accepts Pets. If you are a rental manager, learn more about offering pet-friendly housing by ordering our booklet Profiting from Pets: A Guide for Rental Managers and Property Owners. To order, send $1.00* to:
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Rent with Pets The HSUS 2100 L St., NW Washington, DC 20037 |
Bulk rates are available. Remember, taking good care of your pet and your home can open doors for you and millions of others. *Residents of these states should add applicable sales tax: CA (7.25%), CT (6%), DC (5.75%), FL (6%), MD (5%), OH (5%).
