Saturday, May 31, 2014

Dog-friendly apartments: A dog owner's guide



Image Source: rent.sheaapartments.com



For many people, a house (or an apartment) is not a home without a canine companion. Finding an apartment that allows dogs is no longer as hard as it used to be, thanks to changing attitudes about pet ownership in the real estate industry. Listed below are some tips to help dog-owners looking for a place for them and their dogs to call home.

Where to find a dog-friendly apartment

There are many online resources for people looking for dog-friendly apartments. Websites like Apartment Guide and People with Pets have a large database of pet-friendly apartments. Animal rights groups like the Humane Society and No Paws Left Behind also list resources and tips on finding dog-friendly apartments by city or state on their websites. Other ways to find pet-friendly apartments: classified ads websites like Craigslist, referrals from fellow dog-owning friends, and referrals from the veterinarian.



Image Source: peoplewithpets.com


Understanding the landlord's policies on dogs and other pets

Many apartments have breed and weight restrictions. Some landlords do not allow renters to keep dogs on the Dangerous Dog Breeds list, and some do not allow dogs that weigh more than 30 lbs. There may also be extra fees or an added deposit required. Potential renters should read the lease agreement carefully and ask questions if necessary.

How to keep good relations between landlord and renter

Even if an apartment is specified as pet-friendly, the landlord may still have some reservations about renting to dog owners because of a few bad experiences. A potential renter should sympathize with the landlord's concerns and offer the following information to set the landlord's mind at ease:

• A copy of the dog's vaccination records
• A copy of the dog's medical records, including details on spaying/neutering, prophylaxis, micro chipping, and the like.
• A certificate of completion from canine obedience class, if any
• References from previous landlords, friends, neighbors, or veterinarians that show that the renter is a responsible owner and that the dog is well-behaved.

Responsibility and a willingness to work with the landlord are key to living happily in an apartment with a dog.



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The Reserve Apartments in Tyler, TX provides luxury off-campus housing at reasonable rates. For discussions about apartment rentals, like this Facebook page.