Have Pets & Thinking of Renting? Have a Pet Resume for Your Furry Friend

Thinking of renting an apartment, house or seasonal rental with your loyal four-legged friend?  Make sure they put their best paw forward by creating a pet resume.

A pet resume, similar to a resume you would create for a job application, is a summary of your pet’s best qualities. It’s an opportunity to demonstrate that you are a responsible owner and your pet won’t cause any problems.

Many pet-friendly properties require a pet resume. Even if it’s not required, sending one in with your application will put you in good standing with the landlord or property manager. This document can also be helpful if you are trying to persuade a property owner that currently has a no pet policy.  When searching for a rental don’t be discouraged by properties that state “no pets”.  Often times if you offer an additional pet deposit and/or a pet rent (a monthly amount in addition to the regular rent.

What to Include on your pet resume

Including all of these basics will ensure you have a well-rounded resume for your landlord or property manager to review.

PHOTO:  A picture can be worth a thousand words. Include a playful photo of your pet on the resume so the property manager can fall in love with them. You may want to choose one that shows they get along with kids or seniors. A cute photo might be enough to convince them you’re a good fit for the apartment.

NAME:  Introduce your pet by their name. If for some reason the name is crude or offensive by nature, you may want to make up a different name for the resume.

AGE: Include your dog’s age on the resume. Keep in mind the property manager might be more willing to let your pet stay if they are fully grown rather than a puppy.

BREED:  Listing a breed is especially important if you have a dog. Some properties restrict certain breeds. They are legally allowed to restrict any breeds they want unless you have a service dog. Be aware of what these breed restrictions are. If your dog is on the list, consider setting up an in-person meeting with the property manager so they can get to know your dog

WEIGHT & SIZE:  Another important consideration is the weight and size of your pet. The pet’s size indicates how much damage they can do on the property. Not knowing your pet’s temperament, this is often the main item your property manager will consider.

SEX:  Include the sex of your pet. This shouldn’t impact the owner/property manager’s decision, but it helps give them a better overview of your pet.

HEALTH:  Give a brief history of health. This should include if your pet was spayed or neutered and what shots and vaccines they have received. The property manager may also ask for proof of vaccines. If you don’t have a copy on hand, you can get one from your vet.  A healthy pet is less likely to bring diseases into the property.

TRAINING & SKILLS:  Have you taken your dog to training classes? Does your cat respond to your commands? Be sure to include all your pet’s training and skills. If you plan to keep attending a training course, include this as well. Landlords and property managers love a well-behaved pet.

ABOUT:  In this part of the resume, you can explain your relationship with your pet. Be sure to include how long you’ve owned them if they have lived in an apartment before if they are an indoor or outdoor pet if they shed, what their favorite pastime is and what you love most about them.

CARE & ROUTINE:  Explain your care routine so your property manager knows they will be well cared for. Include your usual routine

REFERENCES:  It’s always helpful to have others to back up everything you’ve stated on your resume. Get in contact with these people ahead of time so they are expecting a call. Some references include a past landlord, pet sitter, veterinarian or neighbor.

YOUR NAME & CONTACT INFORMATION:  Last but not least, be sure to include your full name and contact information in case your pet resume gets separated from your rental application.