• Create a dossier about the pet(s), including such documents as proof of spay/neuter surgery, 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 pay an additional pet deposit and to cover any damages resulting from the pet's actions.

• Encourages the potential landlord to meet the well-groomed, well-behaved pet.

• Invites the landlord to see the animal in its 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.

• Doesn't let the dog or cat roam the streets, and know the health and safety benefits of keeping the cat indoors and the dog under control.

• Mention anything about your pet's age, activity level, and/or breed traits that help make your dog or cat 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 apartments 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 that your cat is litterbox trained.

• There can be a big difference between a 10-year-old dog and a frisky puppy. If your pet is quiet, calm and/or less active, point that out. If you have an active dog, explain how you fulfill his/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 your animal is up-to-date on his/her vaccinations, and mention who your pet's veteranarian is.

• Describe your arrangements for your pet when you go to work or on vacation.

• If you are a member of The San Diego SPCA or other animal protection organization, be sure to mention it in your pet resume.

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 Diego SPCA Dog Training School, 199_ Bingo is fully housebroken, and obeys voice commands. He does not bark excessively, although he will give a short warning bark to alert us to strangers.

Activities

We walk Bingo 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 and off-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 and 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 San Diego SPCA Animal Hospital. We bathe and flea comb Bingo often, and he is professionally groomed once a month.

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," we are willing to put up an additional security deposit. We are members of The San Diego SPCA, and are committed to responsible, caring pet ownership.

References

Our current landlord can be contacted at (415)555-0000. Please also see attached letters of recommendation and other documentation.

Description

Lucky is a friendly, well-behaved cat who is used to being indoors and is accustomed to apartment life. He is a five-year-old male tabby cat who enjoys sleeping in the sun and playing with his toys. He has a large scratching post which is the only thing he uses to sharpen his claws, and he is fully litterbox trained. We have had Lucky for four years, and he is a cherished member of our family. If you have any questions about our cat, please ask.

Health and Grooming

Lucky is neutered, which benefits both his behavior and health. Since he does not go outdoors, fleas are generally not a problem. We brush Lucky often, and have him professionally groomed at least once a year. He is also kept up-to-date on all vaccinations, and receives regular health exams at The San Diego SPCA Animal Hospital.

About Us

As cat owners, we always try to act responsibly. We clean Lucky's litterbox every day, and always dispose of litter in a sealed bag. We arrange for reliable pet care if we are going out of town. We are so sure Lucky will be a "good tenant," we are willing to put up an extra security deposit. We are members of The San Diego SPCA and are commited to responsible caring pet ownership.

References

Our current landlord can be reached at (415)555-0000. Please also see attached letters of recommendation and other documentation.

• Bring up the subject of pets in person with the property owner rather tan 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 the property owner to meet your freshly groomed well-behaved pet.

• Share the information in the Open Door Property Owners Guide with prospective landlords, and let them know about the services we provide.

• Show that you are a member of The San Diego SPCA and/or other humane organization and that you care about animal welfare and responsible pet ownership.

• Let us know what techniques and ideas worked for you so we can share them with others.