If you are considering renting a pet-friendly apartment, it may be useful to have a pet resume to offer your landlord or real estate agency. A pet resume provides an opportunity for you to present a summary of your dog's best qualities and your awareness of your responsibilities as a pet owner.
Consider providing information about the following within your pet's resume:
Formal details
Your dog's breed if known (review our breed library), age, size, and desexed status. If their breed or age is especially suited to apartment living, be sure to emphasize this. Note: if your pet is microchipped and registered.
Pet's rental history
Discuss any previous rental experience you and your dog have had, providing references if possible. State that you are currently aware of and understand the rules and restrictions in the accommodation for which you are applying.
Your pet's health
List your vet's name and contact details. Mention that your dog is regularly health-checked and vaccinated, and that your dog's flea, tick, and worming control are kept up to date.
Your pet's behavior
Mention any aspects of your pet's behavior that will make your dog a valued resident, especially if your pet is:
- Well trained
- Quiet
- Less active or walked regularly
- Friendly towards humans and other animals
- Has been kept in rental accommodation with no issues previously.
Your responsibility
Explain the ways that you are a responsible pet owner, including:
- Your pet is desexed and healthy, and all medication is up to date.
- Any previous rental experience you have had with your dog and how successful this was.
- Providing suitable toilet facilities for your dog and, where appropriate, taking your dog on toilet breaks. You always clean up after your pet.
- Being aware of your pet's needs and providing adequate stimulation and training. This may include obedience training and toys for your dog. You also regularly groom your pet or attend a professional groomer.
- Describing your arrangements for your pet when you go to work or on holiday.
- Any commitments you have to animal organizations or charities such as the AWLA.
- Being honest about how many pets you have or intend to keep.
- Expressing how much you love and care for your pet.
References
Landlords may look favorably on any references you can provide about your pet. These may include:
- Letters from current and previous landlords and/or neighbors.
- A letter from your vet.
- Certificates of training in dog obedience or letters from your dog trainer or groomer.
- A photograph of your pet.
Template
Consider using the below template to help you start your pet's resume:
Name: Molly
Breed: Border Collie
Age: 3 years
Size: 16 kg, Medium Build
Desexed: Yes
Microchip #: 982011889900224
Health: (Include Vaccines and Flea/Worming Treatments) Up to date. Flea and Worming treatment monthly.
Description: Use this section to give some basic information about your pet, such as how long you have owned your pet, if your pet gets along with children, other dogs, etc.
Activities & Training: Give examples of some activities your pet enjoys and any training that you have done in order to show your pet’s behavior. Do not forget to mention how many walks/day your pet has and how he/she behaves when you are not at home.
References: This section works to give references from other landlords, the kennel, and the veterinarian about your pet.
Picture: It is very important to add on your pet’s resume a picture as there is no better way to show how cute and friendly your pet looks.
