Housing Challenges

Difficulty with your current living situation.

If the reasons are due to your landlord or current living situation, attempt to find alternative arrangements.

• Temporary boarding might be the solution.
• Family and friends may be able to help you out.
  Spread the word about your situation and you may be surprised to who steps up to help out. People are often willing to share your situation through word-of-mouth but also via social media tools such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc.
• Training may also help.
  We are happy to give you suggestions or share strategies that have helped other owners keep their pets. You can find out more on our Behavior Resources page.

People are sometimes forced to move for a variety of reasons. If you have recently lost your home or need to move, we want to help you find housing to accommodate you and your pet. Check out our pet friendly housing tips below.

Pet Friendly Housing Tips

Finding a home in the Bay Area is challenging, but it can be extra-daunting when you’ve got a four-legged housemate coming with you. Abandoning your animal for an apartment shouldn’t be an option, and with these tools and tips it doesn’t have to be.

Start looking at least 6 weeks before your move-out date and utilize all methods to secure housing. These may include: newspapers, magazines, listing services and word of mouth. Zillow, Trulia and Craigslist all have pet friendly filters on their search engines, as do the following:

Lovely Apartment
HotPads Oakland
RentLingo.com
Zumper.com
HomeSuite
Abodo.com
ApartmentList.com
ApartmentGuide.com
RentCafe

There is also a Facebook group that posts places that are pet friendly only as well as those with pets looking for housing. Keep in mind this is a closed group, so the you will need to request to be added to the group in order to see the listings or to post if you are looking for pet friendly housing.

 

 

Understand why many rentals reject pets. Many landlords have had bad experiences with irresponsible pet owners who didn’t take care of their property by leaving feces, sneaking pets in, or ruining carpets and drapes. They also worry about barking dogs and other destruction to their unit.

Provide references from previous landlords, obedience instructors, pet sitters, groomers, veterinarian, friends, neighbors, etc.

Prove you are a responsible pet owner. Show documentation stating that you are up-to-date on vaccinations, on a regular flea preventative and that your animal is spayed or neutered and licensed. Make it clear that you keep your cat inside and your dog under control at all times and that you understand the health and safety benefits of doing so.

Offer an extra pet deposit and offer to sign a pet agreement. Ensure your landlord that your pet will not damage their property. Point out that your pet is house-trained or litter box trained and that you provide them with daily exercise.

Promote your pet. Offer to bring your pet to meet the owner or manager or invite them to visit you in your current home. A freshly groomed, well-behaved pet will speak volumes.

Create a pet resume by compiling the above information into a short scrapbook with photos and submit it with your tenant application form. See more information and samples of pet resumes.

Don’t try to sneak your pet in. Keeping an animal in violation of a no-pets rule contributes to the general inclination of landlords not to allow pets. You also may be subject to possible eviction or other legal action.

Maintain a pet emergency kit that includes an emergency plan and supplies in the event the home must be quickly evacuated because of a disaster. Disaster Prep Information