Pet Resumes
A pet resume provides an opportunity to present potential landlords with a summary of your companion animal’s best qualities and examples of your responsibility as a pet owner. Try to address the areas below in your pet resume:
- Be descriptive: Mention anything about your pet’s age, activity level, and/or breed traits that help make your dog or cat a “good tenant”. Tell the landlord something special about your companion animal’s personality, and how much you care about your pet.
- Stay positive: 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 make sure to note that your cat is litterbox trained.
- Note activity level: If your pet is quiet, calm and/or less active, point that out. There can be a big difference between a 10-year-old dog and a frisky puppy. If you have an active dog, explain how you fulfill his/her exercise requirements.
- Discuss health: 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 veterinarian is.
- Show responsibility: Describe your arrangements for your pet when you go to work or on vacation.
- Display cleanliness: Explain that you always clean up after your dog, and/or dispose of cat litter properly, and make sure you do.
- Show commitment: If you are a member of The East Bay SPCA or other animal protection organization, be sure to mention it in your pet resume. In addition to your pet’s resume, you may also want to attach reference letters from current and previous landlords and/or neighbors; certificates of completion of obedience/training classes; references from your pet’s trainer or groomer; and a health certificate from your vet; and even if your pet is not cute, a picture for identification purposes.
Lucky
(John & Jane Doe, owners)
123 Magnolia Lane
San Francisco, CA 94000
(415) 555-5555
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/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 Francisco SPCA Animal Hospital.
About Us: As cat owners, we always try to act responsibly. We clean Lucky’s litter box 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 Francisco SPCA and are committed to responsible, caring pet ownership.
References: Our current landlord can be reached at (510) 555-0000. Please also see attached letters of recommendation and other documentation.
We would be happy to have a potential landlord meet Lucky, visit him in his current home, and/or check in to see how he is adjusting to his new surroundings after we move in.
Bingo
(John & Jane Doe, owners)
123 Magnolia Lane
San Francisco, CA 94000
(415) 555-5555
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 the Oakland SPCA Dog Training School, [date]. 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/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 Oakland 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 Francisco SPCA, and are committed to responsible, caring pet ownership.
References: Our current landlord can be reached at (510) 555-0000. Please also see attached letters of recommendation and other documentation. We would be happy to have a potential landlord meet Bingo, visit him in his current home, and/or check in to see how he is adjusting to his new surroundings after we move in.
