Compose a Pet Resume

We can also provide a resume and references for our pets when applying for a home rental. A resume for a pet shows their best traits, it also shows that we are responsible pet owners. The landlord would be less likely to fear destruction of their property by a pet as well as other problems such as smells, marking, etc. Because of these reasons, many landlords are apprehensive to rent their units to pet owners.

As a responsible pet owner, we should clean their waste, repair damages done by them, etc. as well as provide them with the proper care and behavior training when needed. Unfortunately, there are many irresponsible pet owners which make it bad for everyone else. We need to provide our pets with the proper care and be accountable for their actions and demonstrate that we do as such. A landlord should be provided with information about the pet such as temperament, how their time is spent (especially when alone at home), the pet's routine, its health status, how care is provided. This shows that we are responsible and that the landlord will not encounter problems.

These steps can be done for cats and other animals but it is most important for dogs.

The format of the resume is not important as long as it contains all of the pertinent information. A picture of the animal should be included. It should also be typed.

At the top of the page type the pet's name, pet owner's name and address. Include a picture next to this information or beneath it. Skip a couple of lines and follow the rest of the resume in a similar fashion:

Description:  German Shepherd/Pit bull mix, female, age 12, 70 lbs, owed from 3 months of age.

Temperament:  Yoda is apprehensive when she first meets people but since she is friendly, she comes around quickly. She is good with kids and craves attention from adults. She is happiest when around people. There are 2 cats in the household which she gets along with well. She has toys which she plays with and likes the interaction. Although she has not received any formal training, she understands many commands, phrases, and obeys them. She is given much attention and behavior training is provided at home.

Owner's Care:  Monthly baths (or sooner if required) are provided along with nail trims. Teeth are brushed every other day and ears are cleaned weekly. The baths are performed in the tub with a metal mesh placed on the drain to ensure that all hair is caught.

Health:  She is spayed and has no parasites-internal or external (fleas, ticks, etc), is up to date on vaccinations and has no health problems. She obtains yearly vet examinations (or sooner if required).

Routine:  When alone, she has the run of the house since she is well behaved but barks when she senses strangers or when the doorbell is rung. She is walked 2 times a day and let to run in the yard once a day. Fecal mar is picked up and disposed of in a waste receptacle. A pet sitter is provided when the family goes on vacation or is left for an extended period of time.

About Owner:  Member of the ASPCA and the Humane Society of the US.

Yoda is loved and treated like another family member as we feel that she is part of our family. We have the need for her to live with us. I am willing to pay an extra security deposit for her. The landlord is welcome to visit to affirm that she is well behaved, has adapted to the new surroundings and does not cause damage to the dwelling.

Tips:

A separate resume should be provided for each individual animal.

Provide separate references from your current landlord and/or neighbors.

If the landlord is not interested in renting out the unit to pet owners, do not insist or beg. Do not try this in places that have a strict "no animals" policy. There are places that are pet-friendly!

Do not exaggerate in the resume features about your pet. It looks very bad if you state that the animal is friendly when in fact it is aggressive.