How to Navigate Renting as a Pet Owner

Have you ever had to give up a pet because of where you lived? When I was a kid, we had to get rid of the family dog when we moved to an apartment in a new city. The city was nicer, the schools were better, but finding an affordable place that allowed pets was impossible. I was only four, but I still remember how sad I was when my mom told me I’d be losing my best friend, Lady. There was just nothing she could do about it.

The Problem

It turns out that this is an all too common story. Research shows that the leading cause of people relinquishing their pets to shelters is because of an inability to house their pets any longer. A reason that is particularly common is when rent prices increase and households are forced to downsize. In fact, after the Great Recession, the number of pets sent to the pound because of a “no pet” policy increased 20%. More recently, in places like Los Angeles where they are experiencing a housing crisis in which people with full-time jobs are one emergency away from homelessness, the issue has been brought to the city council.

One City’s Solution

A motion was recently passed that requires low-income housing units to allow their tenants to have pets. This means that moving forward, any housing unit that has received funding from an Affordable Housing grant will be required to allow pets. This lets some of LA’s pet owners have some protection. However, it doesn’t promise everyone they will be able to find pet-friendly housing, but at least those who are already struggling to get a home will be able to keep their pets.

What You Can Do

For those of us not living in LA or who are on the long waiting list for Affordable Housing, here are some tips for navigating being a pet owner and a renter.

1. If possible, give yourself as much time as possible when you have to find a new place to live. It’s when we’re forced into moving quickly that housing our furry family members is the hardest. The natural solution to this problem is to take your time when you can.
2. Research what pet-friendly rental complexes are in your area to see if they would be a good option for you.
3. When searching classifieds, ads, craigslist, and other such resources, check for a “pet-friendly” filter so you only see options that are viable for your family.
4. Network through social media, your friends and family, co-workers and the like. Often places that may otherwise not have allowed pets will consider one when you’ve been recommended to them by someone they know.
5. Have reference letters from previous landlords that have housed your pets along with their training certificate and vaccination and spaying records. Think of your pet as an additional tenant whose best qualities should be displayed.