Letās be real.
Renting with a pet feels like trying to smuggle a T-Rex into a āno pets allowedā hotel.
Even if your dog is basically a furry angelā¦
Even if your cat is a certified professional napperā¦
Some landlords still hear āpetā and picture clawed-up doors, chewed carpet, and a backyard that looks like a war zone.
But hereās the truth:
A killer pet resume can flip the script ā and turn your four-legged mate into your greatest rental asset.
Letās break down exactly how to build a pet resume landlordsĀ canāt resist š
š¾ Why a Pet Resume Works
Most renters donāt bother to make one.
Those who do?
ā Instantly look organized, responsible, and serious
ā Remove fear and uncertainty from the landlordās mind
ā Humanize their application (āawww, look at that face!ā)
ā Outshine dozens of other renters in competitive markets
ItāsĀ one page that could literally make the difference between āsorry, no petsā and āwhen can you move in?ā
š What to Include in Your Pet Resume
Think of your pet resume like a mini LinkedIn profile for your furry mate.
Professional, polished, and packed with reassuring details.
Hereās the winning formula:
š 1ļøā£ Basic Info
ā Name
ā Breed
ā Age
ā Size/weight
ā Personality traits (e.g., calm, well-socialized, low-energy)
š¬ Example:
āCharlie is a 5-year-old Golden Retriever, weighing 28kg. He is gentle, well-trained, and enjoys long naps more than barking at anything that moves.ā
𩺠2ļøā£ Health & Vaccination Records
ā Up-to-date vaccinations
ā Desexed (if applicable)
ā Regular vet check-ups
ā Flea and worming treatments
š” Pro Tip: Attach a vet certificate or vaccination proof if you can ā it screams āresponsible owner.ā
š 3ļøā£ Training & Behaviour
ā House-trained? āļø
ā Obedience school graduate? āļø
ā Crate-trained or apartment-approved? āļø
ā Good with kids, other pets, or neighbours? āļø
š¬ Example:
āCharlie completed basic obedience classes at Happy Hounds Training and has lived successfully in apartments for the past 3 years.ā
š” 4ļøā£ Rental History (If Applicable)
ā Previous rentals with your pet
ā No complaints, damage, or drama
ā References from past landlords or property managers
š” Power Move: If you had aĀ pet bond or special pet agreement previously and got your full bond back ā say it!
š§ 5ļøā£ Pet References
ā Vet
ā Dog trainer
ā Groomer
ā Previous landlord
š¬ Example Reference:
āCharlie has been a regular patient at Sunny Paws Veterinary Clinic for 5 years. He is in excellent health, is well-behaved during visits, and shows no signs of aggressive or destructive behavior.ā
šø 6ļøā£ Cute (But Professional) Photos
ā One or two good-quality photos
ā Your pet looking calm, clean, and adorable
ā Bonus points for a leash photo, a couch cuddle, or a chill backyard hangout
No blurry action shots or chaotic park scenes where it looks like theyāre about to tackle another dog, please. š
š¶ Example Pet Resume Layout
Name: Charlie
Breed: Golden Retriever
Age: 5 years
Weight: 28kg
Temperament: Calm, friendly, low-energy
Vaccination Status: Fully vaccinated & desexed
Training: Obedience school graduate, house-trained
Rental History: Successfully lived in two apartment rentals with no issues reported. Full bond refunded at previous properties.
References: Sunny Paws Vet Clinic (Dr. Lisa Brown ā 555-1234)
(Insert 1ā2 professional pet photos here)
š„ Extra Power Moves for Maximum Approval Chances
āļø Offer a Pet Bond: Show youāre willing to pay a small pet bond upfront if needed.
āļø Mention Pet Insurance: If you have it, highlight it ā it shows youāre prepared for any āwhat ifs.ā
āļø Be Available for a āPet Interviewā: Offer to introduce your pet if the landlord/agent is nervous.
š” Pro Tip: Always mention in your cover letter that a pet resume is attached. (It shows professionalism from the start!)
š” Final Takeaway: Turn āNo Petsā Into āNo Problemā
Landlords arenāt evil.
Most just worry about the unknown.
A strong pet resume removes the fear and replaces it withĀ confidence:
Confidence that you and your pet will treat their property with care, respect, and responsibility.
šÆ A clean, polished pet resume isnāt just nice to have ā itās your secret weapon for rental success.
Now go ahead.
Show them your furry best mate is rental royalty. š¾š
Youāve got this!