Your Pet's Details
Create a résumé for you and your pet(s) which includes documents as proof of spay/neuter surgery, current medical records including vaccinations and proof of regular veterinary visits and any obedience school documents.
References
Include in the résumé written references from previous landlords, neighbours, obedience class instructors and veterinarians.
Pet Deposit
If you live in Western Australia you may offer to pay an additional 'pet deposit' of up to $100 to cover any damages resulting from your pet's actions as a demonstration of your responsible approach to renting with pets.Most other Australian states do not permit the payment of pet specific deposits or bonds.
Pet Agreement
Offer to jointly develop and sign a pet agreement with your landlord which covers all likely situations which may arise and actions to be taken in the event that problems or issues arise with your pet.
Meeting
Offer to bring your pet to meet the property owner/manager to demonstrate it is well behaved and cared-for.
Further demonstrate you are a responsible pet owner by explaining that:
you provide appropriate levels of exercise and
attention to your pet at all times;
you do not let your pet roam the streets;
you make suitable arrangements to care for your
pet if you are away on
business or holidays;
you always keep control of your dog in public
places, and
you hygienically clean up after your pet at all
times.
A résumé on your pet will not only provide the owner/manager with all relevant information about your pet, it will also clearly demonstrate you are a responsible pet owner.
Information you include should cover:
a physical description of your pet name,
age and physical appearance;
details of any training your pet has received;
a description of your exercise regime with your
pet (if applicable) covering the number of times you exercise your pet,
the usual location
and the usual duration of each outing; and
details on the health and grooming of your pet,
covering issues such as neutering, vaccination record and how frequently
you groom it.
In addition, mention anything about your pet's age, activity level or traits which help reinforce that it is a 'good tenant'.
When the above information is provided with references attached, you will be ensuring the owner/manager makes their decision with the benefit of a full description of your pet and its habits, and in the knowledge that you are a responsible pet owner.
For further information please write to:
Australian Companion Animal Council
PO Box 371, ARTARMON, NSW 2064