Pet Friendly Apartments

How can I find pet friendly apartments?

Pet friendly apartments are out there, but finding them can be a challenge. Knowing how to start the search is important. There are several good resources that you can use to locate an apartment building that welcomes renters that have pets.

Contacting real estate agents and rental agencies can be a help, as they will be likely to have some information on pet friendly apartments in the area. Local animal shelters can also be a good resource; they may know of some apartments that accept pets in their town. Take a quick look in the phone book to find the number for one of these places to see if they can give you any ideas.

Another great place to look is on the Internet. Online apartment listing services often have a search feature that will enable you to look for properties that accept pets, along with any other criteria you might have in mind for a new place. The bonus? It is something that you can do easily from the convenience of home.

If you own a pet you might find that your apartment search takes a little bit of time, even though there are many different resources out there for help. Starting the search for a pet friendly place a little early can be a good idea. After all, finding just the right apartment is worth a little bit of extra effort.

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How can I prove that my pet is a good candidate for living in an apartment building?

Proving that a cat or dog can be a well-behaved member of an apartment community can be a bit challenging. Most landlords have had some bad experiences when they have allowed pets to live in their rental units. Being prepared for this issue is half the battle.

Don't just rely on telling a landlord that Fido or Fluffy is a model citizen -- be ready to prove it. Get a signed letter from the previous landlord that says your pet is well behaved and not a bother to neighbors. The Web site for The Humane Society of the United States has a sample "letter of reference from a landlord" as well as a "sample resume" that you can use as a template for your own.

The Web site also has a section dedicated to the concerns of rental managers, which is a terrific resource. You can learn how to move with pets more easily by anticipating the issues that can be raised ahead of time. Pet waste, damage to property, odors and fleas are all potential issues that can be raised by those who own or operate an apartment building. Having your responses ready for these concerns can put you in a better position when looking for a new place to live.

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What steps should I take to set up my apartment for pets?

Whether you have just gotten a new pet or recently moved to a new place, it's smart to get the apartment set up for your pet. If you have a dog or cat bed, find a spot for it that is out of the way and has no draft. Older pets may appreciate being located in a warmer area. You'll also want to map out a good spot for food dishes and litter boxes.

Important numbers can go on the refrigerator so they are accessible in case of an emergency. You'll want to have the following numbers on hand:

• Your veterinarian
• A 24-hour animal hospital in the area
• The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) poison control center hotline: (888) 426-4435

You can also order a free pet safety pack from the ASPCA through their Web site, which includes a magnet and decal that lets rescue workers know that you have a pet in your apartment in case of an emergency.

Remember there may be hidden dangers lurking in new apartments. Cat owners should be wary of poorly secured window screens and any long cords hang from blinds. Dog owners should be especially careful that there is nothing harmful out that their pet could ingest as they put things away after the move. Make sure apartment doors close tightly and easily. Also check any new plants against the ASPCA's list to be sure they are not poisonous to pets.

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