Renting With Pets

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Can't Forget Fluffy and Fido

Renting With Pets

The following is for information only and should not be taken as law.
Please refer to the appropriate jurisdiction in your area.

All too often, finding accommodation which allows tenants to have pets is difficult. Most often it is not because of the pet; it is because of the tenants. There is no such thing as a bad dog.

While our children were growing, we lived on a small farm. I wish it were possible for all children to have that experience. One thing a child on a farm will never, is go to the parents saying, “There's nothing to do, I'm bored”.

Teaches Responsibility

Owning a pet is a great way to teach responsibility. Life is not just about you – there are other's depending on you. It is that responsibility that is the problem.

No one would ever leave a child home alone, yet with their pets they do so all the time. Cats not so bad, but dogs are a social animal. Dogs need constant companionship, they don't do well on their own. Just like people, they get anxiety symptoms when left by themselves. Very often this leads to “improper” behavior. Dogs need a structured environment lead by the alpha male which the pet owner becomes the replacement of.

The two most common problems with pets for the landlord is, allowing the animal to stray and dog howling when the pet is left alone. Many a tenant wont take the time to walk their dog in the morning, so they just let it out the back door when they think no-one is watching. Later that day a child will step in the doggy-do and then the parents complain.

Many tenants leave their cat to stray. Cats have an inherent tendency to mark territory. Even if they have been fixed, many cats will spray daily to let other cats know they are about. This spraying can be very offensive to other tenants.

If you would like to take on the responsibility of having a pet, good. Know ahead of time that you are making a commitment, mornings, noon, afternoons and evenings to look after the pets' needs and to keep it from becoming a problem to the neighbors.

Things to Consider Before Adopting a Dog:
Courtesy; thewagway.com