It is important to address the issue faced by pet owners who are forced to surrender their dogs due to housing restrictions. While it may be tempting to vilify landlords, especially in apartment buildings where pet policies are strict for valid reasons, it is crucial to consider the bigger picture.
Hands2paws’ Case-by-Case Approach
Hands2Paws believes that pet policies should be assessed on a case-by-case basis rather than implementing a blanket ban. One solution could be to require an additional security deposit for potential damages caused by pets. However, some renters claim they cannot afford this extra cost.
Challenges Faced by Landlords
Landlords have encountered situations where tenants initially have one dog, but then acquire more dogs and even begin breeding puppies, violating their rental agreement. This behavior ultimately leads to the same outcome of having to give up their pets. Responsible pet ownership is key in these situations.
Presenting Your Dog to Landlords
When meeting with a landlord and owning a dog breed like a boxer, pitbull, or Rottweiler, it is essential to present the dog in the best light possible. This includes ensuring the dog is bathed, secured with a collar and leash (not a spiked collar and chain), and well-behaved. Providing documentation from a veterinarian attesting to the owner’s responsible pet care practices, such as up-to-date vaccines, can also make a positive impact. A short recommendation from the veterinarian regarding the dog’s behavior can further demonstrate the owner’s commitment to being a responsible pet owner.
Understanding the Origin of No-Pet Policies
It’s important to remember that no Dog policies didn’t happen overnight because somebody felt like it. We heard horror stories of tenants, leaving their dog, locked in the bathroom all day, which led to the destruction of the door, a person who owns a Jack Russell in an apartment that tried to dig holes in the wood flooring, and a golden retriever, chewed the molding off all of the windowsills.
These are expenses that landlords will have to incur, and why a pet deposit is recommended in addition to the security deposit. The pet deposit is solely for damage done by your pet.
This brings us full circle back to getting the right pet that matches your lifestyle and your expectations and being a responsible pet owner.