Tenant Guide
Helping to find responsible and caring Forever homes.
It’s not easy to find pet friendly rental housing in the Lakes
Region, so The New Hampshire Humane Society has developed the PAW
Program. Pets are Welcome. When looking for a place that will take
your pets, remember the following:
- Be Prepared to work hard and spend time.
- Find out what makes landlords say yes to pets.
- Demonstrate you are a responsible pet owner and a good tenant.
- Be a great representative for all pet owning tenants.
Tips for Tenants Seeking Housing
- Bring up the subject of pets in person with the property owner
rather than over the phone, if possible. Personally presenting
information about yourself and your pet may help convince the
landlord to say yes.
- Prepare a dossier on your pet to present to the landlord. Include
your pet’s resume and references from former landlords, neighbors,
obedience instructors and veterinarians.
- Offer to sign a pet agreement and pay an additional pet deposit.
- Encourage the property owner to meet your freshly groomed, well
behaved pet.
- Show that you are a member of the New Hampshire Humane Society
and/ or other humane organization and that you care about animal
welfare and responsible pet ownership.
- Let us know what techniques and ideas worked for you so we can
share them with others.
A Responsible Pet Owner
- Creates a dossier about the pet(s), including documents as
proof spay/neuter surgery, records of up to date vaccinations,
indications of regular veterinary visits, and obedience school
diplomas.
- Has written references from former landlords and neighbors,
dog trainers, obedience class instructors, and veterinarians specifically
discussing the pet.
- Offers to pay an additional pet deposit and to cover any damages
resulting from the pet’s actions.
- Encourages the potential landlord to meet the well groomed,
well behaved pet.
- Invites the landlord to see the animal in its current setting,
and to check on the pet after moving in.
- Always cleans up after his/her pet.
- Has the pet spayed or neutered and current on all shots.
- Provides appropriate exercise and attention for the pet daily,
and makes suitable arrangements for the same when planning to
be away.
- Doesn’t let the dog or cat roam the streets, and knows the
health and safety benefits of keeping a cat indoors and a dog
under control.
If you’re a prospective tenant, impress upon your potential
landlord your knowledge and practice of responsible pet ownership.
There is no one characteristic alone which demonstrates responsibility,
but the qualities listed above can usually be found in responsible
pet owners, and many are the same characteristics found in good
tenants.
Pet Resume Guide
A pet resume provides an opportunity to present potential landlords
with a summary of your companion animal’s best qualities and examples
of your responsibility as a pet owner. Try to address the following
areas in your pet resume.
Mention anything about your pet’s age, activity level , and/ or
breed traits that help make your dog or cat a "good tenant."
Emphasize characteristics that make your pet suited for city living.
Tell the landlord something special about your companion animal’s
personality, and how much you care about your pet.
Give examples of your pet’s good behavior, and your responsibility.
Has your dog been to obedience school or had special training? If
your dog has lived in apartments before and is accustomed to it,
be sure to say so. If you have more than one cat, let the landlord
know how well your pets get along and keep each other company while
you are away. If your cat uses a scratching post, say so and also
note that your cat is litter box trained.
There can be a big difference between 10 year old dog and a frisky
puppy. If your pet is quiet, calm and/ or less active, point that
out. If you have an active dog, explain how you fulfill his/her
exercise requirements.
Explain how you keep your pet clean and free of fleas.
Let the landlord know your dog or cat is spayed or neutered and
explain that this makes for a well behaved, healthier pet. Also
note that your animal is up to date on his/her vaccinations, and
mention who your pet’s veterinarian is.
Describe your arrangements for your pet when you go to work or
on vacation.
If you are a member of The New Hampshire Humane Society or other
animal protection organizations, be sure to mention it in your pet
resume.
In addition to your pet’s resume, you may also want to attach
reference letters from current and previous landlords and/or neighbors;
certificates of completion of obedience/ training classes; references
from your pet’s trainer or groomer; and a health certificate from
your vet; and if your pet is cute, a picture.
Sample Pet Resumes
Bingo
(John & Jane Doe, owners)
123 Elm St. Apt 3
Laconia, NH 03246
(603) 555-1212
Description Bingo is a friendly, well behaved
dog who is accustomed to apartment life. He is a five year old medium
size black lab mix who is mature, calm and easy going. We have had
Bingo for four years, and he is a cherished member of our family.
If you have any questions about our dog, please ask.
Training NHHS dog training school, 2000 Bingo
is fully house trained, and obeys voice commands. He does not bark
excessively, although he will give a short warning bark to alert
us to strangers.
Activities We walk Bingo twice a day, and
go to one of the City’s many off leash areas for more vigorous exercise
at least three times a week. Bingo’s behavior on and off leash is
exemplary. He loves the beach, and friends often "borrow"
him to go along with them. These activities satisfy Bingo’s exercise
requirements, and he is calm and content relaxing indoors while
we are away at work.
Health / Grooming Bingo is neutered, which
benefits both his behavior and his health. He is kept up to date
on all vaccinations, and received regular health exams at the ___Veterinary
Hospital. We bathe and flea comb Bingo often and he is professionally
groomed once a month.
About Us As dog owners, we always try to
act responsibly. We have taken a class on dog behavior, we always
clean up after our dog, we arrange for reliable pet car if we are
going out of town. We are so sure Bingo will be a "pawfect
tenant," we are willing to put up an additional security deposit.
We are members of NHHS, and are committed to responsible and caring
pet ownership.
References Our current landlord can be contacted
at (503) 555-1111. Please also see attached letters of recommendation
and other documentation.
We would be happy for any potential landlord to meet Bingo,
visit him in his current home or check to see how he is adjusting
to his new surroundings.
Lucky
(John & Jane Doe, owners)
123 Elm St. Apt 3
Laconia, NH 03246
(603) 555-1212
Description Lucky is a friendly, well behaved
cat who is used to being indoors and is accustomed to apartment
life. He is a five year old male tabby cat who enjoys sleeping in
the sun and playing with his toys. He has a large scratching post
which is the only thing he uses to sharpen his claws, and is fully
litter box trained. We have had Lucky for four years, and he is
a cherished member of our family. If you have any questions about
our cat, please ask.
Health/Grooming Lucky is neutered, which
benefits both his behavior and health. Since he does not go outdoors,
fleas are not a problem. We brush Lucky often, and have him professionally
groomed at least once a year. He is also kept up to date on all
vaccinations, and received regular health exams at the ____Animal
Hospital.
About Us As cat owners, we always try to
act responsibility. We clean Lucky’s litter box every day, always
dispose of litter in a sealed bag. We arrange for reliable pet care
if we are going out of town. We are so sure Lucky will be a "good
tenant," we are willing to put up an extra security deposit.
We are members of NHHS and are committed to responsible, caring
pet ownership.
References Our current landlord can be reached
at (603) 555-1242. Please also see attached letters of recommendation
and other documentation.
We would be happy for any potential landlord to meet Lucky, visit
him in his current home, and/ or check in to see how he is adjusting
to his new surroundings after we move in.
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