Apartments often have restrictions banning dog breeds known for being noisy, destructive, large, or aggressive. If you’re moving into an apartment with a four-legged friend on the banned list, you may wonder whether you can get away with sneaking your pooch in. However, apartment owners have ways of verifying the breeds of the dogs who live there.
Pet resumes
Some apartment owners ask for pet resumes with apartment applications. Just like your own resume, your pet’s resume should introduce your pooch and promote their suitability for living in the apartment. Make sure you include the basics, such as your pup’s name and breed, their age and weight, the dates of their vaccinations, and a current photo.
Including some information about their hobbies and temperament can add personality to your pet resume and prove they’d be a great addition. Include hobbies that are unlikely to cause disruption at the apartment, such as napping or swimming at the dog beach.
Your pet’s medical records
Pet medical records are an excellent way for the apartment owner to verify your dog’s breed. Medical records usually state the breed or combination of breeds prominently. They also contain further details that indicate whether you are a responsible pet owner, and therefore likely to be a responsible renter. If an apartment owner asks for your pet’s medical records, present key information such as the date they were spayed or neutered, their vaccination history, and when they received flea, tick, and heartworm treatments.
Dog training certificates
A training certificate from a dog obedience school usually lists the dog’s name and breed. Submitting a copy of any certificates your dog has obtained is a great idea, because they show your dog can successfully obey commands and behave themselves. A dog that has successfully passed one or more training programs is unlikely to pose a threat to an apartment or its residents.
Letters of reference
Some apartment owners assess a dog’s suitability by reading letters of reference. Apartment owners expect you’ll sing your dog’s praises. A letter of reference can often give a more impartial or objective perspective on your pooch. If an apartment owner requests a letter of reference for your pet, ask someone who’s had a lot to do with your pet for their help. Some suitable referees include your vet, dog groomer, pet sitter, or a neighbor. Make sure your referee includes your pet’s breed and relevant details about their personality, such as how they behave when you’re not with them and how they interact with children and other animals.
Pet interviews
Apartment owners often want to meet the dogs their prospective renters own face-to-face in a pet interview. The canine equivalent of a job interview, pet interviews let property owners meet your pet and assess their temperament and suitability for the apartment. During a pet interview, the apartment owner assesses whether your dog looks like one of the banned breeds. As with job interviews, it’s a good idea to bring a pet resume, their medical records, and any references with you.
You are your dog’s advocate so make sure you speak positively about them and the role they play in your life. If you’ve rented with your pup in the past, highlight your good rental history and commitment to keeping properties clean and free from damage. You might also offer to pay a non-refundable pet deposit to secure the apartment. If possible, hold the pet interview in a common area of the apartment complex so the property owner can see the way your dog interacts with other residents and their children or pets.
Pet photos or videos
Some apartment owners may simply assess your dog’s breed by viewing photos or videos. Instead of a pet interview or resume, the apartment owner may ask you to submit this visual evidence with your application. Make sure your photos or videos show your dog in the best light. A photo of them peacefully sleeping on your couch or a video of them playing with a child can show they are suitable for apartment life.
Pet screenings
Some apartment owners request screening for potential furry renters. Your dog may need to pass the screening with a certain grade to earn a place on your lease. Pet screenings check whether a dog can happily interact with other dogs and obey commands. Assessors also usually check how your dog walks on a leash and whether they’ll listen to people other than you. These traits make dogs suitable for apartment life. Pet assessors often report on dog breeds too, so asking for this kind of assessment is a good way for apartment owners to verify your pup’s breed.
Canine DNA tests
It might seem like an extreme measure, but a canine DNA test can be a good way for apartment owners to verify a dog’s breed. Property owners don’t usually ask for canine DNA test results, but some renters like to provide them anyway. A canine DNA test can confirm that your dog isn’t a banned breed. This can be very helpful for mutts and unusual breeds that may look similar to the dogs that apartments often ban.
Canine DNA tests are available from online retailers and some pet stores. Testing your dog’s DNA is incredibly easy. You just take a swab from their cheek and send it off for analysis. Testing companies compare your dog’s DNA to their databases. They then send you back a report listing all the dog breeds that make up your dog’s DNA.
Bringing a banned dog into an apartment building violates your lease and can see you evicted. It can also put a black mark against your name which may make finding a new rental difficult. Don’t count your application out if you own a banned dog though. Be honest with the property owner about your dog’s breeds and see if they may make an exception. If you can’t find an apartment willing to accept your pooch, consider upsizing and renting a house with less restrictive pet rules.
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