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FACT SHEETS - 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 make sure to note that your cat is litterbox trained.
There can be a big difference between a 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 its 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 its vaccinations, and mention who your pet's veterinarian is.
Describe arrangements for your pet when you go to work or on vacation.
Explain that you always clean up after your dog, and/or dispose of cat litter properly, and make sure you do.
If you are a member of the SPCA or another animal protection organization, 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 CAT RESUME
Morris
(John & Jane Doe, Owners)
123 Main Street
Los Angeles, CA 90048
(323) 555-5555Description: Morris is a friendly, well-behaved cat who is used to being indoors and is accustomed to apartment life. He is a 5 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 he is fully litterbox trained. We have had Morris for four years, and he is a cherished member of our family. If you have any questions about our cat, please ask.
Health/Grooming: Morris is neutered, which benefits both his behavior and his health. Since he does not go outdoors, fleas are generally not a problem. We brush Morris often, and have him professionally groomed at least once a year. He is also kept up-to-date on all vaccinations, and receives regular health exams from his veterinarian.
About us: As cat owners, we always try to act responsibly. We clean Morris's litter box every day, and 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 that Morris will be a good tenant, we are willing to put up an extra security deposit. We are members of the SPCA and are committed to responsible, caring pet ownership.
References: Our current landlord can be reached at (323) 555-5555. Please see attached letters of recommendation and other documentation.
We would be happy to have a potential landlord meet Morris, visit him in his current home and/or check in to see how he is adjusting to his new surroundings after we move in.
SAMPLE DOG RESUME
Bingo
(John & Jane Doe, Owners)
123 Main Street
Los Angeles, CA 90048
(323) 555-5555Description: Bingo is a friendly, well-behaved dog who is accustomed to apartment life. He is a 5 year old medium-sized 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.
Health/Grooming: Bingo is neutered, which benefits both his behavior and health. Since he does not go outdoors, fleas are generally not a problem. We brush Bingo often, and have him professionally groomed at least once a year. He is also kept up-to-date on all vaccinations and receives regular health exams from his veterinarian.
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 3 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 contented relaxing indoors while we are away at work.
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, and we arrang for reliable pet care if we are going out of town. We are so sure Bingo will be a good tenant, we are willing to put up an additional security deposit. We are members of the SPCA, and are committed to responsible, caring pet ownership.
References: Our current landlord can be reached at (323) 555-5555. Please see attached letters of recommendation and other documentation.We would be happy to have a potential landlord meet Bingo, visit him in his current home and/or check in to see how he is adjusting to his new surroundings after we move in.
Reprinted with thanks to the San Francisco SPCA.
Disclaimer of Liability:
The information contained in this material is for the sole purpose of providing general information only, and must not be construed as legal advice, or take the place of competent legal counsel. Do not rely on these materials without consulting an attorney concerning your situation. The dissemination of this information does not create an attorney-client relationship and does not seek to represent you based upon your visit or review of this information.
Every effort has been made to ensure the information contained in the material is current. However, the law does change and the general information contained within may become dated. You should seek the advice of legal counsel for specific situations and advice to the "then existing" status of the law.