Inquire with real estate agents, check ads and look through apartment guides for complexes that specify “pets allowed”. Click here for a list of pet friendly complexes we’ve compiled.
Give yourself time
Finding apartment complexes, and even houses that allow pets can be a time consuming process. So give yourself as much time as possible. If you’re renting, begin checking ads, or contact a real estate agent at least six weeks before your lease expires.
Put yourself in their shoes
You need to understand why so many housing communities reject pets. Put yourself in the shoes of a landlord or property manager. They may have had bad experiences with irresponsible pet owners who didn’t safely confine their animals, pick up after them on the grounds, allowed them to ruin carpet or draperies, or sneaked in animals that didn’t fit their requirements. They may be worried about complaints from neighbors about barking dogs and wonder how they are going to deal effectively with pet owners if problems arise. All these concerns are legitimate. That’s why you need to be able to sell yourself as a responsible pet owner, committed to providing responsible pet care and being a responsible neighbor.
Don’t take on Goliath
You are most likely to be successful if you focus on places that allow most pets, certain pets or that don’t initially say “no pets at all.” Individual home and condominium owners may be the easiest to persuade. Ideally look for a community with appropriate pet-keeping guidelines that specify resident obligations. That’s the kind of place ideal for pet owners because you’ll know that other pet caregivers there are also committed to being responsible residents.
Sell Yourself
Gather proof that you’re responsible. The more documentation you have attesting to your conscientiousness as a pet owner, the more convincing your appeal will be to your future landlord.
Go to the Top
Find out who has the ultimate authority to grant your decision and appeal to him or her. Check to see if additional approval is needed in writing from a building’s board of directors or condominium association.
Be Empathetic
Let the landlord manager or condominium board know that you share any concerns about cleanliness. Point out that your pet is housetrained or litter-box trained. Emphasize that you always clean up after your dog outdoors and that you always properly dispose of your pet’s waste.
Promote Yourself
Responsible pet owners make excellent residents. Because they have to search harder for a place to live, pet caregivers are more likely to stay put. Lower vacancy rates mean lower costs and fewer headaches for landlords and real estate agents. Let prospective landlords and managers know that you understand that living with a companion animal is a privilege, not a right.
Promote Your Pet
Offer to bring your pet to meet the owner or property manager, or invite the landlord to visit you and your pet in your current home. A freshly groomed, well-behaved dog will speak volumes. Emphasize that the same pride you take in caring for your pet extends to taking care of your home. Many landlords are worried about fleas, so be sure to begin an active flea control program for your pet and if asked, let the landlord know.
Money Talks
Be willing to pay an extra security deposit or pet deposit to cover the costs of any damage your pet may incur.
Get it in Writing
Once you have been given permission by a landlord, manager or condo committee to have a pet be sure to get it in writing. Sign a pet addendum to your rental agreement. Comprehensive agreements protect people, property and the pets themselves. If your lease has a no-pets clause then verbal approval won’t be enough. The no-pets clause should be removed or crossed out and initialed by the approving party before you sign it. Make sure your landlord’s copy reflects the change as well.
Don’t Ruin it for Others
Don’t try to sneak pets in. Keeping an animal in violation of a no pets rule contributes to the general inclination of landlords not to allow pets. You may also be the subject to possible eviction or other legal action—so be honest about your pets.
Top Ten Ways to Keep Your Pet
1. License your pet!
It’s true! Pets with licenses go home much more quickly and easily than pets with no I-d. A simple computer check pulls up your contact information and we can immediately call with the good news that your lost pet is found!
2. Vaccinate your Pet!
No license requirement in your area? A rabies tag is the next best thing! Your animal’s tag number is on record with his veterinarian. A simple phone call to the vet’s office will give us the info we need to get your pet back to you.
3. Get an I-D Tag
I-D tags require no record checks. The finder can simply check the tag for your name and phone number and then call you with the news that your beloved Spot is three blocks away. I-D tags are hassle free, and inexpensive. They are available at The Nebraska Humane Society, mamy area veterinarians, and pet stores.
4. Get His Tags on His Collar!
Those tags do your dog no good if they’re sitting in a drawer. Make sure your pet wears his tags on a proper collar. While it’s true that some dogs do slip collars, a properly fitting collar should stay put in most situations.
5. Microchip Your Pet
A microchip is a small computer chip the size of a grain of rice that your veterinarian can implant into the fatty tissue of your pet. The procedure is similar to getting a shot—the chip is put in a syringe and injected between the shoulder blades of dogs and cats. When scanned, the chip reads out your pet’s I-D number which is cataloged with the microchip company. A simple phone call will tell the finder who you are and how to contact you. Unlike tags, microchips are permanent identification logged in a nationwide database—so even if you lose your pet on vacation—he has a better chance to home to you. Drawback: you HAVE to remember to register in the nationwide database. (*all pets at the Nebraska Humane Society are microchipped before they are adopted out. We have their records here, however you still have to register in the nationwide database to be covered coast to coast)
7. Tattooing
Breeders and show competitors have used tattooing for years to identify animals that have come from their kennels. Most animals are tattooed inside an ear or on the inner thigh with an identification number. While less mainstream for common pet owners, tattooing can be a way to permanently I-D your pet. Check with your veterinarian to see if he or she offers the service and recommend it for your specific pet.
8. Keep Your Pet Contained
Fenced yards are the best form of pet containment if they work for your dog. Fences keep your dog in, but just as importantly, a fence will keep other pets and people out. A fence allows your pet to move about freely but still contains him. You’ll want to periodically check to make sure your dog hasn’t dug an escape route or boards haven’t loosened. Drawbacks: This containment is contingent on everyone from your kids to the meter reader making sure the gates are securely fastened. Also, some dogs are so athletic and smart they can get over, under or through just about any fence.
Cable Ties or Leashes are an option if you can’t put up a fence. Many pet stores or hardware stores carry various anchors that attach to a house, dog kennel or drill into the ground. You need to make sure the line is long enough to allow some free movement, but stops short of fences, or other hazards in your yard. Athletic dogs have been known to hang themselves by jumping over a fence or tree while on a tie line. Drawback: A line will keep your dog in your yard—but still allows other animals and people to come into your yard and invade your dog’s space.
Trolley systems are a good option if you cannot fence your yard, or your active dog jumps the fence. The pully system of a trolly allows the animal to move about without tangling in a leash—but still holds him firmly in the yard. The drawback here again, is that other animals and people can come into your yard and in effect, invade your animal’s territory.
Invisible Fencing is not recognized in Omaha as a legal form of dog containment. Still many people who can’t have or don’t like fences opt for this option. Invisible fencing is basically buried wires that emit an electric charge. Your dog wears a receiver on his collar and when he hits the perimeter he receives a shock. Your dog needs training (which most companies come out to give) on how the system works. Drawbacks: Big active dogs may just barrel through and “take the hit” if they are intent on chasing a rabbit or bird. Once outside, it’s tough to come back into the yard because the adrenaline rush is spent and your dog will feel the shock trying to re-enter the yard.
9. Socialize Your Pet
Animals get spooked by new experiences…so the idea behind socializing your pet is to get him used to as many people, places and other pets as you can. As you build his confidence he won’t be as startled and likely to bolt when a new experience comes his way. A socialized pet is also much more pleasant to have around. He won’t constantly bark at every new stranger, lunge at other dogs or people, or go crazy when visitors come to the door. One of the best ways to socialize your pet is through obedience classes. As an added plus, a well mannered pet who looks to you as the “leader of the pack” is less likely to stray far if he does get out of your yard. Click here for more information on Manners N’ More classes at the Nebraska Humane Society. (link to MnM obedience class button on training and pet care page)
10. Spay or Neuter Your Pet
Believe it or not! Intact male dogs can rip apart fences, travel for miles, and then break through windows to get to a female dog in heat. She runs off with him, and now you have two strays with an unwanted litter on the way. Altering animals is an easy way to prevent that scenario from occurring. In addition to the obvious benefit of avoiding unwanted litters, neutered and spayed animals are also healthier and live longer.