Home Foreclosures increase and Family Pets Left In The Cold

I may sound like a broken record, but families giving up their pets due to home loss is increasing at ALARMING numbers.  I can only imagine the strain of having to move your family and find a pet friendly rental.  As a "mother" of Three dogs (Yorkie, Doberman and Lab) and One Cat..trust me I KNOW!

If you are headed towards a situation like this.PLEASE take these few simple steps that will convince a potential Land Lord to accept your family and Your Family Pets.  Landlords that are "on the fence" can be put at ease and say YES to PETS if you provide these few items.

While I CANNOT adopt anymore animals, I am willing to do everything I can to help pets stay with their family..call or email me if you need help

If you giving up your family pet, you may email me their picture and information and I will be happy to post them as needing a new home.  You never know who might be looking for a pet like yours and you can avoid the heartache of bringing them to the already over crowded shelters.

There are even some people who may care for your pet for 6 months until you can find suitable housing.

ANYTHING is worth a Try and as a Animal Loving Realtor, it is my duty to help. 

WHATEVER YOU DO...DO NOT LEAVE YOUR PETS IN THE HOME ONCE YOU VACATE!

There is HELP..Just ASK

Finding an apartment that will accept your pet often depends on your ability to market yourself as a responsible pet owner. Here are some suggestions on how to put your and your pet's best paw forward.

• Write a pet resume. Include information about the age of your pet, whether you spayed or neutered, personal hygiene and behavioral (training background, character traits)description of your pet and about you as a pet owner. Be sure to include your veterinarian's name and phone number along with other personal references.
• Ask for a letter of recommendation from your veterinarian, former landlords, and neighbors to document that you are a responsible pet owner. 
• If your dog has attended training classes - class certifications or proof of attendance may be beneficial.
• Documentation that your pet is spayed/neutered, vaccinated against rabies, and up to date on veterinary care.
• Offer to let your prospective landlord meet your pet and see your current apartment.
• Offer to pay a reasonable pet-damage deposit or secure liability insurance to cover the cost of any pet-related damage.
• Offer to accept a short term lease where your landlord can see if you and your pet are acceptable as long term tenants. Make sure you get in writing the terms of the short term lease and advance notification time requirements.
• Offer to negotiate an addendum to the lease that indicates what the landlord expects of you and your animal.
• Market yourself - pet owners are more likely to stay put since pet friendly housing is difficult to find. Let prospective landlords know that you understand their concerns and agree that living with a pet is not a right but a privilege that you take very seriously.