A suggestion for large breed owners who might face rental difficulties

[greekblue]

I was wondering if there is a website or if we could it on this forum to have a post for people who love animals and they need housing -- especially for us that are having large working breeds. It is very difficult to find an apartment or home where you can rent if you have a dog. With smaller breeds are a little bit easier, but those of us with a larger breed is next to impossible. It took me forever to find a place for me and my puppy and it is not the best. I know there are pet friendly apartments, but they are very expensive for students and most they will not accept a student as we might have good credit, but not a full time job (get financial aid, scholarship, etc.).

What I was thinking is something like roomates.com exclusively for animal lovers where dog owners -- especially of large breeds -- could find a roommate to share or find a home together if ever needed. I think that will reduce the number of people who give up their animals because of difficult times in their lives. They could go to that thread, forum, web, whatever and look for other people who need a roommate, and they love dogs.

What do you think? Is there a place online like that? Could we do something like it here on this forum? It could be separated according to location.

[Rivsky]

I'm not 100% sure but I'm pretty positive there's at least a website out there that has tips on finding rentals for people with pets.

Things like getting references about your dog and its behaviour from vets, grooming places (if applicable), friends, family and whoever it lived with previously etc, suggesting putting down a special pet bond (which like a normal bond is returned to you on completion of the lease if no damage is done), suggesting more regular inspection times to start with, getting the landlord to actually meet your dog, having an obedience certificate etc.

[Kris]

I would recommend getting your dog his/her CGC (Canine Good Citizen certification). It might help alleviate the fears of landlords who allow only smaller pets.

[PawNclaws]

Since we have Labs, it was very hard to find a house to rent, that would allow them and our two cats, inside. When we had to find another place, we couldn't find any big houses with out paying over $1300 a month for. That was one of the reasons why my parents bought this house . Now they know where the money goes and they don't have to worry about a landlord(well I guess I do, as I'm renting from them lol) .

[greekblue]

that is a great idea, and I was planning to do that as soon as she can start. I do not have her yet. She will be coming to me near the end of August -- a seven week old sweet, sweet troublemaker.
Thank you all who respond

[borzoimom]

Try this. I typed in google " dog friendly apartments and it pulled up alot. Here is one.. http://www.rent.com/?pse=1

[greekblue]

I was talking about something like roommates.com, but it will serve only animal lovers to rent a room or search for a room.