- Higher education graduate
- Friendly, pleasant demeanor
- Superior concentration skills
- Intensely loyal and eager to learn
- Maintains active, healthy lifestyle
All of these descriptions sound like attractive qualities that would be noted on an employment or student application or included in a personal reference, right?
That’s the point! But these notes aren’t for humans; they’re meant to showcase pets: cats, dogs, birds, and even snakes. Points similar to these make up the content for a successful pet resume. As much as military members move, we need an upper hand for finding pet-friendly rentals, and a pet resume might be the tool that wins the contract.
Now, more than ever, pet owners are taking tenancy into their own hands by painting their pets in the best light and preparing creative, informative, and rental-agreement-sealing resumes. They’ve become so prevalent that Google offers a pet resume template.
As you write your pet’s resume, consider the problems that property owners have with allowing pets. They want to avoid damage, noise, disease, and odor. Tailor the resume to address these concerns to have your pick of pet-friendly rentals.
Why Should You Have a Pet Resume?
When you're looking for pet-friendly rentals, there are likely multiple applications pending for the owner’s review.
A pet resume sets your family apart from the rest of the pack and makes you memorable among a stack of common applicants for military rentals. It might turn out that the rental house ultimately isn’t the perfect fit, but you’ll have made a positive impression on the off chance that you’ll be in consideration for unknown circumstances in the future. For example, if the landlord owns multiple properties and you’ve taken the time to submit a pet resume, they might now be comfortable sharing upcoming vacancies.
Investing time in creating a pet resume also demonstrates to the property manager that you’re dedicated, responsible, and attentive, which suggests that, as a renter, you’re willing to take care of the home's overall upkeep.
What Should You Include on Your Pet Resume?
1. A Picture or Two
Find your sweetest picture with your pet looking friendly and clean! The photo is the first impression of your animal, and it can help overcome bias, especially when it comes to typically banned dog breeds or unusual pets like reptiles.
Depending on the length of your resume, you may want to include a picture of a secure home enclosure if your pet requires one. A landlord is most worried about the damage a loose animal can inflict on the house if an accidental escape occurs.
2. Your Pet's Particulars
Listing your pet’s name provides a connection to familiarity, and identifying the age can soothe worries about destruction caused by younger pets. Include info such as these points to find the perfect pet-friendly rentals.
Type of Animal, If Not Obvious from the Photo
Many property managers are unfamiliar with reptiles and other less common pets. Providing the animal's species allows the manager to conduct their own research before making a decision.
Size and Weight
Some property owners aren’t familiar with dog and cat breeds or their sizes. Listing these facts could help educate owners about how much space the animal actually needs.
Male or Female
Really, this is just an additional personal detail to help the deciding manager connect with your pet.
Breed
Although you may be tempted to conceal the breed of your dog for various reasons, it isn’t wise. Renters have little recourse if the homeowner finds out the dog is living there illegally. They may simply be enforcing a local ban on a banned breed. Add a couple of lines to highlight the breed’s best qualities that relate to living inside a home. A quiet, couch potato dog is very appealing to a landlord.
Learn more about pet rent: Understanding Pet Fees, Pet Deposits, and Pet Rent.
3. Health and Training Records
This is the category to really emphasize. List any training your animal has been through, especially for dogs. From puppy school to intense agility training, include any training that shows your dog is obedient and well-mannered.
Document a consistent track record of flea and tick preventatives for cats and dogs. A list of vaccines and shots is also important for the domestic animals that require them. It’s also smart to add a note of recommendation from your veterinarian, groomer, or a previous landlord who vouches for your pet’s demeanor and behavior.
Include notes about the animal’s daily routine to show that enough exercise and attention are given each day. A happy, healthy pet is more likely to be quiet and content during the day when the renter is away working.
Let your landlord know if you intend to hire a pet sitter for routine care, as that can provide more peace of mind. If you happen to work from home, even better—this lets your landlord know you’ll be home, which deters loud yowling or barking.
If the concept of a pet resume still sounds a little over the top to you, consider it similar to the heartfelt letters that home buyers sometimes submit to sellers who have the task of choosing among multiple offers. The right letter seals the deal, just as a well-written pet resume can win over a property owner. If the owner is still on the fence, and your finances permit, offer to pay a pet/cleaning fee or a monthly pet rent.
MilitaryByOwner knows that military families love their pets and consider their happiness during PCS moves, whether renting, buying, or flying! Subscribe to our blog and stay updated with more info written specifically with your pet in mind.
