finding an apartment that allows dogs

[StillInCali]

I've been seriously looking for about 3 weeks for an apartment that will allow my Lab. I've even signed up for Westside Rentals, and check the listings and Craigslist listings multiple times each day. Since I'm moving because of very loud and squeaky footfall noise from above, I'm only looking at top floor apartments in buildings that have elevators (since my dog has arthritis). I have found some that meet my requirements, minus an elevator.

I don't understand the discrimination against all large dogs. It's a blanket discrimination and it's ridiculous. My dog doesn't bark or run around, the only dogs I hear where I currently live are the under-10 pound ones who bark constantly. Is there anything I can do to convince landlords that she's quiet?

If anyone has moved with a large dog, how long did it take and did you have to negotiate somehow with the landlord (extra pet rent, etc)? One SPCA website did suggest creating a pet resume, but what can I do to convince landlords that she's a good tenant when they won't even consider a large dog? This is getting frustrating.

[asm198]

I have only lived in apartments with my small dog and had no problems whatsoever. Many places in the area that I've lived have been pet friendly. I used to know of a website that catered to people with pets looking for rentals, but I have forgotten the website. It may have been one of these, but I honestly can't remember. I have no idea how good either of these are; I just did a search for pet friendly apartments trying to find the one I used to know. Hope this helps!

http://www.peoplewithpets.com/


http://www.petrent.net/

[cheshrcarol]

What about waiting for a top floor unit where you live to become available? Or maybe you could bring your dog with you to prospective apartments to show how apartment-friendly she is?

[winneythepooh7]

We used a broker. And in addition to the security we already had to pay, had to pay an extra $2000 in security, and an extra $100 a month for the pets (I have 2 cats and a pug). I expected this though in the NY housing market. I live in a pretty pet friendly building at least. Some people that live here have 2 large dogs. I think if you are a pet owner, this kind of stuff shouldn't be too surprising.

On the flip side, I can see why landlords do it. I've worked with animal hoarders or people who don't clean up after their pets, and apartments are destroyed.

[SmilesSoSweet]

Out of all the apartments I lived in while living in So. Cali., non of them allowed dogs of any size, just cats.

In my current apartment complex, they allow large dogs, although they do have breed restrictions. I'm guessing they don't allow pit bulls and other assumed aggressive type dogs. There is pet deposit when you sign the lease and then I think there's still the monthly pet rent.

Good luck!

[winneythepooh7]

Out of all the apartments I lived in while living in So. Cali., non of them allowed dogs of any size, just cats.

In my current apartment complex, they allow large dogs, although they do have breed restrictions. I'm guessing they don't allow pit bulls and other assumed aggressive type dogs. There is pet deposit when you sign the lease and then I think there's still the monthly pet rent.

Good luck!

That's interesting because IMO cats can do just as much damage (if not more) than a dog. Especially because they are prone to conditions where they "pee outside of the litter box", as well as scratch stuff. I guess it's the "quiet factor" too, though.

[SmilesSoSweet]

That's interesting because IMO cats can do just as much damage (if not more) than a dog. Especially because they are prone to conditions where they "pee outside of the litter box", as well as scratch stuff. I guess it's the "quiet factor" too, though.

Oh I know! I'm not a cat person and supposedly I'm allegric to them too. I just don't see how most apartments prefer cats of dogs when cats can do just as much damage. And from what I've known whenever a cat owner moves out of said apartment, the carpet is always replaced (regardless of the carpet's condition) because the management doesn't want to have a new tenant move in to that apartment if they're allergic to cats.

[Syracuse]

Do what I do, just not tell the landlord and have your dog.

[lostnotyetfound]

Do what I do, just not tell the landlord and have your dog.

I'd have to say this is a really bad idea. If your landlord finds out you will either have to give up your dog or find another place quick.

Did you try posting an ad on craigslist that you are looking for pet friendly housing? I find that some complexes allow dogs although the rent is usually higher. Or you could try renting a condo. If you are looking in the paper, if the ad doesn't say no dogs, you can call and ask. It's a PITA trying to find housing with a dog.

[Syracuse]

I'd have to say this is a really bad idea. If your landlord finds out you will either have to give up your dog or find another place quick.

.
And at that point say ok sorry and take the dog away. And then when the landlord leaves go and get the dog back. They can't watch you at all times to make sure you don't have a dog.

[analogman]

Have you tried forrent.com? That's the site I used for apartment searching and there is a button for "dogs allowed." They also publish a catalog and some issues have a section for people with pets. In my experience (I have two cats) it's somewhat difficult to find apartments that allow large dogs.

With respect to cats vs. dogs. A cat can destroy an apartment but that's a matter between the landlord and tenant. If a large dog bites another tenant the complex might be sued. Small dogs can't do as much damage (especially when the limit is often 10 or 15 pounds for a dog).

[CTGirl]

That's interesting because IMO cats can do just as much damage (if not more) than a dog. Especially because they are prone to conditions where they "pee outside of the litter box", as well as scratch stuff. I guess it's the "quiet factor" too, though.

Cats may get sick and start peeing in strange places, but it is not something a healthy cat will ever do, while a healthy dog will.

Same thing goes for scratching, and even if you do have a cat who scratches things, it's gonna be your stuff they scratch, not floors and walls.

[winneythepooh7]

Cats may get sick and start peeing in strange places, but it is not something a healthy cat will ever do, while a healthy dog will.

Same thing goes for scratching, and even if you do have a cat who scratches things, it's gonna be your stuff they scratch, not floors and walls.

Actually, you are mistaken. A cat can be healthy, yet also become spiteful and develop behavioral issues where they pee outside the box. Also male cats as they mature will often spray in the house. Lastly, in my old apartment, my cats scratched walls/doorframes (not that it really mattered because the place was a shithole, anyways).

[embrassezla]

A cat can be healthy, yet also become spiteful and develop behavioral issues where they pee outside the box.
Yep. And not always because they are spiteful or trying to act out. Declawed cats will often develop a litter box problem later in life due to their need to scratch going unfulfilled.

Cats scratch naturally and it is a healthy habit for them - one that should not be discouraged. They need designated surfaces to scratch, and they can be taught. I had a kitten when I lived in an apt, and it tore the carpet to shreds while I was training it. Now that we live in a house, he's perfectly trained to use his post.

[winneythepooh7]

Yep. And not always because they are spiteful or trying to act out. Declawed cats will often develop a litter box problem later in life due to their need to scratch going unfulfilled.

Cats scratch naturally and it is a healthy habit for them - one that should not be discouraged. They need designated surfaces to scratch, and they can be taught. I had a kitten when I lived in an apt, and it tore the carpet to shreds while I was training it. Now that we live in a house, he's perfectly trained to use his post.

I get these cardboard scratchy thingies for my cats. I put catnip in them and they love 'em!

[WorkInProgress]

With respect to cats vs. dogs. A cat can destroy an apartment but that's a matter between the landlord and tenant. If a large dog bites another tenant the complex might be sued. Small dogs can't do as much damage (especially when the limit is often 10 or 15 pounds for a dog).

That is retarded.

Also, while a large dog bite is worse than a small dog bite, it's not like large dogs are more prone to biting than small ones, as far as I've either experienced or heard of.

[SmilesSoSweet]

That is retarded.

Also, while a large dog bite is worse than a small dog bite, it's not like large dogs are more prone to biting than small ones, as far as I've either experienced or heard of.

That's why my apartment complex just has breed restrictions, not size restrictions.

I've seen dogs of all sizes here, but you'll never see a pit bull in my complex.

[StillInCali]

I looked at an apartment today that's a few blocks away from where I live now. I think the pros outweigh the cons, I have to decide what to do fairly quickly before someone else takes it.

The pros: safe neighborhood, security buiding w/secure parking lot, no neighbor on one side or above (the most important thing), elevator, great views during the day and nice city lights views at night, wood floors in kitchen and bathroom, clean, no apartment in front of the apt. so can see out for miles, same distance as before from work, no pet rent and allows my dog w/a $350 deposit

The cons: It's a little smaller than I would have liked, it's expensive for the size, there's a tiny balcony (about a 3'x3'x3' triangle), and I'd have to make a financial sacrifice to live there (I was already planning to lease a cheaper car)

[pisces2473]

Actually, you are mistaken. A cat can be healthy, yet also become spiteful and develop behavioral issues where they pee outside the box. Also male cats as they mature will often spray in the house. Lastly, in my old apartment, my cats scratched walls/doorframes (not that it really mattered because the place was a shithole, anyways).
Yeah...I forgot to scoop the litter box one day...and one cat got soooo upset, she peed in the utility room where the box is kept. In like 3 diff. places! She's fine, she's just a bitch of a cat. LOL

[Syracuse]

Yeah...I forgot to scoop the litter box one day...and one cat got soooo upset, she peed in the utility room where the box is kept. In like 3 diff. places! She's fine, she's just a bitch of a cat. LOL
Yeah my sisters cats will POOP on the floor sometimes. Bitches.