Animal Update: Pet Resumes

(KCBS) - What is a pet resume and why would a pet need one?

KCBS' Jeff Bell talks to Dr. Jack Aldridge, Director of Veterinary Services at The San Francisco SPCA, about the importance of pet resumes.

Just having a pet can make it harder to find housing, especially for renters. There are a lot of animals coming into the SF SPCA shelter who were surrendered by their owners due to a housing change into a place that doesn't allow animals. Having a pet resume is a starting point for negotiating with landlords to keep a beloved pet.

The document should follow the guidelines of your own resume and include information not only about your pet, but also about you. Relay pertinent information about your pet for example: "Lucky is a 4 year old neutered tabby, friendly and well behaved. Litter box trained, and all health records, parasite control and treatments are up to date."

Now, the blurb about you should illustrate your commitment to the health of your pet as well as your respect for other tenants and neighbors. You may want to have a list of references from prior landlords as well as a letter of good health and immunization from your veterinarian.

What else can someone do to persuade a landlord? Always offer the opportunity for the landlord to meet the animal in advance. And be more than willing to offer an additional deposit as well.

If you visit SFSPCA.ORG, there are resume examples for cats and dogs as well as a sample pet agreement.

Animal Update airs on KCBS All News 740AM and 106.9FM on Sundays at 1:35 p.m., 3:35 p.m., and 9:21 p.m.

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