Pet resume for landlords

What a landlord is really asking

Behind almost every no is one of four worries. A good resume answers each one before it is raised.

1. Will it damage the place? Age, training and toilet habits, where the pet sleeps, and an offer to clean professionally at the end of the lease.
2. Will the neighbors complain? Barking, and what happens when you are out. A walker or daycare arrangement is worth a line.
3. Is it looked after? Vaccinations, parasite prevention, license and a named vet. Attach the certificates.
4. Will this tenant take responsibility? The previous landlord's reference. It carries more weight than anything else on the page.

What US landlords usually ask for

• A rabies certificate, and often the full vaccination record. Attach it rather than just stating it.
• A city or county license, where your area requires one for dogs (and sometimes cats).
• Renters insurance with pet liability. Many landlords require it, often because their own insurance policy does.
• Breed, size and weight. Some buildings have breed or weight limits, often set by the landlord's insurer. A resume will not override those, so check the listing first.
• A pet deposit, fee or monthly pet rent. Whether these are allowed, and how much, depends on your state and sometimes your city, so check local rules before you sign.

Assistance animals are a different request

If you need an animal because of a disability, asking for it is a reasonable accommodation request under the Fair Housing Act, not a pet application, and a pet resume is the wrong document for it. Federal guidance on emotional support animals changed in 2026 and state laws differ, so start with HUD's assistance animals page or your state's fair housing agency.

Common questions

What should a pet resume include?

A photo; the basics (species, breed, age, size and weight); vaccination and rabies status; your city or county license number; training and how the pet behaves when left alone; how you will care for the pet in the new home; and at least one reference from a previous landlord or property manager. Attach the rabies certificate and vaccination record rather than just stating them.

Do landlords actually read pet resumes?

Many landlords have a no-pets default and decide case by case. A one-page resume with a reference from a previous landlord answers the questions they are weighing (damage, noise, being left alone) before they have to ask. It will not overturn a building rule or an insurer’s breed restriction, but it can decide a close call.

Should I mention renters insurance?

Yes, if you have it. Many landlords require renters insurance with pet liability coverage, often because their own insurer does. Having a policy already, and saying so on the resume, settles one of their questions up front.

Is a pet resume the right thing for an emotional support or service animal?

No. An animal you need because of a disability is a reasonable accommodation request under the Fair Housing Act, not a pet application, and different rules apply. Federal guidance on emotional support animals changed in 2026 and state laws differ, so check with HUD or your state fair housing agency.

Do I need to create an account?

No. There is no sign-up and nothing is sent anywhere. Your answers and photo stay in your own browser so a reload does not lose them, and the Clear button removes them. Use "Print or save as PDF" to attach the resume to an online application.