Pet resume template for renters

What’s on the resume

• A box for a clear photo, next to the name, species and breed, age, weight, sex, color and microchip number.
• Health and care: the date your pet’s vaccinations were up to date, which proof you attach, and your vet clinic.
• Training and behavior: house and crate training, classes and certificates, how your pet is with people, children and other animals, time alone and noise.
• Three references with how they know you and a phone number or email.
• Your contact details, renters insurance, and a box for a few words about your pet.
• Page 2: an optional pet reference letter with three prompts and a line for a signature.

What landlords want to see

Humane World for Animals, formerly the Humane Society of the United States, suggests a “resume” for your pet with a photo, favorite activities and certifications, plus a letter from your current or most recent landlord, written proof that your dog finished a training class, and a vet letter showing your pet is spayed or neutered and up to date on vaccines. San Diego Humane Society adds quotes from neighbors and trainers, and offering the landlord a chance to meet your dog. The form puts all of that on two pages.

How to use it

1. Fill it in on screen or print it. Keep answers short and true: a landlord may call your references.
2. Attach proof: a copy of the vaccination record, a letter from your vet or a training certificate.
3. Ask a previous landlord, your vet or your trainer to fill in page 2 and sign it.
4. Offer to let the landlord meet your pet, in person or on a video call.
5. Save the file as a PDF and send it with your application, or bring printed copies to a viewing.

The reference letter

A letter carries more weight when the person who signs it saw your pet at home. The prompts ask how they know you, how your pet behaves with people and other animals, and how the home was kept: damage, noise or complaints. A previous landlord who rented to you with your pet speaks to what a new landlord wants to know; a vet or a trainer can speak to care and manners.

Before you sign the lease

The resume helps a landlord say yes; the lease is what counts afterwards. Humane World for Animals advises having any pet deposit or monthly fee written into the lease, and never signing a lease that says no pets. Rules on pet deposits and fees differ from place to place, so check what applies where you rent.

• Printable pet vaccination record
• Printable pet medical record