PET RESUME (with thanks to the San Francisco SPCA) When presenting yourself and your animal to a prospective landlord a clear well worded resume for your pet can go a long way. We have gathered the following tips for your use in writing a resume that will be effective in demonstrating your pet's best qualities and your responsibility as a pet owner. Be certain to point out traits about your pet's age and activity level that makes it a good tenant. Focus on how your animal is suited for city living, if the animal has lived in apartments and is used to it say so. Tell the prospective landlord how special your pet is to you. Give examples of your pet's good behavior, and your responsibility. Has your dog been to obedience school or had special training? If your dog has lived in apartments before and is accustomed to it, be sure to say so. If you have more than one cat, let the landlord know how well your pets get along and keep each other company while you are away. If your cat uses a scratching post, say so and make sure to note that your cat is litter box trained. If your animal has been to obedience school or had training make certain to mention that. If you have more than one animal make sure to mention how well they get along with one another. Make sure to indicate that your animal is Litter/house trained. There is a huge difference between a young energetic animal and an older sedate one. If you have a calmer animal say so, if you have a more energetic animal indicate your responsibility in providing the animal with exercise. Mention how you keep your pet clean and free of fleas. Tell the prospective landlord that your animal is spayed or neutered and explain how this makes for a more obedient and healthier pet. Also download and print out Pet Health report PDF (you will need the free Acrobat PDF reader from Adobe to view and print this form) form and have your veterinarian fill it out to show that your pet is in good health and vaccinated, mention who your veterinarian is in your pet's resume. Indicate that you have arrangements for your pet when you go to work or on vacation. Explain that you always clean up after your dog, and/or dispose of cat litter properly, and make sure you do. If you are a member of the SPCA or other animal protection organization, be sure to mention it. In addition to your pet's resume, you may also want to attach reference letters from current and previous landlords and/or neighbors; certificates of completion of obedience/training classes; references from your pet's trainer or groomer, and if your pet is cute, a picture. SAMPLE CAT RESUME Felix (John & Jane Doe, Owners) 123 Main Street San Francisco, CA 94118 (415) 555-5555 Description: Felix is a friendly, well-behaved cat who is used to being indoors and and is accustomed to apartment life. He is a 5 year old male tabby cat who enjoys sleeping in the sun and playing with his toys. He has a large scratching post which is the only thing he uses to sharpen his claws, and he is fully litter box trained. We have had Felix for four years, and he is a cherished member of our family. Health/Grooming: Felix is neutered, which benefits both his behavior and health. Since he does not go outdoors, fleas are normally not a problem. We brush Felix often, and have him professionally groomed at least once a year. He is also kept up-to-date on all vaccinations, and receives regular health exams from his veterinarian. About us: As cat owners, we always try to act responsibly. We clean Felix's litter box every day, and always dispose of litter in a sealed bag. We arrange for reliable pet care if we are going out of town. We are so sure that Felix will be a "good tenant," we are willing to put up an extra security deposit. We are members of the SPCA and are committed to responsible, caring pet ownership. References: Our current landlord can be reached at (323) 555-5555. Please see attached letters of recommendation and other documentation. We would be happy to have a potential landlord meet Felix, visit him in his current home and/or check in to see how he is adjusting to his new surroundings after we move in. SAMPLE DOG RESUME Rover (John & Jane Doe, Owners) 123 Main Street San Francisco, CA 94118 (415) 555-5555 Description: Rover is a friendly, well-behaved dog who is accustomed to apartment life. He is a 5 year old medium-sized black Lab mix who is mature, calm and easy going. We have had Rover for four years, and he is a cherished member of our family. If you have any questions about our dog, please ask. Health/Grooming: Rover is neutered, which benefits both his behavior and health. Since he does not go outdoors, fleas are generally not a problem. We brush Rover often, and have him professionally groomed at least once a year. He is also kept up-to-date on all vaccinations and receives regular health exams from his veterinarian. Activities: We walk Rover twice a day, and go to one of the City's many off-leash areas for more vigorous exercise at least 3 times a week. Rover's behavior on and off-leash is exemplary. He loves the beach, and friends often "borrow" him to go along with them. These activities satisfy Rover's exercise requirements, and he is calm and content relaxing indoors while we are away at work. About us: As dog owners, we always try to act responsibly. We have taken a class on dog behavior, we always clean up after our dog, and we arrange for reliable pet care if we are going out of town. We are so sure Rover will be a "good tenant," we are willing to put up an additional security deposit. We are members of the SPCA, and are committed to responsible, caring pet ownership. References: Our current landlord can be reached at (323) 555-5555. Please see attached letters of recommendation and other documentation. We would be happy to have a potential landlord meet Rover, visit him in his current home and/or check in to see how he is adjusting to his new surroundings after we move in.