Moving, but can't take your dog?

Moving is the most common reason why people give up their pets.  It doesn't have to be this way.  Unfortunately, we live in a throw-away society where we feel it's alright to get rid of something once it becomes an inconvenience.  Before you considering giving up your pet because you're moving, read the following:

1. Most people give up too quickly in their search for rental property that accepts pets.  Don't be quick to jump on the first apartment you see.  There'll probably be a better one available soon. You can also visit Pets and People if you live in the Southern California area and need to find a pet-friendly place to live.  Other places to try are:

   People with Pets - www.peoplewithpets.com
   The Humane Society - www.rentwithpets.org
   Pets R Welcome - www.petsrwelcome.com

2. Widen your search.  Most people only look as far as the classifieds ads.  Many landlords list their property through real estate agents or rental associations rather than the classifieds.  Take advantage of rental services that help tenants find apartment.  Ask friends, relatives and co-workers to keep an eye open for you.  Many apartments are rented via word of mouth before they're ever advertised in the papers.
    

3. A home that allows pets might be in a different neighborhood than you'd prefer.  It might be a few more miles from work.  It might not be as luxurious as you'd like.  It might cost a few dollars more.  Are you willing to compromise if it means being able to keep your dog?
    

4. "No Pets" doesn't always mean "no pets, period."  Many landlords automatically rule out pets because they don't want the hassle.  Many of these landlords are pet owners themselves.  Just because the ad says "no pets" doesn't mean  you shouldn't go see the apartment anyway.  During the interview, ask the landlord, "Are pets absolutely out of the question?"  If he answers, "Well...," you have a chance!  HINT: You'll have better luck asking this question in person than over the telephone - it's harder for people to say no to your face.

To encourage a landlord to let you keep your dog...

• Bring your well-groomed , well-behaved dog to the rental interview.  Show your landlord that your dog is well-cared for and that you're a responsible owner.  Bring along an obedience class diploma, Canine Good Citizen Certificate or other achievement certifications if your dog has them.
   

• Offer an additional security deposit or rental amount to be able to have a dog.
   

• Bring references from your previous landlords and neighbors, as well as from  your dog's trainer.  Invite the landlord to see your present home to show him that the dog has not damaged the property nor been a nuisance to the neighbors.
   

• Use a dog crate.  Landlords are much more receptive to dogs that will be crated when their owners aren't home.
   

• Don't think you're being unfair to your dog by moving into a smaller place than what he's used to.  Dogs are very adaptable, they can often adjust even faster than people.  Where he lives isn't as important to him as who he lives with.  He wants to be with you, and he doesn't care where that is.

In difficult times, people often have to move in with relatives or friends who don't like dogs. This doesn't have to be an impossible situation.

• Use a dog crate when you're not home or when your family doesn't want your dog underfoot.  A portable kennel run can be set up in the yard for exercise and can be sold later when you have your own place and don't need it anymore.

Things to remember...

• There are tens of thousands of animals put to death in Los Angeles each year.
   

• Most shelters are full, often putting 2 or more dogs in one kennel.  In order to make room for your dog, all the animals in one of the kennels must be destroyed.
   

• Your dog is generally given 5 working days to be adopted... if your dog is not adopted, it will be put to sleep. 
   

• The shelters are full of young and older dogs, purebred and mixed, sweet and shy... don't assume your dog will be easily placed just because he's cute or has a great personality.
   

• When you adopted or bought your dog, you took on the responsibility of that dog for the rest of its life.  Remember that a dog is an actual life - not a piece of furniture to be given away when it no longer fits.  Dogs are such wonderful, compassionate, giving souls... we hope you find it in your heart to keep your pet.
  

Thanks to New Leash On Life in Connecticut (no affiliation to our organization) for providing most of this information.