Finding a pet-friendly rental property isn’t the easiest task in the world. One way you can make this hunt far more fruitful is by including a pet CV or resume with your tenant application. Not only will an excellent pet CV highlight the trustworthy nature of your pet, but it’ll also indicate that you’re a responsible pet owner (and tenant by extension).
For ease, we’ve provided a downloadable pet CV. All you have to do is fill in the blanks! In this article, we’ve also provided more colour surrounding pet CVs and why they’re necessary, pet CV benefits and what they need to include.
A good pet CV doesn’t really need changing from animal to animal either. It’s just a case of swapping in all the relevant information for your specific pet, with pet CVs being most common for free-roaming pets, especially dogs.
Navigate our article on pet CV’s:
- What is a pet CV and why are they necessary?
- What are the benefits of a pet CV?
- What to include in a pet CV
What is a Pet CV and Why Are They Necessary?
A pet CV more or less works in the same way as a CV or resume that you’d create for a job application, summarising your pet’s best qualities in the process. Their main role is to demonstrate that you’re a responsible pet owner, and that your pet isn’t going to cause a landlord or their property any issues. You can use this CV as a chance to discuss your pet’s behaviour and personality.
Some of the other important things to mention (we’ve gone into this in more detail further down) include any training your pet has received, vaccination records, flea and worming treatments, plus a contact number and reference from your vet. A reference from a previous landlord would also be amazing to include!
Many properties that are listed as pet-friendly still require a pet CV. Even if a property doesn’t specifically request a pet CV, sending one over with your application still gives you a much better chance of getting the answer you’re hoping for. This is especially true when trying to sway the opinion of a landlord or letting agent for a property that currently has a no-pet policy.
A landlord’s biggest concern is always going to be serious property damage. And let’s be honest, there are plenty of problem pets that’ll increase the likelihood of this situation happening. However, landlords will also be aware that not all pets are like this. You should think of your pet CV as a chance to demonstrate that your pet poses no threat in any sense.
What are the Benefits of a Pet CV?
- Pretty much any objection a landlord may have can be answered in a pet CV. Landlords want to protect their property investment, so are going to be more likely to agree to have a pet in their home when offered an accompanying pet CV
- Similarly, any behaviour and health concerns are also answered, such as constant barking, along with any diseases or fleas that your pet may be carrying
- They help mitigate any strict size and breed restrictions
- When a landlord agrees to have your pet in their rented accommodation, it removes the hassle of trying to find an alternative home for your pet
- They show that you’re taking things seriously with your pet rental application
- All in all, pet CVs are great for turning suspicious landlords into pet-friendly ones and greatly increase your chances of being able to live with your pet in rented accommodation
How to Create an Amazing Pet CV and What to Include
There are loads of ways to go about creating and formatting your own pet resume. To be honest, they really aren’t that difficult to make – you just need to include all the necessary details. We’ve listed the 12 most important points below:
- Name – To start off, introduce your pet by his/her name. If the name happens to be offensive or has violent connotations, then we’d recommend changing this for the sake of the CV.
- Photo – As the old saying goes, a picture tells a thousand words. Choosing the right photo – preferably one that makes your pet look cute and friendly – may be enough to immediately win over your landlord. If possible, pick out a picture with your pet around children or seniors.
- Age – Landlords and letting agents may stand a better chance of granting your pet-wish if your animal is fully grown, rather than a puppy or kitten.
- Breed – Certain breeds of animals – especially dogs – have a reputation for being louder and more aggressive. Some properties will even restrict certain breeds. If your pet falls under one of these categories, then we’d recommend stressing the calmness of your pit bull terrier or German shepherd. It may be worth arranging a meeting between your prospective landlord and pet to ease any breed-related worries.
- Weight and Size – This factor is almost always one of the most important. A pet’s weight and size provides an immediate indicator as to the amount of property damage they’ll be capable of inflicting, irrespective of your pet’s behaviour or temperament.
- Sex – While this is very unlikely to affect the landlord’s decision, it is still an important piece of information to provide.
- Health – You need to provide a brief history of your pet’s health. This should include if your pet has been spayed or neutered. Neutered pets can be preferred as it reduces pet odour and aggressiveness. You should also add in a list of vaccinations and any past health issues.
- Training Information – This is another really important section that could seriously work in your favour. If your pet has been trained, be sure to show off any certificates/qualifications. If not, then consider arranging this as it’ll definitely get your pet some extra brownie points with any landlord.
- Care Routine – Elaborating on your pet’s care routine will help show that they’re well cared for (and by extension, that you’re a responsible pet owner). Some questions to answer include whether you take them to a pet daycare, how often they’re walked, how often they’re groomed/bathed, do they have a bedtime routine and who cares for them when you’re away.
- About – This isn’t essential, but having an ‘About’ section is a great way to shine some extra light on your pet and provide any other information that you think might help. This could include how long you’ve had your pet, any past owners, their favourite activity/toy and whether they prefer being indoors or outdoors.
- References – Some of the best references to include are your vet and a previous landlord. Check with them beforehand to make sure they’re okay with being on your pet CV (and so they’re ready to be contacted).
- Your Name and Contact Details – Finish off your pet CV with your name and contact details, including your phone number and email address.
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