It’s a jungle out there. Choosing a rental can be a hassle, even without the added stress of finding a place that will welcome your ‘fur baby’ too. Just like you would prepare for an interview, it’s important to be ready to sell your pet to a potential landlord. Having a resume on hand to highlight their cutest and quirkiest qualities can be the best way to make sure you score the perfect crash pad.

Why have a pet resume

Not every landlord will ask for a resume for your fluffy companion, but it’s a good idea to have one lying around. It may be the tiny detail that sets you apart and wins you a rental over someone else!

A resume for your little ‘hairy-human’, exactly like one for a real life human, is a great way to showcase the best of your pet. It’s a simple tool that can help take care of any worries a future landlord may have about a pet living in their property.

What to include in your pet resume

Personality is key. More often than not, it’s the one that stands out from the pack that impresses people the most. Your pet’s resume should include a mix of information that sells you as a responsible pet owner, as well as some fun facts that will make your landlord fall in love with your baby.

The serious stuff:

• Facts about your pets breed—include size and weight, temperament and health as this lets a landlord know what to expect so they can do their own research if they want
• Documents—microchipping, desexing and operation records, insurance and licences reassures landlords that your pets health will be maintained
• Contact numbers—your vet, groomer, walking service, kennel and an emergency contact shows you’re prepared for any event or accident and depicts you as a responsible pet parent
• Training—a landlord wants to know that your pet is house trained or, how you plan to deal with ‘potty-time’. If Lucky barks all night or Shadow meows every time you leave the house, it’s important to mention!

The fun stuff:

• Anecdotes and fun stories—keep them short and sweet, no one likes a brag-y parent, but a few little quirks that shows your pet is part of your family can soften up the strictest of landlords
• Behaviour—if your pet’s breed is suited to indoor or city living make sure to mention that and if your chilled-out pet’s favourite activity is studying the inside of their eyelids, that can calm a landlord who has nightmares about chewed-up couch cushions and ripped carpets

The extra stuff:

• Certificates—graduating from obedience classes or puppy-preschool is a major tick for landlords, no misbehaving pooches or kitties here
• References—if you’re friendly with your vet or have ever had someone house-sit your pet before, a glowing reference from them can make all the difference to a property-owner

Tip: Add a small photo of your pet at the top of the resume, after all who can say no to big, brown, puppy-dog eyes? Make it a happy picture of them smiling or laying down, this is not the time for a snap of them covered in mud or giving a cheeky grin after you sprung them laying on the couch.