You found the perfect apartment. Great location, within budget, allows pets. Then you read the fine print: "No pit bulls, Rottweilers, German Shepherds, or mixes thereof." Your heart sinks because your sweet rescue dog—the one who passed his shelter behavior assessment with flying colors and hasn't met a person he doesn't love—happens to have a blocky head and a muscular build.
This scenario plays out thousands of times a day across America. Seventy-two percent of renters report difficulty finding pet-friendly housing, and breed restrictions remain one of the biggest barriers. Housing issues are now a leading cause of pet surrender to shelters, with "pet-related restrictions" accounting for more than a quarter of housing-related relinquishments.
But here's what many renters don't realize: breed restrictions aren't always absolute. Many landlords will consider exceptions for well-documented, well-behaved dogs—especially when you present them with a compelling case. That's where a pet resume comes in. And as a rescue dog owner, you have advantages that puppy buyers don't: shelter behavior assessments, known personality traits, and often a documented track record in foster homes.
This guide will walk you through creating a professional pet resume that showcases your rescue dog's best qualities, addresses landlord concerns head-on, and maximizes your chances of securing housing—even with a so-called "restricted breed."
Why Pet Resumes Work (And Why You Need One)
A pet resume isn't just a cute gimmick—it's a strategic document that reframes the conversation. Instead of asking a landlord to take a chance on an unknown dog, you're presenting evidence that this specific animal is a low-risk, high-reward tenant.
What Landlords Actually Worry About
Understanding landlord concerns helps you address them directly. Their primary fears include property damage (scratched floors, chewed doors, urine stains), noise complaints from neighbors, liability if the dog bites someone, difficulty with their insurance coverage, and the hassle of dealing with pet-related issues.
Notice that none of these concerns are breed-specific. A poorly trained Labrador can destroy an apartment just as easily as a pit bull. Your pet resume should demonstrate that your dog, regardless of breed, poses minimal risk in all these areas.
The Rescue Dog Advantage
Here's what many rescue dog owners don't realize: you often have better documentation than people who bought puppies from breeders. Shelters and rescues typically conduct behavior assessments that test for food guarding, reaction to handling, behavior around other dogs, and response to stimuli. If your dog passed these assessments, you have professional documentation of their temperament—something most dog owners can't provide.
Additionally, if your dog spent time in a foster home, you likely have real-world data about how they behave in a home environment. Did they destroy furniture? Have accidents? Bark excessively? A foster family's testimony carries significant weight.
What to Include in Your Pet Resume
Think of your pet resume as a professional document—not a scrapbook. It should be one to two pages, cleanly formatted, and focused on information that matters to landlords.
The Essentials: Basic Information
Start with the fundamental details every landlord needs. Include your dog's name and age, their breed or mix (be honest—we'll discuss strategy around this later), their weight, their spay/neuter status (this is important as altered dogs are less likely to roam, mark territory, or show hormonally-driven behaviors), and their microchip number.
The Proof: Training and Certifications
This section is where you build credibility. Include any formal training your dog has completed, such as obedience classes (list the training facility and dates), the Canine Good Citizen (CGC) certification (this is particularly valuable as some landlords and insurance companies specifically accept dogs with CGC certification even when the breed would otherwise be restricted), therapy dog certification if applicable, and any specialized training like "Reactive Dog" classes or private behavioral work.
If your dog doesn't have formal certifications, don't panic. You can pursue CGC certification relatively quickly—the test covers 10 basic skills, and many training facilities offer CGC prep courses. The investment of time and money can pay off significantly when apartment hunting.
The Story: Behavior and Temperament
This is where rescue dogs shine. Include your shelter or rescue's behavior assessment results if available, foster family observations about house manners, how your dog behaves around children, strangers, and other animals, and their activity level and exercise needs.
Use specific, concrete language rather than vague claims. Instead of saying "She's friendly," say something like "She has lived successfully with two cats and regularly attends dog-friendly patios without incident." Instead of "He's calm," try "He typically sleeps 14-16 hours per day and rarely barks, even when delivery people approach the door."
The Reassurance: Health and Care
Demonstrate responsible ownership by including your veterinarian's name and contact information, current vaccination dates (especially rabies), flea and tick prevention protocol, any relevant health information, and your pet's daily routine (feeding schedule, exercise routine, time alone).
The Backup: References
Provide contact information for people who can vouch for your dog's behavior. Strong references include a previous landlord (the gold standard—if your dog lived somewhere before without issues, this is powerful evidence), neighbors who can confirm your dog isn't noisy or problematic, your veterinarian, dog trainers or behaviorists who have worked with your dog, dog walkers or pet sitters, and the rescue organization or foster family.
The Appeal: Photo
Include one or two high-quality photos that show your dog's friendly, relaxed side. Avoid photos where your dog looks intense, is straining at a leash, or is mid-bark. The goal is to help the landlord see your dog as an individual, not a stereotype. A photo of your dog relaxed on a couch, playing gently with a child, or looking adorably goofy can humanize them in ways that words can't.
Special Strategies for "Restricted Breeds"
If your dog is on the commonly restricted list—pit bull types, Rottweilers, German Shepherds, Dobermans, Chow Chows, Akitas, Mastiffs, or Huskies—you'll need to work harder, but it's not hopeless.
Be Honest About Breed, But Lead With Individual Character
Don't try to hide your dog's breed or claim they're something they're not. Landlords aren't stupid, and starting the relationship with deception is a terrible foundation. However, you can frame the conversation strategically.
If your dog is a mix, you can accurately describe them as a "mixed breed" or by their mix (e.g., "Lab/Terrier mix") rather than leading with the restricted component. If your dog has had DNA testing that shows they're a mix of multiple breeds, include that information—it demonstrates that visual identification isn't reliable.
Address the Elephant in the Room
Rather than ignoring breed restrictions, acknowledge them directly in your pet resume or cover letter. You might write something like: "I understand that [property name] has breed restrictions, and I want to address any concerns directly. While [Dog's Name] has physical characteristics that might be associated with restricted breeds, her documented behavior history demonstrates that she is a calm, well-trained dog who poses no greater risk than any other pet."
Then immediately follow with your evidence: behavior assessments, CGC certification, references from previous landlords, etc.
Offer Risk Mitigation
Show that you're willing to address the landlord's underlying concerns by offering to pay a higher pet deposit, providing proof of renter's insurance with pet liability coverage (some policies offer $100,000-$300,000 in dog bite liability coverage), agreeing to specific lease terms such as always keeping your dog leashed in common areas, scheduling a "meet and greet" so the landlord can meet your dog in person, and providing regular updates or check-ins during your tenancy.
Highlight Shelter Assessments
If your rescue organization conducts formal behavior assessments, request a copy of your dog's results. These professional evaluations often test for food aggression and resource guarding, reaction to handling and restraint, behavior around unfamiliar dogs, response to startling stimuli, and general sociability with strangers. A passing assessment from a reputable shelter is professional documentation that your dog has been evaluated and found to be behaviorally sound—something that puppy buyers from breeders typically can't provide.
Get a Trainer's Letter
If your dog has worked with a professional trainer or behaviorist, ask them for a letter on their professional letterhead specifically addressing your dog's temperament and suitability for apartment living. A statement from a certified professional carries significant weight.
The Cover Letter: Making Your Case
Your pet resume should be accompanied by a brief cover letter that makes a personal appeal. This is your chance to tell your dog's story and establish an emotional connection.
Keep it concise—three to four short paragraphs maximum. Include how you came to adopt your dog and what they mean to you, a brief summary of their best qualities as a tenant, acknowledgment of any breed concerns (if applicable) with a clear statement of why your dog is an exception, and your commitment to being a responsible pet owner.
A sample opening might read: "I'm applying for the apartment at [address] and wanted to introduce you to Bella, my rescue dog who has been my companion for three years. I adopted her from [Shelter Name] after she passed their comprehensive behavior assessment, and she's been the perfect apartment dog ever since."
Timing and Presentation
When to Present Your Pet Resume
The ideal time to present your pet resume is with your rental application—not after you've been approved and are springing your dog on the landlord as a surprise. Being upfront demonstrates honesty and gives the landlord time to consider your case fairly.
If a listing says "no pets" or lists specific breed restrictions, consider reaching out before you apply to ask if exceptions are ever made. Some landlords have blanket policies they never deviate from, while others are open to considering well-documented pets. A quick email asking "Do you ever consider exceptions to your pet policy for well-trained dogs with documented behavior histories and references from previous landlords?" can save you an application fee.
Format and Presentation
Present your pet resume as a polished PDF document, not a casual email. Include a professional header with your contact information, clean formatting with clear sections, any supporting documents (CGC certificate, vaccination records, reference letters) as attachments, and your cover letter as the first page.
If you're meeting a landlord in person, bring printed copies. First impressions matter, and a professional-looking document signals that you're a responsible, organized tenant—exactly the kind of person landlords want to rent to.
What If You're Still Rejected?
Even with a perfect pet resume, some landlords won't budge on breed restrictions. This is frustrating, but it's important to know your options.
Keep Searching
Not all landlords have breed restrictions. Resources like the "My Pit Bull is Family" national database specifically list breed-inclusive rentals. Individual landlords (rather than large property management companies) are often more flexible. Some cities are passing laws limiting breed-specific rental restrictions.
Consider Insurance Angles
Sometimes landlords cite their insurance as the reason for breed restrictions. If you can provide your own renter's insurance policy with substantial liability coverage that specifically covers your dog's breed, this can address their underlying concern. Some insurance companies are moving toward behavior-based assessments rather than breed-based exclusions.
Know the Legal Landscape
While landlords in most states can legally restrict breeds, some states have passed laws limiting breed-specific legislation. Additionally, if your dog provides documented emotional support for a disability, you may have protections under the Fair Housing Act—though this is a complex area that shouldn't be abused and may require proper documentation from a mental health professional.
Don't Give Up Your Dog
Housing-related pet surrender is a growing problem, but please exhaust all options before considering giving up your pet. Reach out to rescue organizations for help finding housing resources. Consider temporary foster arrangements while you search. Look into pet-friendly housing assistance programs in your area.
Free Pet Resume Template
We've created a downloadable pet resume template specifically designed for rescue dog owners. The template includes all the sections discussed in this guide, formatted professionally and ready for you to customize with your dog's information.
Download includes:
- Fillable pet resume template (PDF and Word formats)
- Sample cover letter for rental applications
- Checklist of supporting documents to gather
- Tips for requesting shelter behavior assessment records
Looking for a Pet-Friendly Home?
Housing shouldn't be a barrier to giving a rescue dog a loving home. With the right preparation and documentation, you can make a compelling case for your pet—even if they look like a "restricted breed." Remember: you're not asking for a favor. You're presenting evidence that your dog is a responsible, well-behaved addition to any community.
Still searching for your perfect rescue match? Browse adoptable pets and filter by size, age, and temperament to find a companion who fits your life—and your housing situation.
