Renting With Pets
It's disappointing when the only thing holding someone back from
that perfect apartment is a "no pets allowed" clause. Rather
than going through the extra effort of finding a rental unit
which fits their personal criteria and accepts their pet, some
people think they have no other choice than to leave Fido or
Fifi behind. The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) has
created a web site dedicated to easing the difficulties of
finding a great apartment that will welcome both you and your
pet.
According to the Humane Society, 'moving', and 'the landlord
won't allow' are the top reasons given by pet owners when
relinquishing their dogs or cats to animal shelters. Brooke
County Animal Shelter puts anywhere from twenty to thirty
animals to sleep per day. "It's not something we enjoy. We try
to save as many animals for as long as we can, but we can only
do so much," says one employee.
Making an extra effort to find a place which will accept you
along with your pet may be time consuming, however, HSUS points
out the benefits of pet ownership:
# Pets provide companionship. There are few things more
satisfying than the attention and affection of a good friend.
Wagging tails, contented purrs, and adoring looks are all ways
companion animals communicate with people and demonstrate their
devotion. Many people talk to their pets and consider them
members of the family.
# Pets give us someone to care for. When you add up the small
daily acts of caring for a pet - feeding, grooming, exercising -
the sum total is a pet owner with a feeling of being needed.
Having that sense of purpose and responsibility is a valuable
learning tool for children and can help fight loneliness,
boredom, and depression, especially in the elderly or socially
isolated.
# Pets help people be more sociable. People out walking their
dogs have a greater tendency to socialize with passersby; their
pets give them security and provide a ready-made topic for
conversation. Even among families and friends, pets provide a
focus of conversation and activity.
# Pets stimulate exercise. Pets promote vitality through active
exercise - such as brisk walking and outdoor games - or therapy
for disabled hands through regular grooming of pets.
# Pets comfort with touch. The gentle stroking of a pet can
reduce stress and lower blood pressure and, when combined with
quiet talk, create a feeling of relaxation, intimacy, and
closeness.
Hoping to reduce the number of animals unnecessarily put to
sleep, the Humane Society attempts to bridge the gap between
reluctant landlords and pet lovers by addressing the needs and
concerns of both parties. Visit the HSUS web site at:
http://www.rentwithpets.org/
Also See: # Moving Your Pet # Pet Policies: Pleading Your Case
Successfully # Are Your Pets Soiling Your Chances of Selling
Your Home?