Sure, it always takes a little extra effort to find a place when you have pets but in Naples it takes an enormous amount of time and energy.
This problem primarily exists because the majority of condominium associations ban pets from their developments. Because of this renters are forced into leasing single family homes which, in general, cost more to rent than condominiums. And even when you find a house you like there is still no guarantee that the landlord will accept pets. When you start applying all the restrictions-single family house, within a certain price range, and will accept pets-your choices become very limited.
The difficulty in finding pet friendly housing also has a direct correlation in the amount of animals turned into shelters each year. Not just in Naples, but throughout the country. When people find that their pet causes the least bit of inconvenience they simply get rid of their animal.
Recognizing these problems, the San Francisco Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SF/SPCA) started "The Open Doors Program" in 1990 to help landlords and pet owning tenants come together. Within the program's first year, rental housing in San Francisco that accepted cats increased from an estimated 33 to 55 percent and for dogs, from 11 to 29 percent.
Renting to pet owners can make a lot of sense. According to the SF/SPCA, it can reduce turnover, broaden the pool of prospective tenants, and promote a sense of tenant safety and security. The Landlord Start-up Kit (free from the SF/SPCA) acts as a guide to establishing a pets OK policy for rental properties. It includes sample pet policies and agreements adaptable for dogs, cats, or other domestic pets and a checklist to help landlords screen and recognize responsible pet owners.
For pet owning tenants, the society suggest letting property owners know about your companion animal's best qualities and to give examples showing your responsibility as a pet owner.
Below are a few things you can do that might help persuade a potential landlord into letting you rent from him:
1. Mention anything about your pet's age, activity level or breed traits that help make your dog or cat a "good tenant."
2. Explain how you keep your pet clean and free of fleas.
3. Describe your arrangements for your pet when you go to work or on vacation.
4. Explain that you always clean up after your dog or dispose of cat litter properly and make sure you do.
5. Let the landlord know your dog or cat is spayed or neutered and explain that this makes for a well-behaved, healthier pet. Also note that your animal is up-to-date on his/her vaccinations.
6. Give reference letters from current and previous landlords or neighbors, a certificate of completion for an obedience/training class, or a health certificate from your vet.
For more detailed information about the Open Doors Program call the San Francisco SPCA 415- 554-3000 or visit their web site at www.sfspca.org
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