The Australian Veterinary Association (AVA) is calling on landlords to rent their properties to pet owners.
It’s not easy being a pet owner looking for rental accommodation, with many renters being forced to choose between their ideal home and their furry friend.
AVA and Australian Companion Animal Council (ACAC) President Dr Julia Nichols says that with over 60 per cent of households in Australia having pets — and about a third of households renting — it just doesn’t make sense for landlords and managing agents to insist on a ‘no pets’ policy.
“Recent research has shown that well-managed, pet-friendly rentals can be a competitive advantage for those willing to introduce a ‘pets considered’ policy,” Dr Nichols says. “There’s a huge imbalance between supply and demand for pet-friendly rental properties and we would like this to change.
“Pets are good for your health and reduce stress. People also tend to look after their pets as they look after other members of the family; they take care of their health and hygiene, exercise and entertainment, they clean up after them. In fact studies show that Australian pet owners are becoming more and more socially responsible in the care of their pets.”
To help make their case, the AVA and ACAC have come up with this list. Do you think it’s persuasive enough?
10 reasons for landlords and managing agents to consider renting to a pet owner
- Pet-owning tenants are generally willing to pay more rent.
- Pet-friendly properties rent faster.
- Responsible pet owners can make excellent tenants.
- Tenants with pets want to hold longer leases.
- You’ll reduce your advertising spend, as pet-friendly properties rent much faster.
- No more problems with hidden pets.
- Most Australians feel their pet is part of the family and care for them as such.
- You’ll be helping to reduce animal euthanasia. Animal welfare agencies indicate that as many as 30 per cent of dogs and cats are surrendered by owners who are unable to locate adequate accommodation.
- Just considering pets will not necessarily lock you into a pet-particular outcome.
- Pet application and agreement forms are available to help landlords and managing agents implement a successful pet management policy and help tenants understand how to responsibly manage pets. Forms are available from acac.org.au.
Visit the AVA website for more info on renting with pets.
Have you had any problems with pets in your house? Let us know below!
I wouldn’t mind renting to people with pets, in fact our present tenants have a cat, but wouldn’t want to have yapping dogs, there are enough of them in the neighbourhood already. I think people in general should consider their position fully before they get a pet – too many get a pet on a whim and they then become a problem down the track. Take the dog with you when you go out, don’t leave it bored and barking in the back yard !!
Definitely no barking/yapping/howling dogs. Also, not all pet owners are pet-responsible & clean up after their pets, and that includes cats as well as dogs.
A well trained and loved dog does not bark. To go walking is a great way to exercise both of you. Cats kill wildlife, day and night. I have owned a lot of both animals in the past, and although the cats are cuddly they are a law unto themselves, where as dogs if treated like one of the family give love and do as told. There are devices to stop dogs barking now days and are not cruel. They should not have to be used as the owner should be able to teach with love and commands not hits and punishment. Yes, take the dog with you when you go out, give it toys to play with, this all helps keep a happy dog that does not bark. My Chihuahuas taught my area that like my German Shepard they barked briefly, only for a good reason, or not at all. A lot of people changed their minds about Chihuahuas.