Every Week the Bunbury Vet Clinic and Eaton Vet Clinic receive calls from people seeking assistance to rehome their pets because they can’t find a rental property that will let them have animals.
The Australian Companion Animal Council is working to encourage more landlords to consider pet owners as tenants, and have released their list of ten good reasons for landlords and managing agents to consider renting to a pet owner:
1.Pet owning tenants are generally willing to pay more rent.
2.Pet-friendly properties rent faster.
3.Responsible pet owners can make excellent tenants.
4.Tenants with pets want to hold longer leases.
5.Reduce your advertising spend as pet-friendly properties rent much faster.
6.No more problems with hidden pets.
7.Most Australians feel their pet is part of the family and care for them as such.
8.Reduce animal euthanasia; animal welfare agencies indicate that as many as 30% of dogs and cats are surrendered by owners who are unable to locate adequate accommodation.
9.Even considering pets will not necessarily lock you into a pet-particular outcome.
10.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 www.acac.org.au