The rise of pet résumés to help renters and their furry friends

In Australia’s dog-eat-dog rental market, pet owners are often overlooked by picky landlords who prefer animal-free properties. Cue the rise of pet résumés.

With home ownership rates declining, and a third of Australians now renting, securing a suitable rental home can be a huge headache for pet owners.

Pet résumés, which can include details of breed, registration and proof of vaccinations, are designed to help wouldbe renters and their furry friends stand out from the pack.

Pet-owning renters are largely at the mercy of landlords and property managers, despite Australia having one of the highest rates of pet ownership in the world.

Rent chief executive officer Greg Bader said pet résumés were the solution to the hardships pet owners faced when hunting for rental homes.

“We think that renters should have the same opportunity (as homeowners) to benefit from pets,” Mr Bader said.

“A pet résumé gives the owner a chance to explain and demonstrate responsible ownership.”

Pet résumés can help pet owners convey their pet’s best qualities, and show prospective landlords that they’re top dog.

“Someone looking to rent a ground-floor apartment with a small dog is different to having a horse or three pit bulls,” Mr Bader said.

“Pets are quite an emotive issue and we find it’s best to open the conversation.

“Most landlords are open to the option.”

The Victorian Government recently announced it would move to prohibit ‘no-pet’ clauses, giving tenants the right to keep pets provided they obtain the landlord’s written consent first.

In 2016, 62 per cent of Australian households owned pets, with more than 24 million pets in total, according to the RSPCA.

However, a lack of pet-friendly rental properties remains a problem and according to a 2016 survey by

rent.com.au, 42 per cent of Australian renters found it “extremely difficult” to find a place to rent that would accept pets.