"Sorry no pets"
If you want your dog, cat, fish, bird, or other pet with you in your new apartment, these words are disappointing. Here are some things you can do to have the best chance of keeping Fido, Fluffy, or Polly with you. We have listed some places that will help you find more information about this sensitive issue. Ontario is currently the only provinces in Canada that has a landlord tenancy act that allows pets.

Be a Responsible Pet Owner
Make sure your pet gets all shots required by law and has regular check-ups at the vet, and keep your pet's medical records together.

Get Letters of Reference
A letter of reference from your current or previous landlord can be quite useful, as can one from your veterinarian. Why not put together a pet resume (you can check out a sample resume from the Humane Society for ideas)?

Carry Pictures
Carry pictures of your pet with you when you're looking for your new home? Make sure the pictures are clear and show your pet in his or her best light. The personal touch can win over many people -- and landlords are people, too.

Make Your Case
You can introduce your pet to the potential landlord using your portfolio and some handy pictures. Highlight your responsibility, your previous landlord's comments, and your willingness to pay a deposit or slightly higher rent. Which leads us to...

Be Prepared to Pay More
Many properties where pets are allowed require an extra security deposit or charge a monthly rent for the pet. This is the landlord's prerogative. They see animals as potentially destructive and want to be covered in case of damage. If a potential landlord seems hesitant about letting your pet stay, offer to pay an extra deposit or a little more in rent each month.

Shipping your Pet
As you begin making arrangements for your move, the answers to your many questions about relocating your family pet will depend upon many factors and you can find some answers here.

Apartment and access Laws for Guide Dog Users
Here is a list of the various Guide Dog laws in Canadian Provinces. Find out what the rules are for Guide Dogs access in Apartments and other rental units.

Fact Sheets about Landlord Tenant Act
CMHC fact sheets were developed in collaboration with the provincial and territorial authorities responsible for landlord-tenant affairs in each respective province or territory.

The Canadian Federation of Humane Societies
Is the national voice on animal welfare. A good place to start by checking out your local SPCA and see if they have any "Pet Friendly" rental listings.

Landlord & Tenant/leases
Canadalegal.com has references to most Landlord Tenancy Acts in Canada.

OSPCA
The mission of the Ontario SPCA is to facilitate and provide for province-wide leadership on matters relating to the prevention of cruelty to animals and the promotion of animal welfare.

Vandog
The Vancouver Dog Owners Association is committed to building a strong community of responsible dog owners.

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