Renting
With Pets
 It's disappointing
when the only thing holding someone back from that perfect apartment is
a "no pets allowed" clause. Rather than going through the extra effort
of finding a rental unit which fits their personal criteria and accepts
their pet, some people think they have no other choice than to leave Fido
or Fifi behind. The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) has created
a web site dedicated to easing the difficulties of finding a great apartment
that will welcome both you and your pet.
According
to the Humane Society, 'moving', and 'the landlord won't allow' are the
top reasons given by pet owners when relinquishing their dogs or cats
to animal shelters. Brooke County Animal Shelter puts anywhere from twenty to thirty animals
to sleep per day. "It's not something we enjoy. We try to save as many
animals for as long as we can, but we can only do so much," says one employee.
Making an
extra effort to find a place which will accept you along with your pet
may be time consuming, however, HSUS points out the benefits of pet ownership:
Pets
provide companionship. There are few things more satisfying than the
attention and affection of a good friend. Wagging tails, contented purrs,
and adoring looks are all ways companion animals communicate with people
and demonstrate their devotion. Many people talk to their pets and consider
them members of the family.
Pets
give us someone to care for. When you add up the small daily acts
of caring for a pet - feeding, grooming, exercising - the sum total is
a pet owner with a feeling of being needed. Having that sense of purpose
and responsibility is a valuable learning tool for children and can help
fight loneliness, boredom, and depression, especially in the elderly or
socially isolated.
Pets
help people be more sociable. People out walking their dogs have a
greater tendency to socialize with passersby; their pets give them security
and provide a ready-made topic for conversation. Even among families and
friends, pets provide a focus of conversation and activity.
Pets
stimulate exercise. Pets promote vitality through active exercise
- such as brisk walking and outdoor games - or therapy for disabled hands
through regular grooming of pets.
Pets
comfort with touch. The gentle stroking of a pet can reduce stress
and lower blood pressure and, when combined with quiet talk, create a
feeling of relaxation, intimacy, and closeness.
Hoping
to reduce the number of animals unnecessarily put to sleep, the Humane
Society attempts to bridge the gap between reluctant landlords and pet
lovers by addressing the needs and concerns of both parties. Visit the
HSUS web site at: http://www.rentwithpets.org/
Also See:
Moving
Your Pet
Pet
Policies: Pleading Your Case Successfully
Written
by Kate Kemp
Copyright © 2000 Realty
Times. All Rights Reserved.
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