Pet Resume Hacks: How to Impress Landlords and Win a Rental with Your Furry Friend

Finding a pet-friendly rental in Australia can feel like an uphill battle. While more landlords are becoming open to tenants with pets, competition is still high, and approval often depends on how well you present your case. This is where a pet resume comes in. A professional and persuasive way to show landlords that your furry friend will be a responsible tenant too.

In this guide, we will share practical pet resume hacks that help your application stand out, especially in a tight rental market where landlords have plenty of applicants to choose from.

Essential Information to Include in Your Pet Resume

A good pet resume is informative, easy to read, and visually appealing. The following sections will ensure your application looks complete and credible.

Pet Details

Start with the basics. Include your pet’s name, age, breed, gender, and size. If they are microchipped or registered with your local council, note that too. Mention how long you have owned them, stability matters to landlords. This section sets the foundation, but small details like your pet’s favourite activities or how they behave around people can make your resume feel more personal and genuine.

Training and Behaviour

Behaviour is one of the top concerns landlords have about pets. Use this section to demonstrate that your pet is well-behaved and manageable. Highlight any obedience training, socialisation experience, or good habits, such as being house-trained or quiet indoors. Including obedience school certificates or trainer references can further strengthen this section.

Health and Care Documentation

Show that your pet is healthy and cared for by including up-to-date vaccination records, flea and worming treatments, and desexing certificates. This reassures landlords that your pet is unlikely to cause health issues or infestations in the property. If your pet regularly visits a vet or is covered by insurance, include that too. It reflects your commitment to responsible ownership.

References

Just as tenants provide personal references, pets can too. A short statement from your current or previous landlord confirming that your pet was clean, quiet, and well-behaved is one of the strongest pet resume hacks you can use. If your pet has lived in shared housing, you can also include short notes from flatmates or neighbours confirming their good behaviour

Pet Resume Hacks to Impress Landlords

Highlight Responsibility as an Owner

Landlords care as much about the owner as they do the animal. Use your resume to show that you take responsibility seriously. Mention your cleaning habits, how often you groom your pet, and the steps you take to keep the home tidy. Adding a brief “Pet Care Routine” section is one of the best pet resume hacks for demonstrating your reliability.

Include Professional Photos

A photo can change everything. Clear, friendly images of your pet looking calm and well-groomed help landlords see them as part of a stable home, not a potential problem. Avoid messy or playful photos that might send the wrong impression.

Showcase Positive Personality Traits

Describe your pet’s personality in a way that connects with landlords. For example:

“Luna is gentle and enjoys sleeping near windows.”

“Max is friendly with neighbours and enjoys quiet walks.”

Focus on traits that show your pet will not disturb the peace or damage the property.

Tailor the Resume to the Property

One of the smartest pet resume hacks is customising your resume for each application. If you are applying for a small apartment, highlight your pet’s calm nature and low exercise needs. For a property with a yard, mention that your pet enjoys spending time outdoors and plays safely. This shows that you have considered how your pet fits into the specific environment, which builds confidence with landlords.

Additional Documents to Strengthen Your Application

Adding supporting documents helps transform your pet’s resume from good to excellent. These attachments can make your application more credible and increase your chances of success.

Pet References: Include written references from previous landlords, property managers, or even neighbours. These testimonials are practical proof that your pet behaves well in rental settings.

Training Certificates: Certificates from obedience schools or trainers are among the most powerful hacks. They show that your pet has been trained to follow commands.

Pet Insurance Details: Mentioning that your pet is insured shows that you are financially prepared for emergencies or accidental damage. 

Renting with pets in Australia can be challenging, but a well-crafted pet resume can help you stand out and prove your reliability as a tenant. By using these pet resume hacks, you show landlords that your pet is not just well-behaved, but that you are a responsible and organised renter.

If you are struggling to find a pet-friendly rental, Find My Home can make the process easier. We work with renters across Australia, including pet owners, to strengthen applications, navigate strict requirements, and secure homes where both you and your furry friend can feel at ease.

Disclaimer: The information in this article is for informational purposes only and should not be taken as legal, financial, or professional advice. Rental laws and market conditions may change, so we encourage readers to check details independently. Find My Home is not a real estate agency, and while we aim to support renters throughout the process, we cannot guarantee property approvals. If you have any questions, please email us at info@findmyhomeaus.com.