One issue that can present a significant challenge to pet owners is finding a place to live that allows dogs. Particularly for people who rent, this can be a big problem! Even those who do own their own house or townhome may face certain restrictions as to the number or type of pets allowed.
The best thing to do is to think about your housing situation before getting a dog. For many younger people who are out on their own for the first time, budgets may limit the amount of rent they can afford, which also narrows the choices of appropriate apartments.
Sometimes other personal circumstances may result in needing to find a new place to live; but whatever the situation, each pet owner does have a responsibility to keep their pet and find a home that allows them to keep their dog. In spite of this moral issue, the National Council on Pet Population and Study reports that the number one reason people relinquish their dogs to shelters is moving! Number two reason? Landlord issues!
With millions of pets being euthanized in shelters annually due to overcrowding, not to mention the heartbreak of having to “get rid of” your dog, it is always best to plan ahead and make sure your housing arrangements are appropriate for your family in the first place… including your dog! And it is never a good idea to get a pet if it is not allowed where you are living; such decisions almost always end in problems.
To assist with this, many locales offer Pet Friendly Housing Guides. Other resources include joining pet friendly Facebook groups, asking at your local shelter or rescue groups, etc.
With a little advance planning and taking into account that having a pet is a big, long-term responsibility, pets and their owners can live together happily ever after!
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