Free checklist
Pet Resume Template: What to Include (Free Checklist)
This is the full outline of a pet resume for renting, in the order a property manager reads it. Copy it into a document and fill it in, or answer the same questions in the Pawlease questionnaire and download it laid out as a two-page PDF.
Before you start
Gather your vet records, your city license or microchip number, your renters insurance details, and the contact information of one or two people who can vouch for your dog. That covers most of what the template asks for, and it's the part that takes longest if you have to dig for it later.
1. Profile
- Dog's name and a clear photo
- Breed or mix, age, weight
- Sex and spay/neuter status
- Microchip number and city license number
Tip: Use a calm, well-lit photo where your dog is looking at the camera. Clear and calm beats cute.
2. A short note from you
- Two short paragraphs in your own words
- Who your dog is and how they live day to day
- How you'll handle living in their building
Tip: Keep it under about 120 words. Sincere and specific reads better than polished.
3. Owner and household
- Your name, phone and email
- Who lives with you, including children and other pets
- Your work schedule
- How long you've had your dog
Tip: This tells the landlord who is responsible and how much time your dog spends alone.
4. Temperament
- Energy indoors
- Barking
- With strangers, other dogs and children
- How your dog does when left alone
- Any bite history or complaints (and context, if there is any)
Tip: Be honest. A realistic picture earns more trust than a perfect one.
5. Health and vaccinations
- Rabies, DHPP and Bordetella: date given and when each expires
- Flea, tick and heartworm prevention
- Last wellness exam
- Your vet's name and phone number
Tip: Attach the vet records if you can, so the landlord can check them.
6. Training and behavior
- House-trained, crate-trained, leash manners
- Classes or certificates, such as the AKC Canine Good Citizen
- Useful habits: quiet on cue, doesn't chew
Tip: List what you can back up. A certificate or class name is better than a general claim.
7. Care plan
- Daily exercise routine
- Who looks after your dog on long workdays
- Waste pickup and grooming
- An emergency contact
- Pet liability insurance, with the coverage amount
Tip: This answers the landlord's biggest unspoken question: what happens when you're not home?
8. References
- A previous landlord or property manager, if you have one
- A trainer, daycare, vet or neighbor as a second reference
- A short quote from each, with their phone number
Tip: Only quote someone who said it or agreed to it. See our pet reference letter template.
9. Your commitments and signature
- Sign the pet addendum and pay any required deposit or fee
- Keep your dog leashed in common areas
- Repair or pay for any damage
- Address any noise complaint quickly
- Keep vaccinations and insurance current
- Welcome a meet-and-greet
Tip: Only include commitments you're happy to stand behind. Sign and date the page.
What to leave out
- Anything you can't back up, like a quote a reference didn't give you.
- Promises about approval or claims about what a landlord is required to accept.
- Long stories. One specific example beats a paragraph of praise.
Template or finished PDF?
A plain template works fine if you're comfortable with layout. The difficult part is making it look organized: a health table with expiry dates, a temperament chart, references that are easy to scan. That's what Pawlease does. You answer plain questions, watch a preview fill in, and download a finished pet resume for $19. See the sample for Biscuit, or read how to write a pet resume for more on each section.
Common questions
How long should a pet resume be?
One to two pages. Landlords read quickly, so put the note and the profile first and keep each section short.
Should I include a photo?
Yes. A clear, friendly photo helps the landlord picture your dog. Pick one that's calm and well lit rather than a costume or action shot.
Is a pet resume the same as a pet reference letter?
No. The pet resume is written by you and covers everything about your dog. A reference letter is written by someone else, like a previous landlord, and backs up what you say. They work best together.
Can I use this for a service or emotional support animal?
A pet resume is designed for pets. Assistance animals are covered by different rules, so a pet resume may not be the right document for them.
Make yours in about 10 minutes
Answer plain questions about your dog, watch the preview fill in, and download a two-page PDF for $19. Free to fill out, pay when you're happy.