[tigersassy]

Currently I'm not allowed to have pets based on my lease, but I'm thinking about asking my landlord to make ab exception for a "service animal" I would like a cat, but would accept a dog too. But I don't want to upset my landlord or "make" him but I think that it would benefit me to have a pet. Do you think it'd be worth raising the question to my landlord?

Tig

[TheOriginalMe]

IMHO pets are quite simply the best therapy.

Whether your landlord would be sympathetic to your request will depend on lots of things, how long is your lease, how many other tenants does he have, has he other tenants with service animals, has he animals of his own? Try to think what his concerns will be and come up with some suggestions as to how you might deal with them. If you can present a case that minimises the impact of some of his concerns then you will stand a better chance of gaining his willing co-operation. Rather than asking the question outright, I'd suggest testing the water first, if he is openly hostile then it is up to you how far you want to take it, however if he is sympathetic then you'll know its worth asking outright. Good luck.

[LaborIntensive]

My cats are the best thing in my life. I just sneaked them in one night when the landlord was out (he lives across the hallway from me).

[Standup2me]

There have been many times that I've considered sui
but I worry about who would look after my cats if I were gone.

My cats have saved my life many time

[Victoria'smom]

I talked to my therapist and she said she'd write a note for my landlord

[swheaton]

I love my cats. My Daisy, who is 13 years old now, is my best friend.

[Unrigged64072835]

I'd talk to your landlord about getting an Emotional Support Animal. The Fair Housing Act does allow you to have one regardless of his policy, but it wouldn't hurt to say something first. I say ESA instead of service animal because the latter has a specific set of requirements according to the Americans with Disabilities Act, which an ESA doesn't. You would still need something stating why you need one, though. I know this because I also have PTSD and was trying to train a dog to become a service animal instead of an ESA so I could take her to crowded places where I normally have anxiety attacks.

I think it's a great idea, and you might want to discuss this with your therapist and landlord. Pets are really comforting. We're not allowed to keep cats and dogs at the university, although our counseling services brings in therapy dogs quite regularly. It's wonderful, and really helpful for me.

[live2ski66]

I've had Bugsy, a cat and my service animal/emotional service animal. The ADA rules are correct. I've used it to travel by plane with my cat (planes are a huge trigger) and to bypass rental restrictions. However, if a potential landlord protests or seems like he will harass me more than normal, I go elsewhere. I don't need the added stress. Sometimes I've been known to offer an extra deposit and I tell them that I clip his claws on a regular basis. I try to make the potential landlord as comfortable as possible with the decision to allow me to keep my cat.

[Anouk]

If you are wanting to have a pet as a therapy pet or service animal, there are things you might have to comply with in order to have the animal registered as a therapy pet. Check out your state laws and regulations about it.

[tigersassy]

Thanks everyone. My wife doesn't want to rock the boat with our landlord. Which I understand to a certain point. She isn't much of an animal person anyway. I don't want anything huge. I'd be happy with a little kitty which I think shouldn't be a problem considering it'd be an inside animal so no fleas and I'd get it liter trained. Plus I'd take care of incidents myself. But I don't have my wifes support to even ask the landlord. We have a good deal where we live now. Cheap and big space. So now I'm questioning if it'd be worth it.

Tig

I'm not sure why it would rock the boat with your landlord if you asked politely, and expressed that you'd understand completely if he were against the proposition.

Indoor cats and dogs are great - they live longer, too.

[tigersassy]

I think shes worried because it says in very clear english in the lease no pets. Maybe I can just volunteer at the humane society?

Tig

[r010159]

I do not think my cat can be considered a therapy pet. But it follows me around like a pet dog, wanting attention much of the time.

[Disturbed0114]

Hey, everybody! I may get a low-income apartment (based on your income) and the landlord said I could have my chihuahua as long as I get a form from my doctor. I've been diagnosed with major depression. I guess what I want to ask is how easy is it to get a form signed by my doctor?

[Victoria'smom]

My therapist offered to fill out paperwork. I know if I asked my gp they wouldn't bat an eye. However I fill out paperwork every six months that they always ask when's the last time I saw my therapist and psychiatrist and was I honest with them.

[littlemiss44]

I live in an apt where they do accept pets and 4 months ago I asked to change my cats into service animals and they gladly accepted. I should have thought of it sooner cause I've been paying pet rent for two years and now I don't have to. I do know under the disability act you have a right to have a service animal. Just say to yr landlord that yr Dr thinks you could benefit from a service animal and would they consider you having one. You totally qualify for one. Just say that you respect the fact that animals are not allowed but if they could make an exception that would be very helpful. Good luck

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[geegee vindaloo]

My rescue Dog Frida knows my moods before I do. the love and feedback I get from her is one of the best things in my life.

[crazycatlady_83]

I think cats are wonderful! I have a cat that we've had since he was born, and he is the loviest thing I've ever seen or had. He is always down for a pet and snuggle...I say he has a one-touch motor because he usually starts purring as soon as you touch, sometimes just when you call his name. I also have a teacup Yorkie that is completely attached to me and is content to just lay snuggled next to me, and loves to have his chest rubbed. They aren't service animals, but they do make me feel a little better. And they don't take up too much room.