Moving and preparing your household to find a new apartment home can be stressful enough when you are moving a full family. But when you need to also find a place that is pet-friendly and accommodating to your four-legged family member, it can be limited to the homes you will find available for rent. However, here are some recommendations that you can use to help you and find success as you look for a pet-friendly apartment.

Use Online Search Tools

At the start of your apartment search, use the tools available online to help you narrow down your search. You can apply filters to many online search tools for online listings, so include pet-friendly features as one of your searches. Then, all the rental results that you view are always going to allow pets. It is more difficult to search for apartments and to check into their pet policy after the fact, as you will be at risk of falling in love with an apartment that does not allow pets.

Prepare a Pet File

When you are searching for an apartment that allows pets, it is best to be prepared for the application process. When you apply for tenancy in an apartment that allows pets, they will need to get some information about your pet, so compile a file of documentation that they will need to see. Collect items about your pet, such as a photo of your pet and a description of their breed and coloring. Provide your pet's name along with their vaccination records each year and any training certificates they have earned at obedience school or a similar pet training.

When you are prepared in advance with all the documentation in a complete file, you will not only be ahead of the curve and have all your documentation together. Doing so will also show the landlord your responsibility for your pet and your apartment application to help them approve the request.

Prepare For Pet Fees

It is also helpful to prepare yourself for the financial cost associated with a pet-friendly apartment. Having a pet in an apartment can cause more damage and wear and tear to the interior, which will eventually cause your landlord more in expenses, so they will likely charge you a bit more.

Plan to pay for a pet application fee, pet deposit, and a monthly pet rent in addition to the apartment's rent rate. Save up some money to cover the extra upfront fees so you won't be scrambling at the last minute.