Create a Pet Profile to get approved for a rental property

Applying for a rental property with pets can reduce the chance of having your application approved.
So when filling out an application form, you need to be thinking, 'how do I reduce the risk for the landlord/agent and show them the pet will not be a problem'.
The big point to understand is, the agent and/or landlord probably does not know you from a bar of soap, so out of fear (their property could be damaged etc.), they naturally assume the worst... unless you can provide evidence and information that suggests otherwise;

Top 5 things to include in your Pet Profile

  • A recent photo of your pet (looking clean and well-groomed)
  • Description of your pet’s breed, age, activity level, and temperament
  • Is it an indoor or outdoor pet? Is this the same at night time?
  • Microchip and Registration numbers and desexed status.
  • References from previous landlords and/or neighbours.

When adding a Pet to your application in Cubbi, you can enter this information in the 'About them' field. Not many people do this, so going the extra mile here will put you above the 80% of other applicants who don't go to this effort.

Warning: Many renters fall into the 'upon request trap' they falsely believe agents/landlords will ask for additional information if they want it. While it is true they will ask if they absolutely need more information but only if they don't have any other applications that are fully completed and ready to approve. Another way to look at this is, people don't create extra work for themselves if they don't need to. Asking for more information is extra work they are not legally required to do.

Here are some other things you may like to include in your Pet Profile:

  • Characteristics that make your pet suitable for city living
  • Something special about your pet’s personality
  • Examples of your pet’s good behaviour
  • Obedience training, include certificates if available
  • Flea and external parasite prevention
  • Intestinal parasite prevention
  • Whether your cat uses scratching posts or mats
  • Where your pet will be kept on the property
  • Vaccination status
  • Desexing status
  • References from your veterinarian and pet trainer
  • Microchip and registration details
  • Pet insurance or health insurance
  • Arrangements for taking care of your pet when you are at work or out of town
  • If you have multiple animals describe how well they get along, and how they keep each
  • Other company when you're not home.

Many of these items are borrowed from the SA Government website.

Additional Resources:

How to get approved for a rental property with pets

SA Gov info on Pet Profile - what to include in your application

Top tips for renting with pets (realestate.com.au)

How Do I Get My Rental Application Approved if I Have a Pet?