We get a lot of calls from landlords who need our help with pets left behind and from citizens in neighborhoods that are seeing a lot of cats roaming and multiplying.
I want to put out a couple of ideas that will help us with this problem and in return help you; homeowner associations and landlords.
Homeowner Associations - How about setting up rules and guidelines around free roaming cats in your neighborhood. Cats are not permitted to be inside/outside or outside only unless they are fixed. That way those cats won't attract other cats who come around because of matting season. They won't produce more cats and the problem won't get out of control like so many neighborhoods in the city are experiencing.
Landlords - First off, allow people to have pets. Set reasonable pet deposits, stop charging a monthly rent for the pet and don't make decisions on pets based on size. One small dog can do as much damage and more than a 50 lb large dog can. Set up guidelines that show a responsible pet owner and will reduce behavior issues that might cause damage to the property. One example is that those that do have pets must have their pets fixed to be allowed to have them in your property. Especially cats. I can't count how many landlords have called us about someone moving away and they go to investigate they find many cats around the property and it appears that many kept having kittens and the problem got out of control.
Help yourself and help us in the meantime. You have the power to affect change that will result in less animals in shelters and more animals being saved.
This article was very informative and helpful. My husband and I rented an apartment which allowed pets, but there are so many that do not allow them. I completely agree with not making decisions on pet size. It's true that small dogs aren't exempt from the occassional messes that happen. Also, landlords may find increased interest in their location if they allow pets.
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