American Forces Press Service
By Navy Lt. Theresa DonnellyWASHINGTON, Aug. 13, 2012 - Guest blogger Navy Lt. Theresa Donnelly is
the owner of Hawaii Military
Pets, a volunteer online resource for military families in Hawaii. The blog and Facebook page provide
information on moving with pets in the military, boarding information and pet
policies in state and federal governments. She partners with nonprofits that
specialize in service members and their companion animals, such as Dogs on Deployment and Pets for Patriots.
By Navy
Lt. Theresa Donnelly
Aug. 13, 2012
|
-- Check with other military families to find out what's worked for them. "I
have two large dogs, and I started looking early, not because I want to choose a
place early, but because sometimes you notice patterns in which rental
management companies are more pet friendly. I'll contact people that say, "no
pets" but then offer a larger pet deposit if it's a house I really like," said
Kristen McDeeLite, a military spouse stationed in Hawaii.
--As soon as
you know the location of your next duty station, start looking online. A great
resource is the Automatic Housing Referral Network. Sponsored by the Defense
Department, this free service lists off-base rentals, privatized military
housing, temporary lodging, military-shared rentals, and allows property owners
to list their homes for rent. On the listing, there is a paw print next to each
rental and information on banned breeds as well as weight, size and numeric
limits.
--Contact your sponsor, the base family service center and a local animal shelter. Your sponsor may have a newcomer's packet with housing information. Talk to families already living there and ask them for recommendations. See if local shelters have a housing pet program or other referral services.
--Call properties that state "no pets" and find out why. Perhaps you can build a rapport with the property owner and better understand their negative experiences. Maybe your family can help them overcome the negative stereotypes caused by irresponsible pet owners.
--Demonstrate to your landlord that you consider your pet a cherished, lifetime, indoor family member. Offer to bring your freshly groomed, well-behaved pet to an "interview" with the property owner and have letters of reference from previous landlords, neighbors, obedience instructors and your veterinarian attesting to the good behavior of your pet(s). Have all veterinarian records handy and offer to sign a pet addendum making you personally liable for damage to property and injury to others.
Moving is rarely a smooth, stress-free process. But preparing early, putting
aside savings and planning smartly will help alleviate some of the hassle and
help ensure your furry family member arrives at your next duty station happy and
healthy.
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