6. Create a resume for your Pit. BAD RAP suggests including "cute photos and letters of recommendation from your vet, neighbors and trainer to show how well-liked your dog is and responsible you are." Some other things you might want to put in:

Your dog's breed (be truthful!)
References for your dog from previous landlords and neighbors
Evidence of training such as a basic-obedience certificate or Canine Good Citizenship (CGC) award
Vet records showing that your dog is spayed or neutered and up-to-date on vaccinations and flea and tick preventive
A description of arrangements you've made for your dog while you're at work or on vacation
A statement of intent if you're looking for a long-term rental (many landlords prefer tenants who will stay for many years)

7. Get renter's insurance that covers Pit Bulls. Many homeowners' insurance policies don't cover bully breeds, so renter's insurance will ease your landlord's concerns about liability. StubbyDog says State Farm, Farmers Insurance Group, United Services Automobile Association and Chubb Group don't discriminate by breed (but notes: "State or local breed laws may impact coverage in certain areas"), and BAD RAP says "Nationwide Insurance Company will cover any dog that has its CGC title."

8. Let prospective landlords meet your dog. "It's easy to decline dog owners on the phone, but so much harder when they meet a great applicant and lovely dog in person," BAD RAP says, adding, "Be polite no matter how they respond."

9. Be prepared to negotiate. Ask the landlord what his or her concerns are and offer creative solutions, such as putting down an additional deposit, trying a short-term lease at first or adding an addendum to the lease spelling out your responsibilities as a pet parent.

10. Be patient. It may take several tries to find the right fit for you and your dog, but being secure in your living situation is worth it.

Resources for finding Pit-friendly housing:

Stubbydog.org: For Rent: No Pit Bulls Allowed

Badrap.org: Renting with Your Pit Bull

HSUS: 13 Steps to Finding Pet-Friendly Housing

Pit Bull Rescue San Diego: Pit-Friendly Housing

Best Friends: Finding Pit Bull Housing

You might also like:

Articles:

The Truth About Pit Bull Adoption

Dog Adoption Checklist

More Pit Bull resources:

Bless the Bullys

Best Friends Animal Society's Pit Bulls: Saving America's Dog campaign

Pit Bull Rescue Central

National Pit Bull Awareness Day: How to find Pit-friendly housing

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