Helping people and their pets stay together—no matter where they live.

Finding pet-friendly housing can be challenging, especially for families with large dogs, multiple pets, or breeds that are commonly restricted—like hounds, bully breeds, or shepherd mixes. But there are tools that can make the process easier and more successful.

Popular rental sites like Zillow, Apartments.com, HotPads, Trulia, and Realtor.com all offer filters to narrow results to pet-friendly listings. Zillow and Trulia are especially helpful for finding houses and private rentals, while Apartments.com and HotPads are great for apartment complexes and urban housing. Always check individual listings for specific pet policies, including breed restrictions, pet deposits, and weight limits.

For more inclusive options, MyPitBullisFamily.org is a nonprofit tool with a map of breed-friendly rentals and a printable landlord letter template. It’s a great resource for people with dogs often excluded from standard leases. PeopleWithPets.com is another national site focused entirely on pet-friendly rentals, apartments, and even hotels.

When renting with dogs, especially hounds or bully mixes, it helps to be proactive. A pet resume can go a long way—it should include a photo, age, weight, vet records, training details, and references from prior landlords or fosters. Offering a pet deposit or renters insurance shows responsibility and can ease a landlord’s concerns. And don’t be afraid to ask about exceptions. Some properties with “no pets” policies or breed restrictions may allow well-behaved, fixed, or insured dogs—especially if they’re rescues with a reference from a trusted group.