‘I had to give up my dog to find somewhere to rent’
In a recent conversation, James Strauch, a 42-year-old dog owner, opened up about the emotional challenges he faced while searching for a rental home that would welcome him and his four-year-old labrador mastiff mix, Bruno. Despite his relentless efforts, Strauch encountered repeated setbacks, ultimately receiving 60 rejections in his search for a suitable rental.
“I thought maybe I could sweeten the deal for landlords by offering a $1,000 deposit to secure a place with my beloved pet,” James recounted. “I figured this would demonstrate that I’m a responsible tenant. But even that didn’t make it any easier to find a landlord willing to accept us.”
After months of considering his options, Strauch was faced with a heartbreaking choice. “I had to think about what it would mean to be homeless with a dog. The thought was just unbearable,” he admitted. Eventually, he made the incredibly difficult decision to give up Bruno in order to find stable housing.
According to Dogs Trust, approximately 15% of the animals in their care are surrendered because their owners can’t find pet-friendly accommodations. Strauch’s experience highlights a significant issue within the rental market. The National Residential Landlords Association points out that pets can create additional risks for landlords, causing many to refuse tenants with animals entirely.
James’s story exposes the harsh realities many pet owners encounter in today’s housing market and emphasizes the urgent need for more inclusive housing policies that acknowledge the deep connections people have with their pets.
