How To Get Approved For An Apartment With A Restricted Dog Breed

Finding an apartment is stressful. Doing it with a dog that’s on a “restricted breed” list makes it even harder.

In Atlanta and many other cities, a lot of apartments say they’re pet friendly, but that often still means breed restrictions. Commonly banned breeds include Pit Bulls and pit mixes, Rottweilers, German Shepherds, Dobermans, and sometimes Huskies. If you've got one of these breeds, it's no easy task to find an apartment that will always accept your dog. The good news is, there are some ways to get around this.

Yes - even pitbull puppies like this can be denied

First, put together a simple pet resume. Include a clear photo, age and weight, vaccination records, and any training certifications. If your dog has completed obedience training or earned a Canine Good Citizen certification, include that too. It shows you’re a responsible owner and gives the leasing office reason to be flexible with their pet restrictions. If you're really open to going after pet certifications, you can also get your dog certified as an Emotional Support dog. Apartments will sometimes allow for Emotional Support certifications to let in banned breeds.

Second, widen your search. Large corporate complexes often follow strict insurance rules and cannot change the rules on a case by case basis. Smaller properties and private landlords sometimes have more flexibility and may review pets case by case. Here at FetchHomes, we can help you find these kinds of apartments and rentals that accept breeds on the usual "banned list".

Another piece of advice - If your dog is a mix, accurate vet documentation or DNA results can help clarify breed classification. Never misrepresent your dog, but clear paperwork can reduce unnecessary friction and questions about what kind of dog you have.

Not every property will work, but some communities don’t enforce strict breed lists or evaluate pets individually. If you're looking for a property like this, check out our No Breed Restrictions property list here at FetchHomes.

If you’re struggling to find an apartment that will accept your dog, FetchHomes helps pet owners narrow down options that are more likely to approve based on your breed, budget, and timeline. Reach out on our Contact Page and we’ll help you avoid wasting time on places that were never going to say yes.

Have some specific questions on renting with a banned breed? Reach out to info@fetchhomes.io and we'd be happy to help out.