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TL;DR Tell me about pet CVs for rentals and why I should care
A pet CV is a way for you to build trust with a landlord and show why you’re a responsible pet parent.
They’re a chance to build a pet profile for renting and establish a rapport with your landlord.
They aren’t a legal requirement, but they are an effective way for your landlord to accept your pet.
Include basic information, like your pet’s breed, photos, details about their personality, training and references.
They don’t guarantee your landlord will accept your application, but they can build landlord confidence.
It can help meet the “reasonable information” request a landlord can ask for under May 2026’s Renters’ Rights Act.
What’s a pet CV, and why might you need one?
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A pet CV is a neat summary of your pet’s personality. It includes everything from their behaviour and health to their past experiences and training. It’s not quite as formal as the CVs we’d use when applying for a job, but it can include things like references.
A pet CV’s goal is to convince landlords that you and your pet are responsible and that you and your tailmate will be dependable, well-behaved tenants.
it can help build confidence and alleviate concerns early on, and for some landlords, it will improve the probability of them accepting your pet in their property.
Do landlords need a pet CV?
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Do landlords want a pet CV, or will it just be something they'll skim over?
We’ll be honest: most landlords won’t be thinking of a pet CV. They’re more common in the US, but over here, it won’t enter a landlord’s mind.
But that doesn’t mean they won’t like a pet CV when they see one. They’ll appreciate having one, and it could be enough to swing a “maybe” to a “yes”.
Whether it’s enough to swing a firm “no” to a “yes” is a different question, especially if a landlord has a reasonable refusal on pets.
Are pet CVs a legal requirement?
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No. They aren’t.
But they can help when you’re asking a landlord to accept your pet. As part of the Renters’ Rights Act, landlords in England can request further information about your pet before they make their decision.
This is where a pet CV can shine.
What to include in a pet CV (checklist)
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The basics
Include things like your pet’s:
Age
Breed
Name
Microchip details
Photos
A photo is pretty important as it’ll help build a connection with your landlord.
Personality and behaviour details
Include details about your pet’s unique personality and behaviour. Things like if they’re:
Calm indoors
Friendly with people
Quiet and well-behaved
Training and behaviour history
If they’ve had experience with:
Obedience training
House training
And details about their behaviour with:
Other animals
Other people, especially if you live in a flat
Health and veterinary care
You’ll want to share dates about your pet’s:
Flea treatment
Last vet visit
Neutering/spaying
Worming treatments
This is mainly to show you’re a responsible pet parent.
References
Now, this may sound odd, but it’s a really key step. A statement from a previous landlord or neighbour, if you have one, that your pet caused no issues, can go a long way to build trust.
References options could include:
Previous landlords or letting agents: This is the gold standard.
Your vet: To confirm the pet is healthy and up-to-date on treatments.
Dog walkers or pet sitters: To vouch for behaviour while you're away.
Training instructors: To confirm obedience and training status.
Optional details to add
A “letter” from your pet: This is a lighthearted paragraph from your pet’s perspective, giving you a chance to show off their personality and reiterate that they’ll be a good tenant. But only make this a small part of the CV; it should be 80% facts, 20% fun.
Habits: Some information on your pet’s habits, like their energy level, favourite toys and preferred exercise, can help build a connection with your landlord and bring life to your CV.
Insurance details: While it’s not a legal requirement to have insurance while renting, it can help build your profile as a responsible pet parent.
Cheat sheet: what to include for cats and dogs
| Feature | Dog CV | Cat CV |
|---|---|---|
| Noise | Highlight your dog's lack of barking & reactivity | Minimal for cats |
| Damage | Mention lack of chewing & garden digging | Highlight evidence against scratching furniture |
| Cleanliness | State they don't have muddy paws and have low shedding (if relevant) | Focus on clean litter box habits |
| Key evidence | Training and medical evidence | Neutering & flea treatment |
Tailoring your pet CV to different types of homes
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Not every rental is the same, and not every landlord is the same either. Tweaking your pet CV to the home itself can improve your chances of acceptance, and help to stop it from feeling too boiler plate.
Here’s how to tailor it for each major home type:
City flats
If you’re moving into a building with shared hallways or close neighbours, the landlord’s biggest fear is usually noise and mess in communal areas.
What to highlight: Your pet’s "indoor manners."
Key details: Mention if your dog is "crate trained" or "low-energy indoors”. If they rarely bark at the door or are chilled out, shout about it.
Communicate potty training: For high-rise living, briefly explain your pet’s potty training.
The shared house (HMO)
In a House in Multiple Occupation (HMO), the landlord is worried about how your pet interacts with strangers and other tenants.
What to highlight: Socialisation and temperament.
Key details: Mention if your pet is "friendly with strangers" or has lived with non-owners before.
Safety first: If you have a gate for your room or a specific plan to keep your pet out of communal kitchens, include that as a bullet point.
The house with a garden
You might think this is an easy win, but landlords here often worry about landscaping damage or digging.
What to highlight: Outdoor behaviour and security.
Key details: Confirm your pet is "non-destructive in gardens" and that you’re committed to cleaning up their waste.
Security: Mention if your pet is 100% recall trained and won't be a "flight risk" if the gate is opened by a gardener or mail carrier.
Furnished vs. Unfurnished
If the sofa belongs to the landlord, they’re thinking about scratches and odours.
What to highlight: Grooming and that your pet chews and scratches (if true).
Key details: Mention your regular grooming schedule (to minimise shedding/smell) and if your pet "prefers their own bed over the sofa”. If you use scratching posts or chew toys, list them as "essential gear”.
What to highlight: Their calm behaviour and/or their breed’s tendency to not be destructive, if relevant.
How to send a pet CV to a landlord
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So, you’ve got your pet’s professional credentials together, but how do you go about sending it? Here’s how to get your pet CV seen at the right time:
At the initial viewing
Presenting a pet CV at the initial viewing is a good idea, especially if it’s a pet-friendly one. While some landlords may have a “strictly no pets” attitude, giving them the CV in person can let you assess quickly what the sticking points are and open up the conversation.
During your application
If you’re sending an application to rent somewhere digitally, then you can attach your pet CV to it; this makes sure your landlord sees it at the right time.
Here’s an email template if you need it:
"Hi [Landlord Name], we are very interested in the property. We have a [Dog/Cat] named [Name], and to give you peace of mind, I’ve attached their 'Pet CV.' It covers their training, health records, and a reference from our previous landlord. We’re happy to discuss any specific requirements you have!"
Combine your send with a “meet and greet”
In an ideal world, get your landlord or letting agent to meet your pet in-person. This brings the pet CV to life and allows them to build a connection with your tailmate.
Next steps: what to do once you’ve sent a landlord your pet’s CV
When the Renters’ Rights Act launches in England in May 2026, a landlord will have four weeks to reply to your request and your pet CV. But it’s worth following up once you’ve sent your request. In your follow-up, reiterate your pet’s key details.
If your landlord still refuses your request, you can follow the next steps we’ve outlined in our Renters’ Rights Act article. There are some steps you can take, especially if you believe the landlord’s request isn’t reasonable.
Whatever happens with your pet, we hope you’ll both be enjoying a new home soon.
And we know it’s easy to get confused by insurance, especially when you’re a renter trying to find somewhere to live. That’s where our pet insurance can help.
With up to £20,000 vet fee cover on our Complete Care plan, 24/7 access to a video vet, and a host of ManyPets Perks, ManyPets pet insurance is there to help. For life with your tailmate.
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Common questions about pet CVs
How long should a pet CV be?
We’d say one page. You don’t want it to be so long that your landlord or letting agent won’t look at it. It should be clear, easy to read and have all of the information we’ve mentioned above.
Should I include vet records?
You shouldn’t include the vet records themselves, but having a summary of your pet’s health and vet visits can help communicate that you’re a responsible pet parent.
My landlord hasn’t asked for a pet CV. Should I still send one?
Yes. Pet CVs aren’t very common in Britain (yet). If you’re requesting to have a pet, then a pet CV is the most efficient way to communicate all the essential information.
Can a landlord still say no if I provide a pet CV?
Yes, if they have a "reasonable" excuse (like if the building's headlease prohibits animals or the space is too small for the breed).
Do I need a separate CV for each pet?
Yes. Landlords assess the risk of each animal individually.
Does the Renters’ Rights Act make pet CVs mandatory?
No. But it makes the information found in a CV a standard part of the negotiation process.
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