I'm having to move and looking for apartments. An issue I am running into is apartment complexes having "breed restrictions" on pets. Apparently this is because insurance companies require breed restrictions, according to the apartment complex people. They mostly don't seem to care much either way.

My dog is (probably) a pit/lab mix and I got her from a Humane Society location where I lived previously. I honestly don't really know what breed she is, but I don't give a fuck anyways. She's the sweetest and most loving dog I've ever had maybe. The only animals she doesn't like or cats and deer, and even then she'd probably learn to get along pretty quick if properly exposed to them.

Anyways, anyone have any tips for getting my dog cleared by the insurance dog eugenicists? The lady at one leasing office told me to just go to a vet and have them certify her as "brown lab mix". She made it sound pretty easy, but idk. The other option is getting her certified as an emotional support dog, which I'm not sure how to go about doing that. Anyone have any advice on this?

  • Frank [he/him, he/him]
    ·
    11 months ago

    I'm not 100% on this but I don't think ESAs are accommodated under the ADA, and at any rate all those certification websites are scams. There's no specific certification for an ESA. I think the closest thing to an official designation is getting a prescription from a psychologist, something like that, saying that you need the animal for mental health reasons.

    Maybe just get some fancy looking letterhead and write "The best of my knowledge blah blah blah Spot the dog is a brown lab mix" and sign it? Maybe get it notarized just for funsies? It's not fraud if you tell the truth, probably.

    • pooh [she/her, any]
      hexagon
      ·
      edit-2
      11 months ago

      and at any rate all those certification websites are scams.

      True, but do they carry any legitimacy at all is the real question. As in, the apartment complex wants to fill the unit but has to meet certain insurance requirements on paper. In reality they don't give a shit. Would it be enough to pass under their criteria?

      Maybe just get some fancy looking letterhead and write "The best of my knowledge blah blah blah Spot the dog is a brown lab mix" and sign it? Maybe get it notarized just for funsies?

      Maybe just get some fancy looking letterhead and write "The best of my knowledge blah blah blah Spot the dog is a brown lab mix" and sign it? Maybe get it notarized just for funsies?

      This is what I was thinking. Just not 100% sure if it would work.

      • Frank [he/him, he/him]
        ·
        11 months ago

        Good point. If the apartment thinks it's good enough then it's good enough.

        I swear there's something about notaries public being able to notarize sworn statements, but I'd have to do some research about it.

  • isame [he/him]
    ·
    11 months ago

    You don't have a pit mix. You have a Staffordshire Terrier mixed with a Labrador Retriever and her lineage is untouchable because you used big words.

    More seriously, tell them she's a lab mix and to fuck off. I doubt they're going around asking for dogs' papers. Otherwise, as others have said, ask your vet. They're likely to be sympathetic.

    • pooh [she/her, any]
      hexagon
      ·
      11 months ago

      Yes, but do they actually check with vet offices? I did think about scanning and editing her original paperwork in GIMP, but idk if they're going to investigate further. I have noticed at least some apartment complexes are more lax than others.

      • Iraglassceiling [she/her]
        ·
        11 months ago

        Hi op I’m a vet

        Ask your vet what they have her in their computer as, and if they can change it to lab mix if it’s not already. Then ask for a copy of her most recent physical notes + rabies vaccination for your apartment.

        As long as you’re not asking them to outright lie I feel like they’ll understand.

        You could also print out a fake dna test that says she’s a lab mix, which is probably what I would do lol

  • oregoncom [he/him]
    ·
    edit-2
    11 months ago

    Show

    i kid. but idk you could just say it's a lab mix like others have suggested. They're not gonna get out the dog skull measuring calipers.

  • rab [he/him]
    ·
    11 months ago

    I wouldn't allow pits on my property either, too much liability.