We are in a housing crisis in New Zealand - home ownership is at 65% and the remainder of us need to rent. For those who have pets, finding a new home can be a very costly and difficult exercise. This is especially problematic in (but by no means restricted to) Christchurch. Shelters are inundated with animals from displaced owners. The limited number of homes available will also be negatively impacting adoption rates. Such organizations also rely on foster care but only home owners or renters with properties that allow pets can offer this help. Landlords - you need to loosen up with your "no pets" clause when renting. Pet owners realistically do no more damage to a home than families with children or students that like to party. We generally seek long-term rentals and are usually responsible not only for our pets but in many other ways. Do your homework and insist owners de-sex, microchip, register and otherwise take good care of their animals and you will more or less be guaranteed a decent, loyal tenant for many years. If this continues it will soon become common practise for pet owners to de dishonest about their pet ownership and merely hide the evidence during an inspection. All we seek is the security of a roof over our head for ourselves and our fur-families.