Should You Adopt a Pet If Your Landlord Won't Allow It?

So you want a pet. That's great! It's generally held that pets can improve your mood, provide valuable companionship, and even increase your lifespan. But maybe you're in a situation like me where the landlord doesn't allow pets. To some it seems self-evident--they shouldn't adopt. To others, having a pet is very important and they're willing to take the risk. Well, if you're going to take that risk, here are two important questions to consider before adopting.

First, what will your landlord do to you if they find out?

It's important to know the consequences before you break a rule. Will the landlord throw you out? Will they make you give the pet away? Will they fine you, too? If you're risking your right to stay there, it's a much bigger decision than if you'd have to sell the pet or give her away. You'll need to figure out what other housing is available, if you can have pets there, etc. Just having to move (perhaps to another place which doesn't allow pets) can add another hundred dollars to your rent, depending on housing availability in your area.

Second, what will happen to your pet if your landlord finds out?

It's generally irresponsible to adopt an animal if you won't be able to take care of her. Most shelters discourage this and actually make you disclose whether or not you can legally keep a pet before they'll hand him over. Lying to shelters isn't a bright move, because they'll get rather pissed and possibly repossess your pet. (This recently happened to Ellen DeGeneres, when she gave away a pet without talking to the shelter first.)

I would say that it's never appropriate to buy a pet if there's a strong possibility you can't keep them. Adopting from shelters is another matter. Most shelters can't find owners for all their animals. If you adopt a pet who's not in high demand (like an older cat) or one whose supply outweighs demand (like a kitten in some areas), then you may still be doing the animal a favor. After all, it's better to have a good home life than to spend all their time in a shelter.