Guide · Renting with Pets

What shots do apartments require for dogs? The landlord records checklist

The application says “proof of vaccinations required” — but what exactly? Here's what landlords typically ask for, where to get each document, and how to send it in one tidy packet.

Updated October 2026

Quick answer

Almost every landlord asks for a current rabies certificate from your vet. Many also want your city or county pet license, and some ask for DHPP and Bordetella records, spay/neuter proof, a microchip number and vet contact details.

What landlords usually ask for

Document	How common	Where to get it
Rabies certificate	Almost always	Your vet (signed certificate)
City / county pet license	Common	Your city or county — usually needs the rabies certificate
Other vaccine records (DHPP, Bordetella)	Sometimes	Your vet
Spay / neuter proof	Sometimes	Your vet or shelter adoption papers
Microchip number	Sometimes	Vet record or chip registry
Vet contact	Common on pet addendums	—
Pet resume (photo, references, training)	Competitive rentals	You

How to put a pet application together fast

Get the rabies certificate from your vet

Not the tag — the signed certificate with the vaccine date and expiry. Most clinics email it the same day. Lost it? Here's how to get it back.

Add the license number and other vaccines

Many pet addendums ask for the license number and vet contact. Include DHPP and Bordetella records if you have them.

Add a short pet resume

Photo, age, breed, weight, spay/neuter status, training or references from past landlords. It helps where pets are "case by case".

Send it as one PDF

Landlords handle dozens of applications — one tidy document gets read.

Make the whole packet in one tap: PetTally builds a clean PDF of your pet's vaccines, meds and history you can attach to any rental application.

A note on emotional support and service animals

Rules for emotional support animals in housing changed in 2025, when HUD withdrew its earlier guidance documents, and they now vary a lot by state and city. If you're requesting an accommodation, check your state's current rules or ask a local tenant-rights organization — and expect landlords to still ask for vaccination records.

Your pet's paperwork, ready for any application

PetTally keeps rabies certificates, vaccines and history on your phone and exports a clean PDF in seconds. Free on iPhone.

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Common questions

What shots do apartments require for dogs?

Almost every landlord asks for a current rabies certificate from your vet. Many also ask for your city or county pet license, and some want DHPP and Bordetella records, spay/neuter proof and a microchip number.

Is a rabies tag enough proof for my landlord?

Usually not — landlords typically want the signed rabies certificate from your vet, which shows the vaccine date and expiry.

What should a pet resume for an apartment include?

A photo, your pet's age, breed and weight, vaccination records (especially rabies), spay/neuter status, license number, vet contact, and any training certificates or references from past landlords.

Do emotional support animals need vaccine records?

Housing rules for emotional support animals changed in 2025 and vary by state, but landlords commonly still ask for vaccination records and local licensing. Check your state's current rules.

Sources: HUD guidance withdrawal (NLIHC, 2025)

General information, not legal advice. Landlord requirements and assistance-animal rules vary by state and locality.