To whom this may concern,

I'm writing this to you on behalf of all college students and all individuals who have pets in Bellingham, Washington. Finding housing in this city is very difficult when it comes to our furry ones, let alone affordable housing in near Western Washington University.

I once found a house with a yard that would be perfect for me and my dog to live in, but those fated words in your housing ad ended that dream. Those words -- NO PETS -- make me very upset.

With your rules on no pets, it forces some individuals to give up their beloved pets, or forces them to live farther from school. I'm thankful that my landlord allows pets in the apartments I live in because honestly, I would be heartbroken without my dog.

But seriously, why not just ask prospective renters for a pet deposit, pet application, a monthly fee, pet interview, vet reference letter, etc. telling you how good of an owner we are, other references, or even a letter of good renting from past landlords? Go the route that shelters use when interviewing prospective renters. Couldn't that convince you to allow pets?

Nope.

Wouldn't you be heartbroken if the house you wanted to rent was perfect for you and your furry friend, but had the rule no pets, period? I'm sure you would be heartbroken.

I don't know what it is with you landlords. Is your prejudice against college students or dogs? Which is it? You guys have got to cut the slack and become more like San Francisco (which was ranked #1 as the most dog friendly city in 2016).

Plus, think of all the college students lying (but getting the legal documents) about their pets being emotional support animals. You are forcing students to do that (well, most of the time).

Therefore, I beg and plead to every landlord in Bellingham to rethink their housing rules regarding pets. Put yourselves in our shoes and think of how hard it is to find not only affordable housing, but also pet-friendly housing.

Sincerely,

Every pet-owning individual/student in Bellingham.