[kcapes]

I have a pit bull and I am looking for a new house to move in to. I've called some places and they said that my dog is not covered under their insurance. Is there a way I can get renters insurance that would cover my dog so the landlord isn't liable and I can find a place?

[ssuark]

I find these situations to be amongst the saddest ever. Pitbulls are seriously misunderstood dogs, as are rotties, dobies, and the like. Pitbulls, like any other dog, are not dangerous dogs - it's all how they're handled and raised. They're not a beginner's dog, certainly, but when raised and handled correctly, they can be a most loyal family dog. Your problem is how do you explain THAT concept to an insurance agent, or a landlord.

All you can do is phone around to various insurance brokers and see if you can find specific insurance that covers you for 3rd party dog liability - you may need to get separate insurance specifically from animal-specialized insurers. There are insurance companies out there, but depending on where you live, they may be difficult to find. I have similar liabilities with my horses, especially with a stallion on the property (everyone always says, "oooh, big bad stallion, they're always dangerous, stay far, far away, blah, blah" - same with pits... "ooh, big, bad pitbull, boo, hiss")... it's ridiculous, really. It's all in the handling. Always.

I'm in Canada, and Capri Insurance has good animal policies. If you're in the US, look up Chase Insurance. They have animal liability insurances, including dog insurance. You may have to abide by extra restrictions such as always having a muzzle on the dog when they're in the yard and walking on leash with you.

[Fr_Chuck]

You should have renters insurance for your personal property, your liability and also to cover the dog.

But your insurance is not the landlords insurance. So they will want their insurance to cover them and to often require you to also cover have your insurance.

Some places will not take dogs or animals at all. Others will allow limited numbers or types.

It is a matter of finding a place, which is of course a matter of dozens and dozzens of phone calls at time