Reason

Remedy

Behavior (chewing, barking, etc.)

While you may not currently possess the knowledge or skill needed to correct these types of behaviors once they have developed, there are training guidebooks as well as many dog trainers available to help you correct these problems.  To find certified training classes, trainers and behviorists log onto the following sites:

San Francisco SPCA Academy for Dog Trainers
Association of Pet Dog Trainers

Housesoiling & Scratching (cats)

Cats are very sensitive to subtle changes that often occur in a household.  Everyone can agree that it is very frustrating to deal with a cat who suddenly stops using his or her litter box. Here are some useful resources about cat behavior:

San Francisco SPCA: Online Cat Behavior Library
Best Friends Animal Society: Preventing Behavior Problems in Your Cat
Best Friends Animal Society: Inappropriate Elimination in Cats
Best Friends Animal Society: Urine Marking in Cats
Best Friends Animal Society: Using Behavior Modification to Help Your Cat

Allergies

Many people mistakenly give up their pets when they are about to have a baby, believing that their pet will cause their child to have allergies.  Research has found that having pets in the first year of life may reduce the risk of developing allergic reactions not only to pets but also to pollen, grasses, mold and dust mites.  Adult allergy sufferers also have access to many new products such as air purifiers and medications that were not previously available.  The inconvenience of using these products is arguably worth the many rewards of having a loyal pet friend.   Here are some links to articles concerning pet allergies:

National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases article
National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences article

Housing

Unfortunately, it is always more difficult to find a place to lease or rent when you have a pet.  The good news is there are places available and with some leg work and persistence you can find them!  You can start by checking the rental advertisements in your local paper or favorite internet search engine.  Some websites even have listings of apartments that take pets like our friends at Humane Society Silicon Valley.

Humane Society Silicon Valley - Pet Friendly Housing