I rent a small apartment, I pay $300 a month for it. When I moved in they only asked for a $99 deposit for the kitties and I don't have to pay any pet rent. When renting with pets I've noticed that you have better luck when you are going through a property management company instead of a large apartment complex. I know two people here in Tucson that rent at a duplex and the landlords allow them to have dogs. They also have small yards for their dogs to run around in and rent is pretty resonable for a two bedroom.

I agree that it's a good idea if you decide to buy you should get a roommate. Alexa owns her own place and she has a roommate to help her pay off the mortgage.