I too found it was best to be up front about animals when renting. A few years ago I found myself in a position of needing an apartment. I had Frazier my large brindle boy and a Siamese cat. I live in a small town and found it very difficult to find a place that allowed pets. It took me 3 months! When I finally found an apartment I was really luck. My landlord turned out to be awesome about my pets. He even fenced the yard out back of the apartment so that Frazier would have a place to run safely!!! He also had two small girls that used to come and visit Frazier on a regular basis. I was really lucky! So my suggestion is to perservere, and be honest, and something will come up. Good luck!