Marrett Green was having so much trouble finding a rental apartment to share with his 160-pound Great Dane that he did what most enterpreneural people would do - he formed a company.

Green, a former television reporter and media relations staffer for the Greater Vancouver Regional District, officially launched an on-line business Friday to help pet owners find apartments that allow pets.

Pets 'N' Apartments is essentially a pet resume registry, where tenants list references and landlords' records to prove they're responsible pet owners.

Landlords also list apartments that are pet-friendly, so pet owners don't have to scour the city in search of places that allow pets. Pet-friendly hotels are also listed.

"It wasn't as easy as I thought it would be, or hoped it would be in looking for a place with my pet," said Green, who has since found an apartment with his dog Othello, after being rejected by several landlords. "When I was making phone calls, I felt this guilt, I felt this pressure when I had to ask 'Do you accept pets?' I take great pride in my home and my community, and just because I have a pet doesn't mean I'm less a good tenant."

A pet owner can register with Green's service, although subsidies are available to owners who can't afford the full price. Landlords' listings are for free.

Though references an pet-friendly accomodations are its main features, Pets 'N' Apartments also offers a pet tag registry for lost or stolen pets.

Green said his company will scrutinize references and records before allowing pet owners t become members. Each member is eligible for gold, silver or bronze rating - the longer the problem-free stay at an apartment with a pet, the higher the rating.

Members can also ask questions of the company's resident veterinarian and, if applicable, dog trainer.

So far, three people have signed up, including Stacey Churchill, who is planning to move from het Kitsilano apartment to the North Shore next year.

For six years, 31-year old Churchill and her cat, Kya, have lived in Lits without any problems, but when she decided to move, it took six months of rejection from landlords before she found her $700-a-month bedroom apartment.

She hopes by listing her references and checking site for accomodations on North Shore, she won't have to waste time on the phone and going to open houses when it's time to move.

"I hope, it's worth it - call me in a year," she said.

When she moves, Churchill will likely have to pay at least half a month's rent to her llandlord as a pet damage deposit - a recommendation in the revised Residential Tenancy Act, expected to take effect in the fall.

Linda Mix, coordinator of the Tenants Right Action Coalition, said that means a person like Churchill will have to fork over $350 for a personal damage deposit and another $350 for her pet. Adding an to find suitable accommodation is making owning a pet prohibitively expensive for many people, Mix said.

"If there's anything out there that'll help tenants with pets have access to rental housing, I think that's great. However, it's unfortunate that it has to get to that point where people have to pay."

Lynda Pasacreta, chief executive officer of the B.C Apartment Owners and Managers Association, wouldn't comment on whether Green's service will be recommended to her members until motion goes before the board of directors.

Pasacreta said, however, that the proposed pet damage deposit fee shouldn't worry responsible pet owners.

"They'll get their money back, of there's no problems."

For more information on Pets 'N' Apartments, log on to petsandapartments.com