Why is finding dog friendly housing impossible?!

Not sure what island you are looking at, but long term housing is in high demand in general and people get to be more choosy.  Since many places come furnished, there is just a lot more at steak when it comes to pet damage.  It’s tough to know what kind of damage a pet will do in a new home environment.  I see lots of people who say no kids either (legal or not to do so).  

Here is my opinion: Unlike the mainland, people in STX (when I was growing up) did not see dogs as children. Dogs were never allowed inside of the house. Dogs ate leftovers of every kind, not cultured foo-foo dog food. Dogs were for protection. As such, if they rent a house they don't want them inside since they never had them inside themselves.  

Go to the local restaurant/bar near where you'd prefer to live. Get to know people. There are lots of apartments and houses that never get listed online or through a realtor. If someone knows you (and your dog), they are more inclined to work with you.

There is high demand on all the islands for housing with or without pets.

I have a rental apartment (although now converted to short term vacation rental) and we would definitely not allow dogs or cats for two reasons; property damage and conflict with our other four dogs.

We once allowed an AirBNB guest to bring their "service" dog with them. They promised that they take it "everywhere" and wouldn't leave it in the apartment alone. Well...you can guess what happened...that poor thing was left frequently and howled all day while scratching at the door. Never again!

The VI is saturated with dogs...please don't bring more.

As an owner of a 4 unit in the states, I never allowed pets.  I had people sneak their cats/dogs in and afterwards the damage to the apartments and the noise was unacceptable. Also liability issues if it bites someone.  If you want to bring your dog, buy a house, otherwise like the others stated why should a landlord take a chance on your dog/cat damaging someone else's property.  I have two dogs of my own and although behaved, understand why people don't rent with pets.