Argobacter

Two dogs will be tough! They are mostly cat friendly (small pet deposit, must be spayed/neutered, # of cats no greater than # of tenants rule), but I don't think they are dog friendly . In any case keep an eye out for housing in near the St. Paul campus. New ones seem to be popping up every day! Hampden square apartments, are dog friendly and just showed up on craigslist yesterday. They're a little spendy IMO though.

Zabius, check out Victor Real Estate, for some nice apartments RIGHT on the St. Paul campus. My SO and I just signed a lease for an apartment less than a mile from where we will work. The place is beautiful, the neighborhood is quiet and close to work (yes it's not where the fun is at but it's close enough bus or bike whereever you want to go), and best of all the management takes very good care of their tenants. They should still have a few 1BR apartments left. You should especially check out 2097 Como Ave. We were going to have a showing of the 3BR, but it was snatched up before we could even make the trip. Although there aren't any pics online, and google maps makes it look skeevy, it was very nice in person. I think the 1BR might still be available and it is right above the management office. The only downside is the Sep 1 move-in date, RIGHT in the middle of the state fair. That will be a mess!