Mentioning pets often makes property owners shudder — and honestly, it’s understandable.
Pets can sometimes cause damage, liability, and additional headaches. However, when it comes to pets, property owners and managers should take a logical, flexible approach rather than issuing an immediate "no."
Why? Because a blanket ban on pets could mean losing out on great tenants — or worse, encouraging unauthorized animals.
Did you know? ORACLE PET PROTECTIONS provide owners with up to $500 worth of pet damages for each pet.
Here’s a practical guide to handling the pet question:
1️⃣ Always Ask About Pets on the Application
Whether you allow pets or not, it’s critical to have a designated section on your rental application that asks about animals.
Gather full disclosure upfront.
If a previous landlord mentions a pet that wasn’t disclosed, it becomes solid grounds for rejecting the applicant.
Proper documentation protects you from surprises down the line.
2️⃣ Consider Listing Pets as “Negotiable” 🐕
Instead of a hard "no pets" policy, consider stating “pets negotiable.”
Here’s why:
The perfect tenant may have a perfectly well-behaved pet.
Saying “negotiable” gives you the flexibility to review pet information case-by-case.
Well-qualified tenants often extend the same care to your property as they do to their animals.
Pro Tip: Always review pet references, age, breed, behavior history, and vaccination records before making a decision.
3️⃣ Match the Pet to the Property
Use common sense when approving pets:
A Great Dane likely isn’t suited for a small one-bedroom apartment or a townhouse with a tiny backyard. 🏡
Consider the size, breed, and energy level of the pet in relation to the property layout and community rules.
Before marketing the property, discuss with your management company what types of pets would be appropriate for that specific rental.
4️⃣ Be Cautious About Certain Animals
Some animals are simply too risky — either because they’re dangerous, destructive, or may violate insurance policies.
Common “high-risk” pets include:
Pit Bulls, Rottweilers, Dobermans (these breeds often have a bad rep but make great dogs!)
Large snakes, exotic reptiles 🐍
Farm animals like chickens, cows, or goats (especially in suburban zones)
✅ Always check with your insurance provider — most have a list of restricted breeds and animals.
✅ Verify local zoning laws to ensure compliance on what defines an acceptable pet.
5️⃣ Understand: Service Animals Are Not Pets 🦮
Under Federal Fair Housing law, service animals are not considered pets:
You cannot deny a qualified applicant because they have a service animal.
You cannot charge a pet deposit or fee for a service animal.
Screening must focus on the applicant’s rental history, not on the presence of a service animal.
Most service animals are well-trained, and their inclusion shouldn’t negatively impact the property.
📝 The Bottom Line: Proceed with Caution and Common Sense
Pets do present risks — but handled thoughtfully, they don’t have to be deal-breakers.
When uncertain, lean on your property management team (like Oracle Property Solutions) to help you evaluate and screen applicants with pets carefully.
Remember: saying "negotiable" keeps your options open without sacrificing control over your property. 🏡✨
