Pet ownership is on the rise, with an estimated 67% of U.S. households now having at least one pet. With these numbers continuing to grow, landlords and property managers are increasingly faced with the challenge of evaluating tenants who come with furry companions. This is what is a pet screening enters the picture. But what exactly is pet screening, and why has it become such an essential tool in tenant vetting?

Pet screening is a systematic process that allows landlords to assess and document information about a tenant’s pet. It goes beyond a simple “pet or no pet” question, ensuring landlords have a clear understanding of the animal’s behavior, health, and suitability for the rental property. Here’s how pet screening enhances tenant vetting and benefits landlords.

Minimizes Risks to Property

One of the primary concerns for landlords is the potential damage pets could cause to their rental property. From scratched hardwood floors to chewed door frames, the risk is significant. However, pet screening minimizes these risks by requiring detailed information about the pet’s breed, size, and behavior history. Landlords gain insights into whether the pet is well-trained and manageable. For example, screening might highlight if a dog has successfully completed obedience training, giving landlords added confidence.

Ensures Compliance with Rental Policies

Many rental properties have specific pet-related policies in place, such as breed restrictions, weight limits, or additional deposits. Pet screening ensures tenants provide accurate information about their pets, allowing landlords to determine compliance upfront. This prevents disputes down the line and helps maintain fairness across all tenants. If a pet doesn’t meet the requirements, landlords can address the issue immediately, avoiding complications later.

Reduces Liability for Pet-Related Incidents

A major benefit of pet screening is documenting a thorough pet profile, which can include vaccination records and information on prior incidents, such as aggressive behavior or property damage. This process reduces liability for landlords by ensuring that only pets with a clean behavioral history are approved. Additionally, having a detailed pet profile can be valuable in the rare case of legal disputes, as it demonstrates that the landlord performed due diligence when approving the tenant’s pet.

Builds a Pet-Friendly Reputation

Property owners who implement pet screening naturally attract a wider pool of qualified tenants by being perceived as pet-friendly. With so many households owning pets, properties that accommodate these companions often stand out in a competitive rental market. The screening process allows landlords to confidently approve pets while keeping their property safe. Over time, this approach can build a positive reputation, making it easier to fill vacancies and retain tenants longer.

Encourages Responsible Pet Ownership

Pet screening doesn’t only benefit landlords; it also promotes responsible pet ownership. Tenants are encouraged to maintain up-to-date vaccination records, ensure proper training, and adhere to property guidelines. This creates a more harmonious living environment for all tenants and helps reduce issues like noise complaints or unsupervised pets on the property.

Provides Peace of Mind

For landlords, knowing that steps have been taken to screen pets provides peace of mind. With documented proof of a pet’s temperament, health, and compliance, landlords can feel reassured about leasing the property to tenants with pets. This can lead to better landlord-tenant relationships and smooth interactions throughout the lease.