Landlords, do you require pets to be spayed/neutered?

Question

Landlords, do you require your tenants' pets (dogs and cats) to be spayed/neutered? Why or why not? Thanks for your input!

Joe Splitrock · Answer

@Ben Blake you say you can see the benefits of either policy, but I fail to understand the benefit of NOT having tenants spay/neuter?

Cats in particular will spray all over your house if they are not fixed. Female animals will bleed and the scent will attract every animal in the neighborhood. Females can get pregnant and your "1" animal turns into five. Males are more aggressive if they are not fixed.

There is no upside for you to not having your tenants get their animals fixed.

JD Martin · Answer

Yes. Otherwise suggests either an irresponsible pet owner or someone who wants to try to breed their pet for money, neither of whom I want as a tenant.

Nathan Gesner · Answer

No, but my Pet Addendum clearly states they are not allowed to breed the animals.

Do you plan to personally inspect every animal to ensure it's spayed/neutered? It doesn't make sense to create rules you can't reasonably enforce.

Charm Lamigo · Answer

Hello Landlords. Thank you for your insights your comments help me to decide this on my property. I'm new to this line of business, Can you share something that is your Pet protection plan with the tenant if you offer this program?

Ben Blake · Answer

I appreciate the responses! I can see both the benefits and detractors for either answer. I think I am leaning towards changing my policy to something similar to @Nathan G. where spay/neuter is not required but breeding/offspring are prohibited.  I've had a several comments from prospective renters that requiring spay/neuter is inhumane...whether I agree with these comments or not, it seems like it limits my renter pool by having that requirement.

Cathie Kovacs · Answer

Yes, I require that they be spayed/neutered & vaccinated according to state law. Spayed/neutered pets, in general, are less territorial (fewer bites & fights theoretically). Less marking too, indoors and out.

Mike B. · Answer

No I do not. I do, however, require only the 1 pet I approve staying in the house (e.g. they cant get more pets)

All pets need to be current on vaccinations, rabies, flea/tick etc. and submit letter from their VET certifying as such. Also I require they register their dog/cat with the city, as required to Philadelphia code.

As of this time though, I only accept dogs, no cats. And I actually haven't had applicants with cats yet now that I think about it.

Landlords, do you require pets to be spayed/neutered?

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