What kind of documents do you want to see for pets?

Question

I have decided to allow pets in my SFH rental with fees. However, I am not sure what kind of documents I should request for their pets. I never have any dogs or cats. I know they should have vaccination records. Other than that, what other documents do you want to see?

Thank you!

Greg M. · Answer

I require nothing. The lease says that it is the responsibility of the tenant to maintain all legally required vaccines and licenses. I don't check as it would be near impossible to force the tenant to comply, but if something happens, I can show I required it.

Scott Mac · Answer

@Lei L.

Hi Lei,

A (2 inch) red ball sticker on the bottom of the entry door for each dog.

A (2 inch) blue ball sticker on the bottom of the entry door for each cat.

That way maintenance knows what they are up against, and not to leave the door blocked open allowing the pets to escape.

It can also help the Fire Department (if you let them know what the colors mean).

Good Luck!

Patricia Steiner · Answer

My clients and I require:

Photo of pet

Proof of vaccines

Proof of registration with Animal Services

Name and contact info for vet

Renter's Insurance with pet coverage

Hold Harmless statement (in addition to the lease language)

Is something does go wrong, the injured person won't care what your lease says - they're going after everyone. It helps to show that you made every attempt to ensure the pet's wellness and required the renter to have insurance for such claims.  (And, yes, one of my clients was informed of a pending suit over a dog bite in one of her condos by the renter's pet.  My client's insurer declined coverage and used the items above to excuse her from the suit.  It worked...).

Mike McCarthy · Answer

I agree with @Greg M.  I require the tenant to have the required vaccines and keep he pet fed and taken care of, but I leave the details up to the tenant. I only rent to (seemingly) good tenants, so I trust that they will keep their pets fed and healthy.

Lei L. · Answer

I did a quick search and found a small list. Is this good enough? How can I tell if the pets are aggressive or even have a bad record of hurting other animals or people?

Rabies Certificate or Waiver

Latest Vaccine Records

Proof of Ownership

License/Permit

What kind of documents do you want to see for pets?

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