Finding the perfect home can be a daunting task, especially when you have a furry friend to consider. Pets are considered as family members, and it’s important to ensure their well-being and comfort when moving to a new place. One factor that pet owners often overlook is pet screening. In this blog, we’ll discuss its role and importance in finding the right home for you and your pet.

Have you ever had your apartment flooded or scratched by a tenant’s pet? As a property manager, you understand the risks that come with allowing pets in your properties. While pets can bring joy to their owners, they can also cause damage to the property, incur additional costs, and cause disturbances. To mitigate these risks, many landlords now implement a pet screening process when screening renters. In this article, we will discuss pet screening and its importance in tenant screening.

1. What is Pet Screening?

Pet screening is the use of online software or applications to verify the pet-owning history of prospective tenants. Pet screening services are designed to provide property managers with the necessary information about the pet’s owner, the pet’s breed, and behavior. The goal is to identify any previous incidents of damage or barking complaints, so you can make an informed decision about the tenant’s pet.

2. Why is pet screening important?

a. Minimize Risk and Liability

Allowing pets in your property presents a risk of property damage or injury caused by the pet. With pet screening, you can minimize your liability and mitigate risks related to pet-owning tenants. Pet screening provides insight into a pet’s past behavior, and this information can help you decide whether or not to allow the pet on your premises.

b. Optimize Your Revenue

You can also optimize your revenue by allowing pets. Many pet owners are willing to pay more rent or fees for the privilege of housing their pets with them. Knowing which tenants have pets and which pets come with the lowest risk will help you unlock that additional revenue stream.

c. Attract More Pet-Owning Tenants

Some pet owners struggle to find housing that allows pets. By advertising your property as pet-friendly, you will attract more qualified tenants with pets. Pet screening services provide resources that allow landlords to welcome responsible pet owners, maximize rents, and minimize risks.

3. What information is included in a Pet screening report?

A pet screening report contains crucial information that helps landlords to make a sound decision about whether to allow a pet on their properties. Some of the information included in the report may include:

– Information about the pet owner’s history, including pet ownership, eviction history, and any past damage caused by their pets.

– Information about the pet, including breed, size, and number.

– Any past complaints about the pet and whether the pet has a history of barking or other behaviors that could be disruptive to other tenants.

4. What is the cost of pet screening?

The cost of pet screening varies depending on the provider and the type of screening service you require. However, the cost is often minimal compared to the potential risks associated with allowing pets. Besides, as mentioned earlier, you could potentially earn more revenue by facilitating responsible pet-owning tenants.

Pet screening is the process of evaluating your pet’s behavior, temperament, and health to determine their compatibility with a particular living environment. Some landlords and property managers require pet screening before approving a rental application. This screening helps them identify potential problems upfront, such as aggressive behavior, excessive barking, or damage to the property. It also ensures that the pet meets any necessary requirements such as vaccinations, spaying/neutering, and weight limits. Ultimately, it ensures the safety of all tenants and their pets.

Pet screening includes completing an online application, providing basic information about your pet, and providing documentation of vaccinations and health records. Some applications also require a behavioral assessment which can be performed online with simple questions. A few specialized companies may perform in-person assessments as part of the required screening process.

As a pet owner, it’s crucial to understand the benefits of pet screening beyond just being approved for a rental. By undergoing a pet screening and being aware of the potential problems, you can take steps to address any issues before they arise. It also ensures that the homeowner is informed of any special recommendations for your pet’s care that may help their transition to their new environment.

Another benefit of pet screening is that it may lead to a more positive rental experience, with landlords willing to accommodate your pet’s needs. This may include allowing your pet to have access to certain areas, such as a yard or patio, or accommodating your pet’s size or breed restrictions (some properties have size or breed restrictions). As pet-friendly rentals become more commonplace, finding a home that welcomes your furry friend is easier than ever.

At the same time, pet screening can also be a useful tool for prospective tenants who want to ensure they are moving to a pet-friendly environment. Before moving to a new place, it’s recommended to research the rental’s pet policy and screening requirements. This can save you and your pet a lot of time, energy, and potential heartache in case you find out that the rental is not a good fit.

Conclusion:

Pet screening is a crucial part of finding a home for you and your furry companion. By providing landlords and property managers with accurate information about your pet’s behavior and health, you increase your chances of being approved for a rental, while also ensuring a safe and comfortable environment for your pet. At the same time, pet screening can also help you avoid renting properties that aren’t suitable for your pets, saving time, energy, and money. Take the time to research and undergo pet screening, and both you and your pet will thank you in the long run.

Pet screening is a crucial process in tenant screening. It minimizes risk and liability for landlords while maximizing rental income. By using a pet screening program, landlords can get necessary background information on each applicant’s pets, making informed decisions, and simplifying the pet-approval process. For pet owners, these screening services help ensure that they are renting in a community where their pets are welcome and where they can live safely with their furry companions. As more and more people adopt pets as their furry companions, pet screening is becoming increasingly important in the rental market as a necessary means for a well-informed, risk-mitigated decision-making tool.