In Practice
Pet screening is how you confirm a pet fits your policy before it moves in. Applicants submit details about each pet, like type, weight, age, vaccination records and photos, and the property checks them against its rules.
Many communities use a pet screening process to keep that information consistent and to document who has an animal. It also helps set the right pet fee, deposit or rent. The key point is that service animals and emotional support animals are not pets under fair housing rules. They are handled as reasonable accommodation requests, and you cannot apply pet restrictions, fees or deposits to them in the same way.
Example: an applicant has a dog and a cat. You collect vaccination records and a photo, check weight limits in your policy, and record the pet charges on the pet addendum.
The common mistake is putting an assistance animal through pet screening and charging pet fees. Keep the two paths separate and train your team to spot the difference. Policies and laws vary by state, so check local rules or ask counsel.
Collect the pet information at application, not at move-in. It gives you time to apply your policy fairly, set the right charges and avoid awkward surprises at the keys.
Not to Be Confused With
Pet screening covers pets under your pet policy. Assistance animals are a fair housing accommodation and are handled differently.
Pet Screening: Common Questions
What is pet screening?
It is the process of reviewing an applicant's pet details and records against the property's pet policy before move-in.
Does pet screening apply to service animals?
No. Service animals and emotional support animals are not pets under fair housing rules and follow a reasonable accommodation process instead.
What does pet screening look at?
Typically type, breed or size, weight, age, vaccinations and sometimes behavior history, depending on your policy and local law.
