Pet ownership statistics show ownership levels have reached new highs during the past couple of years. The American Pet Products Association found that 70% of households own a pet, a significant increase from 1988 when 56% of households owned a pet. Additionally, there are approximately 500,000 service animals in the us and nearly 200,000 emotional support animals, up from merely 2,400 in 2014. Pet ownership and the use of service and support animals continues to rise through the US. A trend we see here in our local community as well.
When determining whether or not we will allow a pet, in addition to the tenant's application results, we utilize a pet screening service. This service assigns the pet a "FIDO" risk assessment score, which is like a credit score for pets. This is a very effective tool for determining whether that tenant and pet are a good fit.
Additionally, tenants with a pet sign our Pet Addendum setting forth the rules to having the animal in the rental such as picking up after the animal, ensuring shots are up to date, etc.
Per the Fair Housing Act, landlords are prohibited denying a service or emotional support animal if proper documentation is provided, even if the rental is marketed as "no pets". Landlords are also prohibited from charging a pet fee or a pet deposit for an assistance animal.
Our pet screening service is also used to vet documentation provided by the tenant relative to service or emotional support animals. Tenants are also required to sign a service or emotional support animal addendum setting forth the rules to having the animal in the rental.
22 E Poplar St, Suite 204
Walla Walla WA 99362
Office Hours: M-F 9:00 am - 4:00 pm