Allowing pets can open the door to a wider pool of applicants, higher demand, and stronger long-term occupancy. However, knowing how to screen for responsible pet owners for your Milwaukee rental property is essential if you want the benefits of being pet-friendly without unnecessary risks. The right approach helps you find applicants who care for their pets, follow rules, and respect your home.
Before moving forward with approvals, it is important to understand how the pet screening process, pet documentation, and behavioral evaluations work. When done correctly, you can confidently welcome qualified pet owners while protecting your rental home from avoidable damage.
Key Takeaways
A structured pet screening system helps you evaluate pet behavior, health, and risk before approving an applicant.
Verifying pet history and personality ensures you identify responsible pet owners who will respect your rental rules.
Clear pet policies and fees encourage transparency and help you reduce unexpected issues later.
Understanding laws related to assistance animals and emotional support pets protects you from legal violations.
Why Allowing Pets Can Benefit Your Milwaukee Rental Home
Many renters today are committed pet parents, and they actively seek housing where their pets are welcome. When you allow animals in your rental property, you increase the number of qualified applicants and improve your chances of long-term occupancy.
Competitive markets also show that pet-friendly homes tend to stay occupied longer because pet owners often struggle to find appropriate housing. With proper safeguards, welcoming pets can improve your rental experience, reduce turnover, and support stable rental income.
Establishing a Solid Pet Policy
Before screening begins, you should have a clear and well-written pet policy. This helps both the tenant and the landlord understand expectations from the start.
Your policy should include:
Allowed and restricted species
Requirements for pet resumes
Details about pet deposits, pet fees, and pet rent
Weight limits or rules involving certain dog breeds
Required vaccinations and vet records
Behavioral expectations, such as noise control and cleanliness
A strong policy reduces confusion and gives applicants a clear sense of whether their pet's breed, size, or temperament meets your criteria.
As you refine your policies, you may find it helpful to reference professional support. For example, strong screening standards often align with the practices used in tenant placement services, which help ensure you attract qualified renters.
What To Include in a Pet Resume
A pet resume gives structure to the information you need. This is one of the most effective tools in pet screening, and it sets the tone for responsible pet ownership.
A good resume should include:
Pet name, age, weight, and breed
A brief personality description
Notes on pet's behavior around children, guests, or other pets
Training accomplishments or certificates
History of living in other rentals
Vet records showing vaccinations and spay/neuter verification
References from previous landlords
Applicants willing to provide a detailed resume often demonstrate what you want most: commitment, organization, and responsible care.
Conducting an Effective Pet Screening Process
The pet screening process allows you to verify all important information before granting approval. This should always be done in addition to your regular tenant screening process.
An effective pet screening system typically includes:
1. Health and Vaccination Verification
Request vet records to ensure the animal is healthy, vaccinated, and properly treated for fleas or parasites.
2. Behavior Assessment
You may ask for videos of the pet interacting with people, or even schedule a brief meeting. A calm and well-socialized pet indicates a responsible pet household.
3. Previous Housing History
Speak with former landlords to confirm there were no behavioral issues or complaints related to the pet.
4. Reviewing Pet Liability and Insurance Coverage
Some pet owners carry renters’ insurance with pet coverage, which adds another layer of protection for your rental property.
This structured approach reduces guesswork and helps you more confidently find responsible pet owners.
Understanding Pet Deposits, Pet Rent, and Pet Fees
Because animals can increase wear and tear, Milwaukee property owners often implement fees to cover potential damage.
Here is what you may include:
Pet deposits: Refundable charges used to cover pet-related damage.
Pet fees: One-time non-refundable payments for allowing a furry friend in the home.
Pet rent: A monthly amount added to base rent to cover increased maintenance needs.
These charges should always comply with state laws and align with your rental policy. You may also choose to combine these fees with the required security deposit.
Assistance Animals, Service Animals, and Emotional Support Animals
Under federal and state law, assistance animals, service animal classifications, and emotional support animals cannot be treated like standard pets. You cannot charge pet rent, pet fees, or pet deposits, and must evaluate them through a separate assistance animal processes system.
While these animals are exempt from traditional pet screening, you can still require legitimate documentation to verify their status. Applicants must provide proper paperwork, and neither the landlord nor the tenant can violate fair housing rules.
Evaluating Pet Behavior During Tenant Screening
Your standard tenant screening process should include questions about the pet’s habits, training, and background. Make sure applicants are consistent in the information they provide.
Ask questions like:
Has the pet ever caused damage?
Is the pet crate trained or house trained?
Does the pet get along with other animals?
How long has the tenant had the pet?
If an applicant is honest, detailed, and proactive, this often suggests a responsible pet owner.
While reviewing tenant qualifications, many landlords rely on professional support. High-quality property care often begins with comprehensive screening, similar to services found through experienced property management teams.
Red Flags to Watch For in Pet Screening
While many applicants will be honest, there are red flags that signal caution:
Missing vet records
Aggressive behavior or signs of fear
Inconsistent information on breed, size, or weight
History of neighbor complaints
Refusal to provide a pet resume
FAQs
How long should a pet screening take?
Most pet screenings can be completed within a few days, depending on how quickly applicants submit their documents and references.
What if a tenant refuses to provide a pet resume?
This is often a sign of poor pet ownership or incomplete information. You can require a resume as part of your screening standards for standard pets.
Can I deny certain dog breeds?
Yes, you may restrict certain dog breeds unless the animal is classified as a service animal or assistance animal protected under fair housing rules.
Do emotional support animals require screening?
You can request documentation for emotional support animals, but they follow a different process from standard pets and cannot be charged pet related fees.
What if I want help managing pet related issues in my rentals?
A property management company can help you handle screening, tenant interactions, and ongoing maintenance requests, especially when dealing with homes that attract many potential tenants.
Partner With Residential Renters to Welcome Responsible Pet Owners
Screening pets and evaluating applicants requires time, detail, and careful review. When you understand how to properly assess animals, review behavior, and establish strong policies, you protect your investment while maintaining a high-quality rental experience.
If you need help welcoming responsible pet owners into your Milwaukee rental home, Residential Renters is here to support you. Visit us today to get expert guidance, professional oversight, and reliable services that keep your rental running smoothly.
