How I Protect Investments While Welcoming Pets

Written By Rachel Jarvis

Jazzy Girl Taught Me Why Pet-Friendly Homes Matter

Lately I’ve been feeling a little wavy, like the water outside my window, as memories of Jazzy Girl come and go. She was such a vibrant part of my home, greeting ducks with chirps, doing her goofy squirrel wiggles, keeping an eye on every bug and bird from her sunroom daily..

Missing her this week reminded me of something important: pets make homes feel alive. They connect us to the little moments and the tiny joys that make a space feel meaningful.

And that’s exactly why, as a property manager, I believe in thoughtfully welcoming pets into the investments I care for.

But I also know what owners often worry about: damage, liability, wear-and-tear, and protecting their investment.

So here’s the balance I strike  and why it works:

My Pet-Friendly Property Strategy (That Still Protects the Home)

1. Every pet is screened through PetScreening.com

I use PetScreening.com to evaluate each animal in a consistent, objective way.
It gives us:

  • A pet “score” based on behavior, age, training, vaccination records, and past housing history

  • Verification of breed, photos, and owner accountability

  • Transparent risk levels so we can set appropriate fees or conditions

This takes guesswork out of the approval process and keeps everything fair.

2. Tiered deposits and fees based on real risk,  not assumptions

Because PetScreening provides a score, we can match deposits or pet rent to actual risk.
This means:

  • Responsible pet owners pay less

  • Higher-risk pets have safeguards in place

  • Owners stay protected

  • Residents feel welcomed rather than judged

3. Opening the doors to a bigger, stronger renter pool

Pet-friendly properties have:

  • More applicants

  • Longer resident retention

  • Better occupancy rates

  • Higher renewal percentages

Simply put: when you say “yes” to pets with a smart screening process, your property becomes more competitive especially in Seattle and Portland, where pet ownership is high and pet-friendly rentals are limited.

4. Building community and belonging

Pets bring the same kind of joy to renters that Jazzy brought to me, connection, comfort, and a feeling that home is more than walls.

Welcoming animals responsibly supports resident happiness, which supports long-term stability. Stable homes = stable investments.

5. Clear pet agreements that protect everyone

Every pet-approved home receives:

  • A pet addendum outlining expectations

  • Property-specific rules (cleaning, yard care, noise, etc.)

  • Requirements for vet records and behavior standards

  • Annual pet rescreening

This ensures transparency, clarity, and compliance.

Welcoming Service Animals & Support Animals (ADA & FHA Compliance)

Not all animals in homes are “pets.” Many are service animals or emotional support animals (ESAs) and these have important legal protections.

Here’s how I ensure full compliance while still protecting the property:

Service Animals (ADA)

  • A service animal is trained to perform tasks for someone with a disability.

  • Under the ADA, they are not considered pets and must be accommodated.

  • There are no pet fees, pet rent, or pet deposits for service animals.

  • We can ask two limited, ADA-approved questions when needed.

PetScreening handles this process for us through their Assistance Animal Review, ensuring we follow the law exactly and avoid unintentional discrimination or violations.

Emotional Support Animals (FHA)

  • ESAs are protected under the Fair Housing Act.

  • They also do not require deposits or pet fees.

  • We cannot apply breed restrictions or pet policies to ESAs.

PetScreening verifies the legitimacy of ESA documentation, protects against fraudulent requests, and ensures we handle each case legally and consistently.

Why this matters for owners

  • You stay fully compliant with federal law. Another reason to hire me to help.

  • We avoid discrimination claims or legal issues.

  • Your property stays protected with documentation and proper screening.

It’s a system that respects residents, supports accessibility, and upholds your investment  all at once.

Why This Matters to Me

Because every time a fly buzzes through my kitchen or the ducks play in the Sound, I’m reminded of Jazzy and the little magic she brought into every home we shared.

If a property can make room for another family to experience that kind of love and if I can protect the investment in the process then that’s exactly the kind of community I want to help build. Being a property manager is more than taking care of a property; it's helping create strong communities. I believe safe homes are happy homes. 

If you’re a property owner:

I can help you create a pet-friendly strategy that increases your applicant pool, boosts retention, protects your asset, and brings more joy into your rental and community. It starts with the same idea Jazzy taught me: small joys make a home and homes should welcome love in all its forms.

Rachel Jarvis
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