Pets? What is the big deal? Are we missing opportunities with pet restrictions?

[Victoria Winters]

It seems that everyone has an opinion about whether to rent to people with pets.   How effective is it to require additional monthly rent for a pet?  Can anyone tell me if charging a pet deposit or additional monthly rent for a pet prevents damage?  Had anyone encountered a situation where the renter acted more responsibly with their pet because they paid extra rent for the pet?  Please help!  Thanks.