pet policy based on credit score

[Beverly Caswell]

I have put in my advertisement that I will consider a small dog if someone has a credit score of 660 or higher.  I was told that is discrimination and not legal.  Is this true?

[Brendan Spaar]

Using a credit score to determine a good pet owner is not really a sound idea. What if your tenant has a great credit score but looks at their pet as property- keeps it outside, unfixed & never sees the vet? I would use the credit score to determine paying habits & then ask for vet references for their pet. If the vet says they're good pet owners then you can use the credit score to determine if they're a safe risk.

I have a friend with very little credit. They always paid cash while in college. They have graduated & are working so can afford to pay. Their pets get better care than they do themselves. The dogs go to the vet for the least little thing while they put off going to the doctor unless it's a big deal. Their landlord loves them & they've been renting there almost 2 years. They pay rent 6 months in advance.