Really...!?!... Is there such a thing as a "service hamster?"

[Douglas Larson]

Over the past 10 years I have leased a few dozen SFRs in several towns in Utah. I have also had rentals in Hawaii and California. I sometimes have one or two people mention a service dog but this spring I have 2 vacant properties and every other caller has a "service" or "therapy" animal . . . or three!!! 

All of these callers are quick to add that their "therapy cats" or guinea pigs or pit bulls have been "certified" by a vet or their physician. I understand the laws about discrimination against disabled people so I try to be absolutely fair about evaluating their applications compared to others. Still, if I clearly state that a property won't allow pets am I required to consider three "therapy cats" and a "documented emotional support pit bull" and maybe a seeing-eye hamster?