Animal Care with Tenants

[Linda S.]

I have a question, which I am wondering if anyone has any outside of the box suggestions. We are brand new to the real estate world (May, 2016), and just bought 2 duplexes in VA. We allow animals, and have specifically done wood plank tile floors throughout so it's pretty much animal proof!

One of our tenant X has a dog, who he leaves chained up outside, to what I know from the other neighbors, about 95% of the time, even when he is home.    The dog is very nice, doesn't bark or cause problems,  and looks healthy.    Last time we went, it was 90+ degrees, and the dog didn't have a water bowl.   Our other tenant asked tenant X, and he said the dog just spills it over.   There isn't a bed, nor even shelter from the sun.      I have seen the tenant bring water, but again it just seems inhumane. 

I don't think I can legally do anything, but would love some suggestions with how to handle the situation?