Service animals, are they a pet?

[John Teachout]

I recently rented a SFR and was told the prospective tenants didn't have any pets. We have a no pet policy for some of our properties and allow some small dogs for others (no cats). This property would have allowed small dogs.

Anyway, about the time they moved in I found out that one member of the household had a "service animal". I was a bit taken aback since it is a husky/german shepherd mix which does not fall within the confines of our allowable pet policy. I told them I would need to get a copy of the certification which they have thus far been unable to provide (one month later). Not sure what to do in this case. Our pet fee is $250 (non-refundable). I had indicated that if the paperwork isn't provided the animal has to go. Can I charge a "pet fee" for a service dog? Do I need to tweak my contract to address service animals?

Thanks.