Would you allow dogs? How about large dogs?

[Jon K.]

Houseshare/roommate setting.

Had one person want to bring their 60 pound dog. Said it was house-trained, not kennel-trained. Young tenant, probably 20 or 21 years old. Friendly breed of dog. Would you rent to that size of dog? Would you require it to always be in it's kennel when the owner was away if you were their roommate?

Had another person have a smaller dog, saying it's a service dog. Can/how can I verify that it's really a service dog, not an emotional therapy dog or someone bluffing wanting me to allow dogs and allow dogs with no deposit?

Maybe I should just add a pet deposit and let dogs roam free, then bill them for damages,... instead of trying so hard to prevent damages? I've got HUGE windows in the house that a dog could easily scratch, and white/light carpet.

[Grant P.]

I allow them. I was a renter not long ago and had a 90lb lab. I currently have a 100lb Chesapeake Bay Retriever and I cant even imagine how hard it would be to rent if I had him at the time.

I have never had issues with renting to a big dog, just make sure you get a fat deposit for damage. I could be that I have a soft spot for mans best friend, but I'm going to keep renting to big dogs.

I also should mention in Denver everyone has a big dog, you won't rent for as much or as quickly if you don't rent to dogs.