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.