The following is a list of questions for property managers/owners to use when interviewing prospective tenants with pets. These questions are intended as a starting point to help property owners get to know a tenant and his or her commitment to providing responsible pet care. In addition to discussing these questions, we recommend that property owners ask the prospective tenants to bring their pets, especially dogs, to the interview; a well-groomed, well-behaved pet is one of the best signs of a responsible pet owner. Keep in mind that pet owners considered them to be a member of the family! Most pet owners will volunteer information, simply by asking “Tell me a little more your pet”.
For all pet owners:
What type of pet(s) do you have?
How long have you had them?
Do you have a letter or other documentation from your veterinarian starting that each pet is in good health and is up to date on all vaccinations?
Have there been any complaints about your pet at your current address?
Did your pets cause any damage at your current address? If so, did you pay your landlord for all the damage done?
May I contact your current landlord to discuss your pet further?
For cat owners:
Has your cat been spayed or neutered?
Does your cat use the litter box you provide?
Does your cat scratch your furniture or woodwork?
Do you keep your cat inside?
Does your cat have any medical or behavioral problems? If so, what treatment/training is he or she receiving?
How does your cat get along with other animals and people?
For dog owners?
Has your dog been spayed or neutered?
Is your dog housebroken?
Have you and your dog completed obedience training?
How much and how often do you exercise your dog?
Do you keep your dog on a leash when you go for walks?
Do you make a point of cleaning up after your dog?
How much time does your dog spend alone each day/night?
Does your dog stay inside when no one is home?
Is your dog inside during the night?
Does your dog have any medical or behavior problems? If so, what treatment/training is he or she receiving?
How does your dog get along with other animals and people?
