If you’re a property manager, you’re most likely aware of the reality in the industry: more renters now have pets. However, policies on pet documentation and compliance have only gotten more complicated. The risks from legal headaches to lost revenue are real and growing.
That’s why Rentvine is excited to announce our new integration with PetScreening. It's Rentvine’s latest update to a smarter and legally-sound way to manage pets, emotional support animals (ESAs), and service animals without all the manual lift during the leasing process.
In this article, we’ll walk you through the real challenges property managers face with pet screening, why a better process is essential, and how the integration with Rentvine and PetScreening will help you manage risk, save time, and even boost revenue
What are the most common pet screening challenges property managers face today?
For years, property managers have faced persistent challenges with pet-related screening and documentation such as:
Inconsistent processes: Each applicant brings unique paperwork, making it difficult to keep records organized. Plus, every new applicant brings questions about breed restrictions, vaccination records, and “what if” scenarios.
Legal risks: ESA and service animal claims are complex. Mishandling them can put your company at risk for Fair Housing violations.
Potential for fraud: Fraudulent ESA/service animal letters are on the rise.
Lost Revenue: Without a risk-based approach, pet fees can be arbitrary and sometimes leave revenue on the table.
Manual Work: Hours spent collecting, reviewing, and storing pet information take your focus away from your residents and properties.
Screening a pet remains a major source of frustration for property managers. With these growing concerns around these, it’s clear that traditional pet screening methods often create more problems than they solve.
How can improving pet screening benefit your property management business?
It’s easy to think of pet screening as just another box to check in the tenant screening process. However, the way you handle it can have a real impact on your business. In fact, the impact goes far beyond paperwork. Streamlining and improving the pet screening process can make a real difference in several key areas:
Mitigate compliance risks
Keeping accurate and complete ESA documentation protects your business from legal disputes. Also, this helps ensure you stay compliant with Fair Housing practices and other relevant laws.More revenue opportunities
With a system that accurately assesses pet risk, you’re able to charge appropriate, risk-based fees. This helps offset property wear and tear and supports your bottom line.Operational efficiency
Automating pet screening minimizes time spent chasing documents or clarifying paperwork. You free up yourself and your team to focus on more valuable work.Better tenant experience
A clear and efficient process keeps applicants moving forward and reduces frustration with the pet screening process. Consider this a huge boost to attract and retain the best residents.
For property managers, taking control of the pet screening process isn’t just about avoiding risks. It’s a proactive way to improve operations, generate new revenue, and deliver a better experience for both your team and your residents.
How does Rentvine’s integration with PetScreening help property managers?
Rentvine’s integration with PetScreening makes pet screening simpler and more efficient. Here’s how this feature adds real value to your day-to-day operations:
Save time with automation and consistency
Applicants fill out a PetScreening profile during your application process. All required pet info and documents are collected at once and automatically synced into Rentvine. This cuts out manual data entry and reduces administrative workload.Protect your business with reliable and legally-sound validation
This integration will help you take care of verifying ESA and service animal claims. Now, you can feel confident your process is compliant and you’re protected from legal risks. No more second-guessing documentation or worrying about Fair Housing issues.Increase business revenue with risk-based pet fees
The integration allows you to charge pet fees that reflect the actual risk of each pet, thanks to verified FIDO Scores. This approach not only helps generate additional income but also demonstrates fairness and transparency to residents.Enjoy flexibility and control of the pet screening process
Rentvine gives you the option to enable or disable PetScreening for each property or application template. This way you can customize the process to fit your business’s unique needs. In fact, applicants can continue with their application even if the pet screening is pending, so you don’t lose time waiting on documents.Gain peace of mind with complete documentation
Every detail, such as pet info, vaccination records, and ESA validations, is safely stored and easy to access. The integration keeps everything organized and defensible if questions or disputes arise.
In short, Rentvine’s integration with PetScreening is built to reduce stress, streamline workflows, and empower property managers to handle pet screening with greater confidence and ease. It’s a smarter way to protect your business and serve your residents.
How the integration works
Leasing teams enable PetScreening at the application template level. For units that allow animals, turn on the Pet Screening flow and choose whether it’s optional or required. When an applicant indicates they have animals to report, the PetScreening link appears. All active pet profiles on the applicant’s Pet Screening account are added to the application — with details, photos, vaccinations, and SA certification when applicable — and follow the applicant through lease creation.
Feature breakdown
PetScreening profiles attached to lease
At lease creation, PetScreening data from the applicant’s profile is automatically pulled and attached to the lease record. Managers can review pet data at any point during the tenancy without navigating back to the application.
Animal details within the Rentvine screening workflow
A link in the application template lets the applicant connect their PetScreening profile to their application. Once complete, their information is automatically added to the application in Rentvine. Leasing teams see the applicant’s animals and key details — like SA certifications — without leaving their workflow.
Service Animal verification
The applicant submits the required documentation in their PetScreening profile. PetScreening verifies it and updates the animal’s profile with the appropriate certification — or removes it if false information was provided. Leasing agents get reliable, third-party verification of SA/ESA status without reviewing documents themselves.
FIDO Score on Decision View
Each animal’s FIDO Score surfaces on the Decision View and carries through lease creation and onto the final signed lease. The score displays inline alongside animal details, so there’s no need to open the full report to see the rating. Agents can quickly assess risk and gauge any impact on monthly rent or deposits for higher-risk animals.
Require PetScreening for all residents
Properties can mandate PetScreening for every applicant, including those without pets. When enabled, the PetScreening page displays by default with custom instructional text and a no-charge disclosure for pet-free applicants, and insurance and attestation language updates accordingly. Managers can enforce consistent screening standards across all applicant types.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a cost for applicants who don’t have pets?
No. When PetScreening is required for all residents, the experience clearly communicates that there’s no charge for applicants without pets.
Can managers require PetScreening for only some properties?
Yes. The “require for all residents” setting is configured at the application template level, so managers control which units and properties enforce it.
Note: The requirement only applies to animal owners. If an applicant applies to a property that requires Pet Screening but has no animals living at or visiting the property, they aren’t required to create a profile.
I already have a PetScreening account — can I keep using it for new applicants?
Not currently. You won’t be able to view an applicant’s Pet Screening profile from your existing account; you’ll only see their information within the Rentvine screening application — unless the applicant chooses to “share” their profile with your account. We know how important it is to view all Pet Screening details in one place, both before and after integrating, and we’re actively working on a solution.
What information is available through the Rentvine screening application?
PetScreening profiles are linked from the moment they’re started, so you can track the applicant’s progress. Once complete, you’ll see all active animals — names, breeds, photos, vaccinations, Service Animal certifications (if applicable), FIDO Scores, and more.
Enable Rentvine’s integration with PetScreening today!
Pet-related risk is growing, but managing it doesn’t have to be a headache. With Rentvine’s new integration with PetScreening, you can simplify your screening processes, keep your business compliant, and open up new revenue opportunities.
Try out Rentvine’s integration with PetScreening today and see how much smoother pet management can be with Rentvine by your side.
Enable PetScreening by emailing our screening team
Further Reading
Rentvine and PetScreening webinar recap
