If you own a rental property in San Diego or North County, you’ve probably asked yourself a big question:

“Should I allow pets in my rental… or is that just asking for trouble?”

On one hand, pets can mean more wear and tear and potential damage. On the other, a huge share of renters have pets—and saying “no” can limit your applicant pool and increase vacancy.

In this article, we’ll walk through the pros and cons of allowing pets, what to consider with deposits and pet agreements, and best practices we see working well for owners in Carlsbad, Oceanside, Vista, San Marcos, Escondido, and the rest of San Diego.

This article is for general educational purposes only.

1. Why So Many San Diego Renters Have Pets

San Diego is a very pet-friendly region thanks to its mild weather, outdoor lifestyle, and access to dog-friendly beaches, parks, and trails. Many households view pets as family members, not optional add-ons.

If you don’t allow pets, you may be automatically eliminating a large portion of qualified renters who would otherwise be a great fit for your property.

2. Pros of Allowing Pets in Your Rental

Larger pool of applicants

Most renters browse with “pets allowed” filters turned on. If you’re open to pets, your listing shows up for more people, which can mean shorter vacancy, more applications to choose from, and potentially stronger tenant quality overall.

Potential for slightly higher rent

In some cases, pet-friendly properties can justify slightly higher rent or additional pet related fees, depending on your market and property type. The goal isn’t to overcharge—it’s to recognize the additional value and demand that pet-friendly homes often have.

Longer tenancies

Pet owners often move less frequently because it can be harder to find another pet-friendly rental. They’re motivated to maintain a good rental history so they’re not shut out of future options. That can mean fewer turnovers, which is where many hidden costs live for landlords.

3. Cons and Risks of Allowing Pets

Increased wear and tear

Common issues include scratches on floors and doors, stains or odors in carpet, and damage to landscaping. Some of this is normal wear, and some can cross into damage. Either way, you’ll want clear expectations and documentation.

Noise and neighbor complaints

Barking dogs or uncontrolled pets can lead to complaints from neighbors or HOA issues, especially in condos and townhomes. Clear rules and enforcement are important if you allow pets in multi-unit settings.

Allergy concerns for future tenants

Some future renters may be sensitive to pet dander, especially in smaller spaces or if the unit isn’t thoroughly cleaned between tenancies. A good cleaning plan between tenants becomes even more important when pets are allowed.

4. Pet Policy Options: It’s Not Just “Yes” or “No”

You don’t have to choose between a blanket “no pets” policy and allowing anything and everything. You can structure your policy in a more nuanced way.

Possible elements of a pet policy include:

– Size limits (for example, up to a certain weight).
– Number of pets allowed (for example, a maximum of one or two).
– Types of pets (dogs and cats only, with no exotic animals).
– Behavior-related restrictions that align with current rules and guidance.
– Case-by-case approvals after reviewing a pet application.

Whatever policy you choose, the key is to define your criteria in advance and apply them consistently. That reduces confusion and helps you stay aligned with fair housing expectations.

5. Pet Deposits, Fees, and Rent (High-Level Overview)

Depending on what’s allowed in your area and how your lease is structured, owners often consider some combination of a pet deposit, a pet fee, or a small amount of additional pet rent per month.

The goal is not to profit from pets, but to reasonably offset the additional risk and wear they can bring. Whatever you decide to charge, make sure it’s consistent with local rules and spelled out clearly in the lease and move-in documentation.

6. Best Practices for Screening Pets and Pet Owners

If you decide to allow pets, treat this as a formal part of your screening process rather than an afterthought.

Consider steps such as:

– Asking for detailed pet information: age, breed, size, photo, and how long the tenant has owned the pet.
– Requesting prior landlord references that mention how the pet behaved.
– Requiring that pets be licensed and vaccinated as applicable.
– Using a pet addendum that outlines rules, responsibilities, and consequences for violations.

It also helps to pay attention to how the prospective tenant talks about their pet. Responsible, organized pet owners often make responsible, organized tenants.

7. Service Animals and Assistance Animals (Very High-Level)

It’s important to remember that service animals and certain assistance animals are not legally treated as “pets” in many situations. Different rules can apply to whether you can charge fees, collect deposits, or deny a request.

Because this touches on fair housing and disability-related protections, it’s crucial to handle requests involving service or assistance animals carefully, consistently, and in line with current guidance. When in doubt, seek qualified professional advice or work with a property manager who stays current on these rules.

8. How Palomar Oaks Approaches Pet-Friendly Rentals

At Palomar Oaks, we help owners in North County and across San Diego decide whether allowing pets makes sense for their property and goals. That can include:

– Reviewing your property type, location, and target renter profile.
– Setting up reasonable, consistent pet policies that align with current expectations.
– Screening both tenants and pets as part of a structured process.
– Screening both tenants and pets as part of a structured process.
– Managing any pet-related issues that arise during the tenancy.

If you’re unsure whether to allow pets or how to structure your policies, we can walk through your options and show how pet decisions affect rent levels, vacancy, and risk.