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Pets DO Pay Us Back.

By
Services for Real Estate Pros with Ward County Notary Services 607851

With the exception of a few bad apples Pets bring much comfort to their owners. The power of pet therapy is well documented. The graphic/link below is an excellent article on the topic of Pet Therapy.

When it comes to Real Estate therapy animals can be a real nightmare for landlords, condominiums, and HOA's.

As I mentioned above there are a few people who abuse the system. My least favorite of these people who do not get Dr's orders for their pet, they just say it's their therapy pet. A close akin is those who ignore the signs saying no pets but they feel it's just fine as FiFi fits inside their purse or coat. I've even seen this in church!

Anyone who reads my posts regularly knows I love pets. We currently have a rescue dog and two aquariums. In the past we have had many birds and rodents.

If you are a landlord or in property management it's vital that you know your legal rights when dealing with this subject. You need to comply with both State and Federal regulations. Federal regulations are defined by the federal Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). State regulations fall under the authority of The Secretary Of State. These laws apply if you are managing a large complex or renting out a room in your own home.

The laws are pretty extensive so if you want to protect yourself from a lawsuit you need to read up or lawyer up.

 

Posted by

Do you enjoy the cartoons written by my son (Timmothy N. Timm) which I use as a springboard to write my daily posts? His strip, Titus & Philemon, has run in two newspapers for years as well as being printed in my blog every day. Titus & Philemon (pronounced Phi - Lee -Man) are guinea pigs. Their owner is Joe. Timmothy has never repeated a joke/comic strip in the 12 years he has been writing it. He has never copied another strip, such as Peanuts or Garfield. You can follow Timmothy on FB as Titus & Philemon and you can also check him out on Instagram as Instagram.com/titus and philemon/ .For Timmothy's website type timmtimmothy.com into your browser. I tried to put it in a link here but it refuses to work. Do NOT put anything in front of timmtimmothy.com or it will not work. 

Comments(9)

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Dorie Dillard Austin TX
Coldwell Banker Realty ~ 512.750.6899 - Austin, TX
NW Austin ~ Canyon Creek and Spicewood/Balcones

Good morning Bob,

There is no question to power of pet therapy is powerful. Unfortunately there are many pet owners with several pets and don't care or even notice the damage their pets are capable of doing!

May 16, 2025 04:20 AM
Bob "RealMan" Timm

That never ceases to amaze me Dorie Dillard Austin TX . Homes that neglected to care for the pets bathroom needs are so hard to sell.

May 16, 2025 06:21 AM
Wayne Martin
Wayne M Martin - Oswego, IL
Real Estate Broker - Retired

Good morning Bob. Never had a service animal but did have a Yorkie that in his own way provided me with a bit of therapy. Unfortunately, those who want to abuse the system makes it more difficult for those following the rules for all the right reasons. Enjoy your day.

May 16, 2025 04:46 AM
Bob "RealMan" Timm

Good point Wayne Martin . When I was a landlord I had a no pets rule even though I love pets. I never had anyone claim a service animal but on occasion someone would sneak in a cat.

May 16, 2025 06:24 AM
Kat Palmiotti
eXp Commercial, Referral Divison - Kalispell, MT
Helping your Montana dreams take root

We work at a Farmer's Market all summer and there are signs everywhere that state no pets are allowed. There are an awful lot of people who still bring their dogs. Some vendors sell breakable items - so far none of them have had a dog run through their tent but it's just a matter of time.

May 16, 2025 04:49 AM
Bob "RealMan" Timm

It is a matter of time as you said Kat Palmiotti . So many people have the stinking attitude  of  "it doesn't apply to me".

May 16, 2025 06:26 AM
Kat Palmiotti

True!

May 16, 2025 06:33 AM
Ed Silva, 203-206-0754
Mapleridge Realty, CT 203-206-0754 - Waterbury, CT
Associate Real Estate Broker

When the world seems upside down and you don’t know what to do about it, the friendly look and railway when you open the door starts the recovery

May 16, 2025 05:09 AM
Bob "RealMan" Timm

I can relate to that Ed Silva, 203-206-0754 .

May 16, 2025 06:27 AM
Nina Hollander, Broker
Coldwell Banker Realty - Charlotte, NC
Your Greater Charlotte Real Estate Broker

Good morning, Bob... I love the whole concept of pet therapy so long as it's not abused. So I'm all for appropriate restrictions that people (landlords and tenants) observe.

May 16, 2025 05:24 AM
Bob "RealMan" Timm

Well said as usual Nina Hollander, Broker . Thank you.

May 16, 2025 06:28 AM
Brian England
Ambrose Realty Management LLC - Gilbert, AZ
MBA, GRI, REALTOR® Real Estate in East Valley AZ

I like that they are grateful for all that Joe does for them!  Happy Birthday to you, my friend, I hope that you will have an amazing day!

May 16, 2025 06:06 AM
Bob "RealMan" Timm

Thank you Brian England . I am at work but I plan on finding ways to celebrate even though I'm here. 😊

May 16, 2025 06:29 AM
Kathleen Daniels, Probate & Trust Specialist
KD Realty - 408.972.1822 - San Jose, CA
Probate Real Estate Services

I believe that for many, pets provide more comfort than people. 

Too many pets seem to be therapy pets ... a justification to bring them everywhere. 

I am an animal advocate - love pets. They do bring comfort in so many ways Bob "RealMan" Timm 

 

May 16, 2025 08:54 AM
Bob "RealMan" Timm

I do understand your point that some people find animals more comforting than people as some people are total jerks BUT pets are not human and there are places they just don't belong Kathleen Daniels, Probate & Trust Specialist . What if a chef  has a therapy chimpanzee?

May 18, 2025 06:50 PM
Lew Corcoran
Better Living Real Estate, LLC - East Bridgewater, MA
Expert guidance. Exceptional results.

Thanks so much for sharing this insightful post, Bob "RealMan" Timm—it's a great reminder of how pet therapy can be a blessing, but also a tricky area for landlords. I appreciate your balanced take and the resources you point out—really helpful for anyone navigating this space! 😊

May 18, 2025 04:13 PM
Bob "RealMan" Timm

You are welcome Lew Corcoran . I am glad States are starting to crack down on people claiming a pet is a therapy animal without a written Dr's prescription.

May 18, 2025 06:44 PM
Roy Kelley
Retired - Gaithersburg, MD

Good Wednesday morning, Bob. Dog walkers have a rainy day in Maryland.

Enjoy your pets and have a great day.

May 21, 2025 07:00 AM
Bob "RealMan" Timm

Same here Roy Kelley . It's rained every day now for a week. We really needed it too. I believe we (in Minot) have had a total of 5" over the past week. I decided the heck with it and walked my dog for over a mile yesterday and we both came home soaked to the bone.

May 21, 2025 07:06 AM