Topic: Death of a Pet

Recently we seem to have had a lot of pets pass away. Now I'm not saying everyone is lying, but it just seems odd that there have been so many. We do charge a non-refundable pet fee as well as monthly pet rent, so I wonder if some people are claiming that they have passed away to not have to pay the pet rent. My manager is thinking we should start asking for some kind of "proof" from a vet in order to have the pet rent removed. What do y'all think?

Ouch... you risk stepping on a lot of toes asking for proof from a vet. (And not everyone is going to be able to supply vet documentation).

Your best bet is to have your maintenance team be extra vigilant. As they are out on service requests or regular inspections, have them report back as to the presence of the deceased animal (photos if pet is present). If you require photos at move-in, a "post-mortem" photo of the animal alive and well will support you when you re-instate their fees.

I've not had anyone report their pet dying and it not be true. Usually, they continue to pay the pet rent portion for a couple of months because the emotion is just too much to bear to come to the office and discuss it. However, what I have had is a few months later they get a new pet and then do not want to pay an extra Pet Fee for it; they don't mind the rent part because they are used to it. I wouldn't ask for proof either. Seems kind of weird since my vet did not issue a Pet Death Certificate.