Should landlords allow pets in rental properties? That is the question Wayne and Gabby tackle in today's episode. Pets are a huge part of people's lives. Dogs, cats, rabbits, fish, reptiles, and other animals are not just "extras" for many tenants. They are part of the family. But for landlords and real estate investors, pets also create real concerns. What if the dog damages the floors? What if the cat scratches the walls? What if the yard gets destroyed? What if the smell becomes a problem? What if the tenant moves out and the security deposit is not enough to cover the damage? In this episode, Wayne and Gabby break down the real risks of allowing pets in rental properties and explain why they still believe landlords should strongly consider being pet friendly. Gabby explains why a large portion of rental applicants have pets and why saying "no pets" can dramatically reduce your tenant pool. If most tenants are applying with a pet, then refusing pets may leave you with fewer applicants, fewer good options, and a harder time filling vacancies. Wayne and Gabby also discuss the difference between pet damage and increased wear and tear. A pet chewing carpet, scratching walls, or damaging doors may be considered damage. But a dog running up and down the stairs, wearing down carpet faster, creating lawn spots, or adding more hair into the furnace and duct system may create long-term wear and tear that landlords need to plan for. They also explain the difference between pet deposits, pet fees, and monthly pet rent. In Alberta, landlords cannot collect a security deposit higher than one month's rent, even if they try to call the extra amount a pet deposit. However, landlords can structure pet fees or monthly pet rent to help account for the increased wear and tear that pets may create. Wayne and Gabby also talk about why tenant screening matters more than the pet itself. The real question is not only, "What kind of pet do they have?" The better question is, "Is this tenant a responsible pet owner?" A strong tenant who takes responsibility for their pet, communicates well, has good references, and respects the property is much lower risk than a tenant who avoids responsibility, ignores problems, or does not take care of the home. They also discuss condos, bylaws, dog breed restrictions, pet size restrictions, and why investors need to review condominium documents carefully before promising a tenant that their pet will be approved. If you own rental properties or are buying your first one, this episode will help you understand how to think about pets, pet fees, pet risk, inspections, tenant screening, and why being pet friendly may actually help your rental property business. What You'll Learn in This Episode Why pets are such an important part of many tenants' lives Why landlords are often nervous about allowing pets Why saying "no pets" can reduce your tenant pool Why Wayne and Gabby generally recommend considering pet-friendly rentals Why cats and dogs create different types of risk Why dogs may create more wear and tear on flooring and yards Why cats can create odor and scratching concerns Why yard damage from dogs can be expensive and difficult to fix Why pet damage and normal wear and tear are not the same thing Why landlords need to plan for increased replacement costs Why pets can shorten the lifespan of carpet, flooring, and other finishes Why furnace filters, ducts, and HVAC systems may need more attention with pets Why quarterly inspections are important when allowing pets Why tenant screening matters more than the pet itself Why responsible pet owners are lower-risk tenants Why pet fees and pet rent can help offset increased wear and tear Why Alberta landlords need to understand the rules around security deposits Why "pet deposit" language can create problems Why condo bylaws may restrict pets, breeds, size, or number of animals Why investors need to review condo documents before approving pets Why pet-friendly properties can stand out in a competitive rental market Why the best landlords build systems instead of avoiding risk completely Upcoming Events Edmonton Garden Suites 101 July 24, 2026 Edmonton, Alberta www.reimasters.ca REI Masters Edmonton Real Estate Investing Bus Tour August 22, 2026 www.reimasters.ca/edmontonbustour About Your Hosts Wayne & Gabby Hillier are full-time real estate investors and real estate investing coaches based in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. Through the REI Masters Mentorship Program, they help Canadians build long-term wealth through rental properties, BRRRRs, joint ventures, seller financing, rent-to-own, garden suites, and other real estate investing strategies. The Canadian Real Estate Investing Morning Show releases new episodes every weekday morning featuring real stories, market analysis, coaching conversations, investor questions, landlord advice, personal development, and practical real estate investing education. Resources & Contact Learn about the REI Masters Mentorship Program: www.reimasters.ca Bookkeeping and tax help for real estate investors: www.finngo.com/rei Get Wayne's book: The 5% Rule™ – A Real Estate Cash Flow Test for Canadian Investors https://a.co/d/jdZaBXM Submit a question: info@reimorningshow.com Thanks to Our Sponsors Calvin Realty – Edmonton Investor-Focused Realtor calvinrealty.ca Finngo Bookkeeping & Tax – Investor-Focused Accounting Firm www.finngo.com/rei Kirkwood & Brennan Mortgage Group – Investor-Focused Mortgage Brokers www.kbmortgages.ca keaton@kbmortgages.ca