Can I sign a Pet Agreement electronically?

Yes. Electronic signatures are generally enforceable under the federal ESIGN Act (15 U.S.C. ch. 96) and state UETA statutes, provided intent to sign, consent to conduct transactions electronically, attribution, and reliable record retention are met.

Are service or emotional support animals treated the same?

No. Service animals and many assistance animals are protected under the Fair Housing Act and ADA; landlords cannot impose pet fees for bona fide service animals and must follow accommodation procedures.

Is notarization required for a Pet Agreement?

Typically no; most Pet Agreements do not require notarization. Verify local law or contract form rules—some jurisdictions or specific corporate policies may require notarization for certain addenda.

What happens if vaccination records are missing?

You may withhold pet permission until records are provided, or require immediate vaccination at owner expense; failure to produce records can justify removal if local health codes are implicated.

How do I cancel or revoke a pet permission?

Follow the agreement’s termination provisions: provide required notices, observe cure periods, document breaches, and keep records of communications and signed notices to support enforcement.

How should executed agreements be stored?

Store signed copies in tenant or client files and retain backups. Maintain electronic audit trails and follow retention rules for leases, tax, and health records per applicable law.

Pet Agreement

This template is fully customizable. Edit the text, fill out the fields, and send it for signature. Give it a try!

What a Pet Agreement Covers and Why It Matters

A Pet Agreement is a legal addendum or standalone contract that sets out the rules, responsibilities, and financial terms related to animals kept on rented or shared property. Typical provisions define permitted species and breeds, weight limits, leash and noise rules, required vaccinations and licenses, security deposit or nonrefundable fee, tenant liability for damage, and procedures for removing a pet for safety or nuisance. The agreement may also identify exceptions for service or assistance animals and can be signed electronically where ESIGN (15 U.S.C. ch. 96) or UETA apply.

Why a Clear Pet Agreement Protects Both Parties

A well-drafted Pet Agreement reduces disputes by documenting permitted animals, financial responsibility, and behavioral expectations; it clarifies repair and cleaning obligations, insurance needs, and termination triggers while allowing electronic execution consistent with ESIGN and state UETA laws.

Who Commonly Prepares and Signs Pet Agreements

Landlords, property managers, condominium associations, pet sitters, kennels, and boarding facilities commonly use Pet Agreements to set expectations and record consent.

Property managers of multiunit housing, to limit liability and standardize pet policies across units.
Individual landlords, to record pet permissions, deposits, and remedies for damage or nuisance.
Service providers (boarding, daycare), to capture vaccination status, emergency contacts, and liability waivers.

Who Signs and What Their Roles Are

Property Manager

Signs to authorize a tenant’s pet, documents required deposits or fees, and retains the right to enforce rules or request removal if the animal creates a nuisance or hazard. The manager is the primary contact for enforcement and recordkeeping.

Tenant / Owner

Signs to accept the rules, provide pet details and proof of vaccinations, agree to pay fees or repair costs, and consent to reasonable access for inspections or remediation related to the pet.

Core Elements of a Professional Pet Agreement

A complete Pet Agreement balances operational detail with clear legal language; include identification, financial terms, behavior standards, health requirements, liability allocations, and enforcement provisions.

Pet Identification

Include name, species, breed, age, color, microchip or license number and a brief description so the animal is uniquely identified for enforcement and emergency contact.

Fees and Deposits

Specify amounts, whether fees are refundable, how deductions are calculated, and the timing of payment to avoid later disputes over cleaning or damage charges.

Access and Restrictions

Note areas where pets are not allowed, leash policies, and visitor rules; set rules for noise, waste removal, and common-area behavior to protect neighbors.

Health Requirements

Require proof of current vaccinations, licensing as required by local law, and documentation of spay/neuter status when applicable to manage public health risk.

Liability and Insurance

Allocate responsibility for bites, injuries, and property damage; require renter’s liability insurance where appropriate to shift risk away from the property owner.

Remedies and Termination

Describe cure periods, conditions that permit removal, and how breach affects tenancy or service agreements, including costs and timelines for compliance.

Required Information Typically Collected

Tenant Name: Full legal name(s) of tenant(s)

Pet Description: Species, breed, color, and distinguishing marks

License / Tag: Municipal license or microchip number

Vaccination Records: Proof of rabies and other required shots

Deposit Amount: Security deposit or nonrefundable fee

Emergency Contact: Alternate owner or caretaker contact

Step-by-Step: Preparing and Executing a Pet Agreement

Follow a consistent process to draft, review, sign, and store Pet Agreements to reduce disputes and maintain accurate records.

01

Draft the Terms: Define rules, fees, and remedies in clear language.
02

Collect Documents: Obtain vaccination proof, licenses, and ID numbers.
03

Send for Signature: Use an electronic signing workflow or printed copy.
04

File Completed Form: Store signed agreement in tenant file and backup systems.

Configuring an Online Pet Agreement Workflow

Set up a digital workflow with clear field validation, signer roles, and retention rules for reliable execution and auditability.

Field	Configuration
Pet Details Field	Required text field with character limit
Vaccination Attachment	Required file upload, PDF or image
Deposit Amount Field	Numeric validation, currency format
Signature Authentication	Email link or two-factor authentication

Where to Send and Store Completed Pet Agreements

Decide in advance where signed copies should be delivered and which internal or external systems will store the records.

Email to Manager: Send signed PDF to property manager’s email
Tenant Portal Upload: Store copy in tenant’s online account
Insurance Provider: Provide proof to insurer if required
Lease File Archive: Retain final executed agreement in tenant file

Digital Signing and Delivery Considerations

Use a platform that supports common integrations, secure storage, and verifiable audit trails when e-signing Pet Agreements.

Integrations: Salesforce, NetSuite, Microsoft 365, Google Workspace
File Formats: PDF, DOCX, and searchable image formats
Authentication: Email, SMS code, or advanced signer verification

Typical Deadlines and Timing You Should Track

Track signing windows, registration deadlines, refund timing, and retention obligations to ensure compliance and timely enforcement.

Registration Deadline:

Submit pet details within 7 days of move-in

Deposit Refund Timing:

Return refundable deposits within 30 days after move-out

Vaccination Updates:

Provide updated records annually or as local law requires

Lease Renewal Notice:

Issue any pet-related policy changes 30 days before renewal

Records Retention:

Follow retention schedule for tenancy and health records

Comparing eSignature Pricing and Capabilities for Pet Agreements

Cost and capability vary across providers; this table summarizes common plan-level differences relevant to high-volume agreement processing.

	signNow	DocuSign	Adobe Sign	PandaDoc	HelloSign
Starting Price	$8/user/mo	$15/user/mo	$14/user/mo	$19/user/mo	$15/user/mo
Free Trial	7-day free trial	Varies by vendor	Varies by vendor	Varies by vendor	Varies by vendor
Bulk Send	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	No
Audit Trail	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
HIPAA Compliant	Yes	Yes	Yes	No	No
Envelope Cap	No cap	100 envelopes/user/year	Varies	Varies	Varies

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Preparing a Pet Agreement

Using vague language for fees or damages leads to disputes; quantify amounts, calculation methods, and timelines for refunds or deductions.
Omitting vaccination or license verification can expose owners to public health liability and make enforcement difficult during disputes.
Failing to address assistance animals conflates pets with protected animals; clearly state how service and emotional support animals are handled.
Neglecting to retain signed copies and audit trails prevents proof of consent and complicates remedies in small-claims or eviction proceedings.

Risks and Consequences of an Incorrect or Missing Pet Agreement

Lease Termination: Possible eviction for persistent breach

Damage Liability: Tenant responsible for repair costs

Fines and Fees: Local code fines for unlicensed animals

Insurance Gaps: Liability not covered by standard policy

Civil Claims: Personal injury suits for bites or attacks

False Statements: Perjury or fraud claims for falsified records

Practical Examples of Pet Agreement Use

These scenarios illustrate how Pet Agreements function in real settings and what they typically document.

Rental Property Use

A landlord attaches a Pet Agreement to a lease to authorize a dog under 40 pounds

It records a $250 nonrefundable fee and required rabies vaccine proof
The document specifies removal for repeated barking, repair cost responsibility, and where the signed copy will be stored.

Boarding Facility Use

A kennel requires a signed Pet Agreement before accepting an animal

It lists vaccination dates, emergency contact, and medical authorizations
The agreement also explains boarding rates, liability waivers, and procedures for veterinary care during the stay.

Frequently Asked Questions About Pet Agreements

Answers to common legal and practical questions about drafting, signing, and enforcing Pet Agreements in the United States.

Need help? Contact support

Can I sign a Pet Agreement electronically?
Yes. Electronic signatures are generally enforceable under the federal ESIGN Act (15 U.S.C. ch. 96) and state UETA statutes, provided intent to sign, consent to conduct transactions electronically, attribution, and reliable record retention are met.
Are service or emotional support animals treated the same?
No. Service animals and many assistance animals are protected under the Fair Housing Act and ADA; landlords cannot impose pet fees for bona fide service animals and must follow accommodation procedures.
Is notarization required for a Pet Agreement?
Typically no; most Pet Agreements do not require notarization. Verify local law or contract form rules—some jurisdictions or specific corporate policies may require notarization for certain addenda.
What happens if vaccination records are missing?
You may withhold pet permission until records are provided, or require immediate vaccination at owner expense; failure to produce records can justify removal if local health codes are implicated.
How do I cancel or revoke a pet permission?
Follow the agreement’s termination provisions: provide required notices, observe cure periods, document breaches, and keep records of communications and signed notices to support enforcement.
How should executed agreements be stored?
Store signed copies in tenant or client files and retain backups. Maintain electronic audit trails and follow retention rules for leases, tax, and health records per applicable law.

Explore Templates

Letter Enclosing Client Documents Letter Confirming Oral Agreement for Sale of Stallions Quitclaim Deed Form Letter Confirming Client Responsibilities Letter for Boss's Day Letter Closing Legal Representation

be ready to get more

Join over 28 million airSlate SignNow users

Sign Now