Fair Housing & ADA Compliance
Total Pet Check is designed specifically to help property managers adhere strictly to the guidelines set forth by the Fair Housing Act (FHA) and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) regarding assistance animals.
Our Core FHA Principles:
1. Assistance Animals Are Not "Pets"
The FHA mandates that assistance animals (including Emotional Support Animals and Psychiatric Service Dogs) are not classified as standard pets. Property owners must make "reasonable accommodations" for these animals, which includes waiving breed restrictions, weight limits, and pet fees.
2. Zero Fees for Valid Documentation
When a tenant registers their animal as an ESA or PSD in the Total Pet Check portal, the standard annual verification fee is completely bypassed. Tenants upload their healthcare provider documentation directly to the secure vault for management review at absolutely zero cost to the resident.
3. Verification of "Reasonable Accommodation"
Under HUD guidelines, if a tenant's disability is not readily apparent, a housing provider may request reliable disability-related information. Total Pet Check securely collects and routes the medical professional's letter to the property manager, allowing them to verify the legitimacy of the request and protect against fraudulent "online ESA mills" while remaining perfectly within their legal rights.
⚖️ Legal Disclaimer
Total Pet Check is a software processor, not a legal entity. Property managers retain final authority and liability regarding the approval or denial of reasonable accommodation requests. We recommend all property managers review their specific state laws (such as Florida Statutes Section 81.336 regarding fraudulent ESA claims) with their legal counsel.
ⓘ Corporate Structure & Disclosure
Total Pet Check is operated by Arvo Equities, LLC, which also owns a separate animal-documentation business. Total Pet Check has no access to that business's accounts, orders or clinical records, and does not recommend or favor any documentation provider. Total Pet Check's verification matrix applies the same criteria to all tenant documentation, regardless of its origin, and is informed by published HUD guidance. Total Pet Check is not affiliated with or endorsed by HUD, and nothing on this site is legal advice.