Pet Policy

At Atlas Cleveland, we get it—pets are family. Many of our property owners allow pets, but the final decision on type, breed, and size belongs to the property owner. We’re here to keep things clear, fair, and easy.

1. General Pet Rules

  • Properties that allow pets will require:

    • Additional pet deposit

    • Monthly pet rent

    • Renter’s insurance with liability coverage

  • Most properties limit pets to two total (dogs and/or cats).

    • Got more than two? Contact us before applying.

  • Tenants are responsible for all pet-related damages—no exceptions.

  • Only the specific pet(s) approved by Atlas Cleveland may live on the property.

These rules are designed to protect the home, respect neighbors, and make your life easier.

2. Allowed Pets (With Approval)

  • Domesticated cats

  • Domesticated dogs (breed restrictions apply—see list below)

  • Small rodents in cages (gerbils, hamsters, guinea pigs)

  • Small fish bowls (OK) — no aquariums over 10 gallons

3. Restricted / Not Accepted Dog Breeds

(Applies to purebred and mixed breeds; based on owner insurance restrictions commonly used in Ohio.)

  • Pit Bulls / American Pit Bull Terriers

  • Bull Terriers

  • Staffordshire Terriers

  • Rottweilers

  • Mastiffs

  • Dobermans

  • German Shepherds

  • Huskies & Malamutes

  • Great Danes

  • St. Bernards

  • Akitas

  • Chow Chows

  • American Bulldogs

  • Presa Canarios

  • Catahoulas

  • Cane Corsos

  • Dogo Argentinos

  • Beaucerons

  • Dingos

  • Wolf hybrids

If you’re unsure about your dog’s breed mix, we may request documentation.

4. Vaccination & Licensing Requirements

All pets must:

  • Be properly licensed in Ohio

  • Have current vaccinations (including rabies)

  • Provide proof of immunizations before move-in

Permission applies only to the approved pet, not replacements or additional animals.

5. Resident Responsibilities

  • Immediate cleanup of pet waste—indoors or outdoors

  • Proper disposal of waste (no flushing litter, no dumping outside)

  • Supervision of pets at all times

  • No off-leash dogs outside the home unless in an enclosed private yard

6. Dogs (Additional Rules)

  • Must be at least 1 year old (no puppies)

  • Must be licensed, vaccinated, supervised, and kept on a leash

  • Tenant must promptly pick up and dispose of all dog waste

7. Cats (Additional Rules)

  • Must be vaccinated and supervised

  • Spayed/neutered is strongly preferred

  • Must use a litter box, kept clean at all times

  • Litter must not be flushed—bag it and put it in the trash

8. Other Pets

  • Fish: Allowed if the tank is under 10 gallons

  • Birds: Case-by-case approval

  • Not allowed:

    • Ferrets

    • Rabbits

    • Snakes

    • Lizards

    • Reptiles of any kind

    • Pot-bellied pigs

    • Any exotic or unconventional pets

9. Damage Liability

You are responsible for all pet-related damage to:

  • Flooring, carpet, and padding

  • Doors, trim, woodwork, blinds

  • Walls, fixtures, and appliances

  • Yards or landscaping

  • Shared/common areas

Pet rent is not a damage deposit.

10. Assistance Animals (ESA & Service Animals)

We follow Fair Housing Act (FHA) and HUD guidelines—no exceptions, no B.S.

  • Verified assistance animals are NOT pets

  • No pet rent, pet deposit, or breed restrictions apply

  • Proper documentation is required when the need is not obvious

  • We will review documentation in accordance with HUD’s 2020 guidance