Landlords: pet-owning tenants can be an asset!

‘My rental property is a suburban villa with a yard, brick, and three bedrooms, most likely built in the 80s. It was in great condition when we bought it in 2014, and our tenants have always had pets.
Joe and Beth (not their real names) have been renting from us for seven years. They had a German Shepherd and two cats when they moved in. Storm had an accident and died. They now have two German shepherds; one they bought as a pup and the other they rescued when his owners took him to the vet to be euthanased because he needed cruciate ligament surgery, which my tenants paid for. And they still have the cats!
There's been no issues with the pets. We started out doing three monthly inspections, but they were pointless. Everything was always fine, so we just do it once a year when we re-sign the lease.
If there are any other problems the tenants text us and we get it fixed. The dogs are well cared for and friendly. They have the run of the yard. The garden is kept tidy, and the place is well cared for. They've got a veggie patch and inside it's neat as a pin. They have mats down to protect the carpet. The dogs don't bother the neighbours either because they are allowed inside and don't get lonely.
Joe and Beth are so reliable! Rent comes on time, fortnightly, never a problem. They had been living in a caravan because they couldn't find a pet friendly rental! They were just so relieved to have somewhere to live! I'm pretty sure they are happy in our property and we are pleased to have them. There's never been any damage to the place other than normal wear and tear. Perfect tenants!
Tasmania’s rental reforms are long overdue! I really don't see why landlords wouldn't allow pets. People can be careless unreliable tenants and damage your property with or without pets and in fact pet owners are likely to be more careful if they can find a place to rent. Everyone who wants a pet should be able to have one if the property is suitable.
It must be awful to be put in the position of having to give up a loved pet, who has maybe been with the family their entire life so the family can find a rental property. And it must be awful for the pet who has done nothing wrong and winds up in an animal shelter waiting to be adopted. Even though they get excellent care, it's not the same as being home with their family, and some dogs, some quite old dogs, ten or 12 years old, are very sad and can't understand what's going on.
In animal welfare terms, the best place for them is to stay with their families if at all possible. The rental reforms will definitely benefit pets, and landlords may benefit too with a pool of motivated tenants with pets who just need somewhere to live.
If the potential tenant can show they are responsible pet owners, and that their pet is desexed, vaccinated, microchipped and visibly well cared for, these tenants are assets!’