Service animal fraud is definitely a problem.
Service Animal Scams: A Growing Problem | Psychology Today
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I also discovered a host of dubious service and emotional support animal "registries." For example, the United States Dog Registry will certify any dog as a “service dog” or a "therapy dog" for $58, and an outfit called ESA of America will happily certify your pet rat, hamster, or iguana as an “emotional support animal.” (Sample ESA customer testimonial–“I have now taken 3 flights with my dog, and the peace of mind of being able to just pack up and go anywhere I want with him is the greatest thing ever.")
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Stopping it however (and getting rid of tenants who abuse it) is a bit tougher, given the myriad of regulations governing them.
From link above.
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Three different sets of federal statues apply to the rights of individuals with disabilities to be accompanied by animals: the American’s with Disabilities Act, the Fair Housing Act, and the Air Carrier Access Act. This division of responsibility has resulted in a bewildering array of conflicting and confusing regulations.
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Good luck to the OP, because sadly (and unfairly)...you're gonna need it.