What Amenities Should I Look for in a Pet-Friendly Apartment?

Pet-friendly apartments are all the rage. Whether it’s because overall pet ownership has increased, with 94 million U.S. households owning at least one pet, or an increase in renters due to homeownership being out of reach for many, it means one thing: more pet-friendly rental units are needed.

But “normal” pet-friendly apartments aren’t cutting it anymore. Renters are seeking amenities that enhance their lives and those of their pets. From pet waste stations to dog parks, these features can sweeten the deal and encourage you to sign a lease. Here’s a guide to the most desirable pet-friendly apartment amenities to look for, plus a few questions to ask on your next tour.

1. Must-Have Pet-Friendly Amenities

Many amenities feel like a “must-have.” The amenities that made it onto this list can save you time, money, and headaches. Here are the top recommendations:

Durable, Pet-Safe Flooring (vinyl, tile, etc.)

If you want to keep that sweet, sweet security deposit, the condition of your floors matters. Durable, scratch-resistant, and easy-to-clean flooring options, such as vinyl or tile, are ideal. These materials can withstand accidents, scratches, and zoomies better than carpet or hardwood.

Wood or carpeted flooring is easy for pets to damage and can ruin your chances of getting that security deposit back.

On-Site Dog Park or Pet Run

Pets with high energy need space to run, cavort, and play freely. An on-site dog park or fenced-in pet run offers the best of both worlds. In urban areas, some buildings offer these types of spaces indoors, but typically they’re an outdoor amenity.

On-site dog parks are fenced-in areas that allow dogs to run off-leash, and pet runs are usually long, fenced-in areas (occasionally indoors) that also allow dogs to run off-leash. Dog parks are typically larger than dog runs, but both can be perks for apartment living.

Pet Waste Stations

You always need a place to throw away dog excrement. If you’re living in a non-dog-friendly area, this could mean waiting until you return to your apartment complex to dispose of the poop bags, or even disposing of them in your trash bin.

Pet-friendly apartments with pet waste stations make it easy to keep public spaces clean, especially if you run out of poop bags mid-walk. These stations typically have a bag dispenser and a trash bin, making them a convenient place to use when on walks.

Pet Wash or Grooming Stations

Sure, you could entice your pet into your apartment's shower or bathtub, or you could use your rental complex’s pet wash or grooming station.

A pet wash or grooming station typically features a sturdy, four-sided bathtub with convenient water hoses, allowing you to scrub with ease. If there’s a grooming station, it’s often an addition of a grooming table, where dogs can stand with an attachment to keep them in place. There will usually be a blow dryer for hair, and this is also where you could give them a haircut.

Nearby Green Spaces or Walking Trails

Access to nearby parks or walking trails is a huge plus, especially for dogs that need longer walks. These might not be listed under “pet amenities,” so check the property map or neighborhood overview for access points.

2. Pet-Friendly Amenities for Convenience

Some amenities aren’t essential, and we’ll categorize them as “would be nice to have” when looking for a pet-friendly apartment.

• In-Unit Pet Relief Areas (for high-rises or bad weather): Indoor pet relief areas can be a game changer for those living in dense urban areas, especially in locations where there isn’t a lot of green space or areas for pets to go to the bathroom outdoors. Pet relief areas are indoor spaces where animals (typically dogs) can go to the bathroom without ever going outside. They usually have some form of cleaning mechanism, such as a sprinkler system, to clean after use.
• Pet-Friendly Stairs or Elevators: Pet-friendly stairs are typically wider and have non-slip material, unlike traditional stairs. They may also be less steep for animals with short legs. Pet-friendly elevators are rarer, but in most cases, the larger the elevator, the easier it is for pets to use safely.

3. Luxury Pet Amenities

If you’re considering moving to a pet-friendly apartment that’s expensive but offers some of these luxury amenities, it may be worth the cost.

Dog Spas & Full-Service Grooming Salons

Picture this: you can take the elevator down to the ground floor and walk your dog to a full doggy spa or groomer. This type of amenity can be a huge boon to those living in urban areas without a car and not within walking distance to other grooming salons or spas.

On-Site Dog Daycare or Pet Sitting

A dog daycare, in-house? Many pet owners have busy lives with work schedules that prevent them from giving their pet all the TLC it needs. Amenities like pet sitting or on-site doggy daycare can help you give your pet the care and attention it deserves without stressing over finding the time to drop your pet off at a different location. Having it in the building saves so much time and effort.

Rooftop Dog Parks

If you’re moving to a bustling city, there may not be nearby green spaces or areas for dogs to play. Some apartment complexes may maximize their space by offering a rooftop dog park, which is particularly beneficial in densely populated cities.

Treat Bars or Pet Welcome Gifts

This is a bonus that many properties skip, but it can be a perk for your pets. Treat bars are areas with little treats (typically for dogs) where you can visit to receive treats.

Pet welcome gifts are often a package containing a few toys and treats to welcome you and your pet to the building.

4. Community Perks

Great pet-friendly apartments foster a sense of community between pet parents. Look for properties that host or encourage events and social interaction.

Community perks for pets and pet parents:

• Pet Events (Yappy Hours, Adoption Days): In thriving pet-friendly communities, you can find a variety of events. From Yappy Hours, where dogs get to hang and owners get to enjoy a beverage, to Adoption Days, where a local shelter hosts an event with adoptable animals, to pet-friendly movie nights or fundraising events for local pet shelters. Events will vary by the community you’re in, and if the events don’t already exist, maybe you’re the perfect person to get them started.
• Pet Clubs or Resident Groups: Pet-friendly apartment buildings are often rented to renters with pets. They’re the perfect people to start a club or group with, so you and your pet can have instant friends.
• Dog-Friendly Lounges or Common Areas: These types of areas are spaces where your dog or pet can join you in a public space. It will be a designated room or area explicitly stating who or what types of pets are allowed.

5. Smart Tech & Safety Tools

While this may be a step above other amenities, we’d like to note that there probably aren’t heaps of apartments with these types of tech and safety tools.

Modern touches that make life better:

• App-Based Pet Services (walkers, groomers): If your building has an in-building groomer, it may also offer an easy-to-use app for booking grooming services. The same goes for dog walkers. There may be dog walkers in the building, or referred by the property, who come to pick up your dog for a walk and offer drop off. In-building services offer easier access, as you don’t have to leave the building to drop off your pet, which can save you a lot of time.
• Secure Entry for Dog Parks & Daycare: If your building has a dog park or daycare, you don’t want just anyone to be able to enter, as this poses a threat to the safety of your pet. Dog parks with restricted access, which require key fobs or keys, increase security, as do dog daycares with gated access.
• Smart Home Compatibility (monitors, pet cameras): While pet cameras aren’t typically integrated into smart home tech, you may be able to find this when moving into a pet-friendly property. They’ll usually list this under amenities, and you may have to purchase a pet camera from a specific brand to link it with other smart home features.

Questions to Ask When Touring a Pet-Friendly Apartment

1. How often are dog parks cleaned?
2. Are there restrictions on the times dogs can use amenities?
3. What’s the fee structure? (Pet deposit vs. pet rent)
4. Are there any off-limits areas for pets?

FAQs on Pet-Friendly Amenities

What’s the best pet-friendly amenity?

The best pet-friendly amenity depends on your lifestyle and the type of pet you have. Dog owners may benefit from dog parks or dog runs, whereas cat owners may prefer an in-house groomer or smart home compatibility.