15 Top-Rated Pet-Friendly Apartments in the U.S. for 2025

Finding the perfect place to live is tough, but doing it with a pet? That’s a whole other challenge. At Apartment List, we’re the trusted Rental Matchmaker for pet parents, helping over 60% of renters with furry companions find a place they can truly call home.

In this guide to the top-rated pet-friendly apartments in the U.S. for 2025, we spotlight buildings that go above and beyond with thoughtful pet amenities, transparent pet policies, and reasonable pet rent.

Whether you’re navigating breed restrictions or searching for an on-site dog park, our data-backed list highlights communities that actually welcome pets, not just tolerate them.

Why Pet-Friendly Living Matters

Pet-friendly housing is a must for modern renters. With record pet ownership among millennials and Gen Z, and emotional bonds running deeper than ever, communities that embrace pets are quickly becoming the gold standard. From reduced turnover to faster leasing, the numbers (and the wagging tails) speak for themselves.

Record Pet Ownership and Renting Trends

As of 2024, 66% of households in the U.S. own at least one pet, yet only 57% of apartment listings are marked pet-friendly. That leaves thousands of pet parents scrambling to find housing.

The post-pandemic era accelerated pet adoptions, particularly among millennials and Gen Z, who now make up the largest cohort of renters. For many, pets aren’t just companions, they're family.

A pet-friendly apartment is a rental unit that explicitly allows dogs, cats, or other household pets, typically with stated pet policies and added amenities like dog parks, waste stations, or pet washing areas.

Benefits for Renters, Pets, and Communities

When a renter and their pet feel truly at home, everyone wins. Communities that offer meaningful pet amenities, like fenced dog runs, pet events, or grooming stations, often see:

• Emotional benefit: Lower stress and anxiety for both humans and animals
• Social benefit: Increased community engagement through shared pet spaces
• Financial benefit: Higher tenant retention and fewer vacant units

Pet amenities create stickiness, residents stay longer when their pets are happy.

It’s more than just warm and fuzzy feelings. It’s smart business.

How Pet Amenities Speed Up Leasing Times

Want to reduce vacancy days? Add a dog wash.

According to Zillow, pet-friendly apartments lease an average of 8 days faster, and up to 10 days faster in cities like Austin. Why? Because renters with pets tend to act quickly once they find a place that actually fits their lifestyle.

Amenities like on-site dog spas, waste stations, and walking trails reduce friction in the decision-making process and show pet owners they’re not an afterthought. Instead, they’re the target tenant.

How We Selected the Top Pet-Friendly Apartments

To curate this list of the top pet-friendly apartments for 2025, Apartment List used a proprietary, AI-driven process that goes far beyond surface-level filters. Our goal is to highlight rentals that not only allow pets, but truly prioritize them through thoughtful amenities, fair policies, and proven renter satisfaction.

Data Sources and AI-Matching Criteria

We combined multiple data points to build a ranking that’s both trustworthy and renter-relevant. Our selection process included:

• Apartment List’s national listings database, filtered by pet-friendly amenities and policies
• Zillow leasing speed data, spotlighting properties that fill vacancies faster when pets are welcome
• Resident review scores (4.5★ or higher on major platforms) with verified mentions of pet experience
• Local amenity audits—we analyzed proximity to parks, pet stores, groomers, and dog-friendly businesses

We also integrated signals from Apartment List’s Perfect Match quiz, which asks renters about:

• Pet size (small, medium, large)
• Activity level (outdoorsy vs. low-key)
• Monthly budget and amenity preferences

These inputs are weighted in our algorithm to highlight properties that are more than just "pets allowed.”

15 Top-Rated Pet-Friendly Apartments in the U.S.

Looking for a new home that treats your pet like family? We’ve rounded up the top-rated pet-friendly apartments across the U.S. in 2025, properties that combine great design with thoughtful pet policies, on-site pet amenities, and resident-loved features.

Quick View: Top Pet-Friendly Apartments by Region

Western Standouts (5 Communities)

Cypress at Trinity Groves - Dallas, TX

• Starting Rent: $1,476
• Pet Policy: No breed restrictions, two pets allowed
• Signature Amenity: Dog park + dog wash station
• Resident Quote: By far the best pet-friendly property in Dallas. It's right across from all of the restaurants at Trinity Groves and is 5 mins from everything else!

This stylish West Dallas community is a dream for pet parents who’ve dealt with breed restrictions elsewhere. Cypress at Trinity Groves keeps it simple: pets are welcome, period. With a fully fenced dog park and on-site wash station, your pup can run, rinse, and repeat—all without leaving the property. It's a rare pet-first design in the middle of the city.

Ethos - Austin, TX

• Starting Rent: $1,103
• Pet Policy: Maximum two pets, no aggressive dogs or dogs with bite histories
• Signature Amenity: Private five-acre park with two dog parks
• Resident Quote: Very pet friendly. Thank you. The environment is very clean. Near my children school and my dog's vet. Love the wild life view.

Ethos sits on a spacious slice of South Austin, giving renters and their pets access to private green space and walking trails that feel like a nature retreat. Its generous pet policy and dual dog parks make it a standout for active pet owners. Plus, the location offers a quiet break from city bustle without compromising on commute times.

Gables Cherry Creek - Denver, CO

• Starting Rent: $1,729
• Pet Policy: Maximum two pets, no aggressive breeds
• Signature Amenity: Glass-enclosed grooming spa
• Resident Quote: Been here for the past year. Everyone is super friendly. The amenities are what won me over. The pool has the best view. Super dog friendly.

In Denver’s upscale Belcaro neighborhood, Gables Cherry Creek is equal parts glam and pet-friendly. The sleek pet spa is perfect for clean-up after outdoor play, and human perks include a rooftop pool, game room, and yoga studio. It’s built for those who want premium amenities without leaving their pet behind.

Ovation - Seattle, WA

• Starting Rent: $2,246
• Pet Policy: Maximum two pets
• Signature Amenity: Dual pet lounges + grooming center
• Resident Quote: The Ovation team is ALWAYS as timely as they can be in cleaning up the dog run and the common spaces.

Located in walkable First Hill, Ovation offers sky-high living with grounded perks for your pet. Between the two dedicated pet lounges, a grooming space, and a rooftop deck with grassy patches, your dog won’t miss the backyard. It’s a luxury high-rise that doesn’t forget about four-legged residents.

Banyan on Washington - Phoenix, AZ

• Starting Rent: $1,450
• Pet Policy: Maximum one pet
• Signature Amenity: Fenced dog park
• Resident Quote: People are always out walking their dogs. We live right by the canal where there's a path you can walk with your pooch, and possibly meet another dog!

This Phoenix property blends modern convenience with real-world pet needs. With a fenced-in dog park and smart thermostats that keep your space (and your pet) cool year-round, Banyan on Washington is tailor-made for desert living with pets. Plus, it’s close to freeway access and downtown spots.

Southern and Midwestern Favorites (5 Communities)

Morningside Courts - Atlanta, GA

• Starting Rent: $1,355
• Pet Policy: Maximum two pets, no aggressive dog breeds
• Signature Amenity: Tree-lined walking neighborhood near Midtown
• Resident Quote: Great price for location. Free parking, gym, and pool. Maintenance is quick.

Located in the quiet, green Ansley Park neighborhood, Morningside Courts offers a calm environment perfect for daily dog walks. Though the complex itself is smaller, its proximity to shady sidewalks, local groomers, and pet-friendly shops makes it a go-to for pet parents who prefer charm over flash. It’s ideal for renters seeking serenity with city access.

Dock Street Flats - Minneapolis, MN

• Starting Rent: $1,495
• Pet Policy: No maximum listed
• Signature Amenity: Art-filled indoor pet spa
• Resident Quote: The location is second to none. I don't own a car, but from DSF, I can walk to work (downtown), the light rail, Whole Foods, Target, great restaurants/bars, and several ZipCar locations. It's also great being alongside the Cedar Lake Trail - just a half mile to the Mississippi River. Perfect for walking my dog or going for a run.

In the heart of Minneapolis’s vibrant North Loop, Dock Street Flats makes pet pampering fun with bold, artistic flair. The pet spa features playful murals and practical grooming tools, and the surrounding neighborhood offers high walkability. For pet owners who want culture, color, and convenience, this place checks every box.

The Pavilion - Chicago, IL

• Starting Rent: $1,328
• Pet Policy: No specific policy listed
• Signature Amenity: Grilling and picnic area perfect for pups and people
• Resident Quote: Wow, wow, wow is all I can say. I have been here at Pavilion for five years and have had a GREAT experience, love it here. Maintenance and Management have been amazing, communicative and honest.

Just outside the O’Hare corridor, The Pavilion provides spacious units and communal green areas where pets aren’t just tolerated—they’re part of the lifestyle. Whether it’s a cookout with neighbors or a post-meal walk, this pet-forward community creates space for connection. Bonus: there’s tennis, racquetball, and a large pool for human fun too.

Vista Germantown - Nashville, TN

• Starting Rent: $1,692
• Pet Policy: Maximum two pets, no aggressive breeds or dogs over 80lbs
• Signature Amenity: Rooftop “Woof-top” with agility course
• Resident Quote: Everyone in the office is so nice and helpful. All of the tenants I have met are very friendly. And I love that it is such a dog-friendly location!

Vista Germantown is a pet lover’s paradise, offering a private rooftop agility park and indoor pet spa complete with a treadmill. Located near two major parks and the Greenway trail system, this Nashville community is ideal for active renters who want space to play, train, and explore, with a view.

Haven - Kansas City, MO

• Starting Rent: $865
• Pet Policy: Maximum two pets, No Rottweilers, Pitbulls, Dobermans, Chows or aggressive breeds
• Signature Amenity: Expansive fenced dog park
• Resident Quote: Appreciate the new management efforts. Love the dog park and apartment upgrades- floating shelves/stainless steel appliances. Reasonably priced. Would recommend.

At Haven, pets are part of the community. With one of the largest off-leash parks in the area, this Kansas City complex gives your dog room to roam like they’re living on a country estate. Add in walkable streets and nearby vet clinics, and it’s a stress-free setup for peace of mind.

East Coast Gems (5 Communities)

1213 Walnut - Philadelphia, PA

• Starting Rent: $2,160
• Pet Policy: Maximum two pets, dog breed and weight restrictions apply
• Signature Amenity: Private pet spa and Midtown walkability
• Resident Quote: Being that it is also very pet friendly is amazing and makes for a more enjoyable experience for not only me but for my dog as well.

Set in Philly’s Midtown Village, 1213 Walnut blends luxury living with everyday pet convenience. Residents enjoy an on-site dog park, full-service grooming area, and quick access to groomers, pet shops, and green spaces. It’s city living at its finest, with all the perks your pet could ever want just steps away.

Waterline Square - New York City, NY

• Starting Rent: $6,566
• Pet Policy: Maximum two pets, Breed Restrictions Apply. Akitas, Alaskan Malamutes, Chows, Doberman Pinschers, German Shepherds, Mastiffs, Pit Bulls, Presa Canarios, Rottweilers, Shar Peis, Siberian Huskies, Staffordshire Terriers, Wolf Hybrids, or any variation or mixes of these breeds.
• Signature Amenity: Dog training studio + indoor playroom
• Resident Quote: The building is very dog friendly, with great green spaces and walking paths nearby.

With NYC’s 72% pet-friendly inventory, there are plenty of great places in the city to move with your furry friend. If you’re looking for something upscale, Waterline Square brings elite living to the Upper West Side, offering not only an indoor playroom and washing station but also a full-fledged dog training studio. Anchored by a private 2.6-acre park and walking distance from Riverside Park, this luxury development turns your pup into a pampered urbanite.

Avalon Residences at the Hingham Shipyard - Boston, MA

• Starting Rent: $3,705
• Pet Policy: Maximum two pets.
• Signature Amenity: Full-featured dog spa with walk-in tub
• Resident Quote: I was given great advice and great service during this transfer. I highly recommend this property. Looking forward to some nice weather and dog walks along the waterfront!!!

With spa-quality grooming amenities and a secure off-leash dog park, Avalon Residences at the Hingham Shipyard caters to clean pups and happy owners. Located in a waterfront community just outside Boston, this property makes it easy to unwind with your pet after a long day.

Ava NoMa - Washington, D.C.

• Starting Rent: $2,025
• Pet Policy: Maximum two pets. Restrictions on Rottweilers, Dobermans, Chows, Pit Bulls, Staffordshire Terriers, German Shepherd, Presa Canarios, Akitas, Wolf-Hybrids, Mastiffs, Cane Corsos, Great Danes, Alaskan Malamutes, Siberian Huskies, or any mix thereof. Please contact our community for details.
• Signature Amenity: Indoor-outdoor dog park + treat station
• Resident Quote: Great dog run area and dog grooming/washing room. Super dog-friendly place

In D.C.’s NoMa neighborhood, AVA goes all-in on pet-friendly perks. The fenced dog park features covered and open areas, agility obstacles, and a treat station. Inside, the dog spa includes deep tubs and dryers, because muddy paws don’t belong in your apartment. Rain or shine, AVA NoMa delivers.

Hunting Ridge - Raleigh, NC

• Starting Rent: $1,175
• Pet Policy: No listed maximum. Some breed restrictions apply.
• Signature Amenity: Sandy dog park with agility equipment
• Resident Quote: The move-in process was simple, and they allow pets! Plenty of amenities (gym, pool, laundry, etc) and in the middle of North Raleigh

Hunting Ridge stands out in Raleigh for its thoughtfully designed dog park—sandy, spacious, and packed with agility features like tunnels, ramps, and jumps. Nestled in North Raleigh, the community also gives renters access to nearby parks, restaurants, and trails for endless post-walk hangs.

What to Check Before You Apply With Your Pet

Before you fall in love with an apartment listing, it’s crucial to understand the fine print surrounding pet policies. Even in buildings labeled "pet-friendly," the rules, fees, and restrictions can vary widely, and catching those details early can save you time, money, and future frustration.

Typical Fees, Deposits, and Pet Rent

Let’s start with the wallet. Most pet-friendly apartments charge one or more of the following:

• Pet rent: A recurring monthly fee, typically $25 to $30 per pet, is charged to cover additional wear and tear on the unit.
• Pet fee: A one-time, non-refundable charge paid at move-in (often $100–$400).
• Pet deposit: A refundable security deposit held in case of damage (averaging $200–$500+).

Some cities and states cap these amounts, and certain jurisdictions are considering bans on non-refundable pet fees altogether, so it’s smart to check your local laws. When budgeting, factor in recurring costs like pet rent, plus a cushion for deposits, training, or renter’s insurance if needed.

Common Breed and Weight Rules

Even the most welcoming communities often have limits. Many buildings enforce weight caps between 50 and 75 pounds, and some ban specific breeds altogether. Commonly restricted breeds include:

• Pit bull terriers
• Rottweilers
• Doberman pinschers
• German shepherds
• Huskies
• Mastiffs
• Wolf hybrids

If your pet falls into a restricted category, don’t give up. Some landlords will make case-by-case exceptions if you provide documentation such as:

• A certificate from a professional trainer
• Proof of renter’s insurance with pet liability coverage
• A glowing reference from a former landlord

Always get any exceptions in writing before signing your lease.

Smart Questions to Ask Leasing Teams

When touring or applying, don’t rely on vague “pet-friendly” labels. Instead, ask these questions, and get the answers in email for documentation:

• “Is pet rent charged per pet or per apartment?”
• “Are there breed or weight restrictions? Can exceptions be made?”
• “Are there designated relief areas or on-site dog parks?”
• “What happens if my pet gains weight or I adopt another animal later on?”
• “Can I see the pet policy in writing before I apply?”

These questions not only clarify what to expect, but they also show management you’re a responsible, proactive renter (and pet parent).

How Can You Make Moving With Pets Less Stressful?

Moving is tough on everyone, but especially on pets, who thrive on routine and familiarity. Whether you’ve got a clingy cat or a high-energy pup, a little prep can go a long way in easing the moving process. Here’s how to keep tails wagging from packing to move-in day.

Preparing Your Pet for Moving Day

Start with the essentials. Schedule a vet visit to make sure vaccinations are up to date and grab any travel meds or calming aids your pet might need. Update their microchip and ID tags with your new address just in case they get spooked during the move.

If your pet isn’t already crate-trained, now’s the time. Introduce the crate slowly and positively in the weeks before moving day so it feels more like a safe space than a punishment. For a full checklist, download Apartment List’s Moving with Pets Timeline. It’s packed with helpful reminders to make the process smoother for both of you.

Setting Up a Pet-Friendly Home Fast

Once you’re in your new place, unpack your pet’s essentials first. A “first-night pet kit” should include food, bowls, favorite toys, a cozy bed, and any medications or litter supplies. Keeping their routine familiar, especially during the first 24 hours, can reduce anxiety and help them settle in.

If your dog is prone to nerves, try a calming pheromone diffuser or a white noise machine to block out unfamiliar sounds. For dogs, establish a potty zone immediately, and give them plenty of praise for using it. For cats, keep the litter box in a quiet, low-traffic area from the start.

Using Apartment List’s Virtual Tools and 24/7 Support

Apartment List makes moving with pets easier at every step. Use our virtual tours to scope out pet amenities in detail. No guessing about that dog park or grooming station. And if you have questions about pet fees, breed restrictions, or deposits, our AI leasing assistant is available 24/7 to help you get answers fast.

Ready to find your perfect pet-friendly match? Take our quiz now and let Apartment List match you with rentals that truly welcome every member of your household—even the furry ones.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Top-Rated Pet-Friendly Apartments

How Can I Negotiate Pet Fees?

Start by positioning yourself as a responsible pet owner. Provide references from past landlords, proof of pet training or insurance, and offer to sign a longer lease in exchange for lower fees. Some landlords may be flexible, especially in competitive rental markets or if your pet is small, quiet, or older.

Do Emotional Support Animals Count as Pets?

No. Under the Fair Housing Act, emotional support animals (ESAs) are considered assistance animals, not pets. That means landlords cannot charge pet rent, pet fees, or pet deposits for an ESA. However, you may need to provide a letter from a licensed mental health professional confirming your need for the animal.

What Paperwork Makes My Pet Application Strong?

Landlords love reassurance. Boost your chances with a “pet resume” that includes breed, age, training certifications, vet records, and past landlord references. Adding proof of renter’s insurance with pet liability coverage can also show you're serious about protecting the property and your pet.