There are varying degrees of dog-friendly apartments. While some apartments only allow you to have pets, others welcome your dogs with open arms and provide extra dog-friendly amenities to help you and your dog enjoy apartment life.
What features to look for in a dog-friendly apartment?
The most basic level of dog-friendly apartments is letting the dog live with you. There may be restrictions on the number of dogs, the size of the dog, and the type of dog. When looking for a truly pet-friendly apartment, here’s what you need to look for:
- More than one dog allowed
- Dogs of all weights and types are allowed
- There is a dog potty area, which includes a dog litter box and a poop bag dispenser
- There is a dog drinking area (tank or running water)
- Organize dog events or activities
- Pet spa or pet wash area
- Offer discounts or bundles to local pet service providers (veterinarian, grocer, dog walker or babysitter)
Providing a potty seat for your dog is very important. A grassy area, lawn, or cobbled space where your dogs can do business can make life much easier for dog lovers. Otherwise, you must purchase your own apartment dog potty system like porch The system has grass and litter tray underneath. An example of a very dog-friendly apartment is at Fidus Pet Community in the Dallas, Texas area, where each apartment has a doggy door that leads to a private fenced yard or patio system.
Is there a dog-loving community in the apartment complex that supports each other and gets together for fun doggy events and activities? In State and Chestnut in Chicago, pet amenities include on-site dog jogs, a pet spa, and monthly happy hours for residents and their cubs to mingle.
Does the apartment building offer other amenities such as a dog waste station, a water station, or a small dog park with benches and exercise equipment? Some dog-friendly apartment communities even offer on-site dog walking, dog daycare, and grooming services. Avalon Community has a partnership with VCA Animal Hospital and provides residents with discounted veterinary services for pets, such as a free first checkup and 10% discount on ongoing veterinary services .
What are the challenges in finding a dog-friendly apartment?
When looking for a dog-friendly apartment, consider restrictions and rules. It is not uncommon for apartment complexes to limit the number of pets, dog weight or breed. Other apartment buildings require temperament testing to make sure your dog is safe around people and other pets. Some common restrictions include:
- Number of pets you are allowed to have
- The maximum weight your dog can reach, usually under 30 pounds and so naturally restricting certain breeds
- Cats are allowed, but dogs are not allowed
- Certain breeds or types of dogs may be prohibited
Most dog-friendly apartments will charge a pet deposit or pet fee, which may be non-refundable.
How to find pet-friendly apartments?
When searching for apartments online, there is often a filter option that allows you to search only for pet-friendly apartments for rent. In addition to a pet-friendly apartment, check to see if the surrounding area is convenient and has the amenities you need, such as a nearby vet hospital, a dog park, a seller Grocery and doggy daycare.
Don’t give up on your search. Finding a dog-friendly apartment that suits your needs and your dogs takes time. Start by asking the right questions about dog-friendly amenities in both the apartment complex and the neighborhood.
