Searching for pet-friendly apartments for rent?  You’re not alone. In fact, pet ownership and renting is increasingly a macroeconomic trend. Between 2018 and 2019, the number of dog-owning renters rose by 1.7 million. 

There isn’t much we humans won’t do for our furry friends. Pets are considered family to many so it’s not up for debate whether Fido or Fluffy will be moving with us. Unfortunately, owning a cat or dog can complicate apartment hunting and make the process seem more difficult; however, learning how to find pet-friendly apartments in advance can help ease the pain of moving in the long run.

If you’re searching for apartments that allow dogs or cats but don’t know how to find pet-friendly apartments, start with the five considerations below to help the process go more smoothly.  

Considerations When Trying To Find A Pet-Friendly Apartment

When attempting to find a pet-friendly apartment, there are several actions you can take to make the apartment search easier and increase your long-term satisfaction with your property management company.

Type of Animal

First and foremost, you should consider whether or not your animal requires a pet-friendly apartment. If you have a goldfish, you might not need to worry about getting permission for him in advance. If you have a horse, then you probably shouldn’t be looking for an apartment.

When property management companies say they allow pets, they are usually referring to dogs and/or cats. Some apartment communities only allow cats, while others allow both canines and felines. So if you own a dog, you might want to explicitly search for apartments that allow dogs.

Size of Your Pet

Do you have a five-pound Chihuahua? Or a 120-pound Great Dane? It’s common practice for apartment communities to place a limit on the size of dog they allow. Contact your potential apartment community to see if they have weight or height restrictions for Fido before signing a lease.

Breed of Your Dog

Even if your dog wouldn’t hurt a fly, some breeds are considered to have the potential for more aggressive tendencies. Property management companies might place restrictions on the breed of dog allowed in their buildings in order to put other residents’ minds at ease. Everyone wants to feel comfortable while in their apartment building.

If you don’t yet have a dog, but are considering one in the future, keep in mind that the following breeds might be more difficult to accommodate, even in pet-friendly apartments: Akita, Alaskan Malamute, Boxer, Bullmastiff, Chow Chow, Doberman Pinscher, German Shepherd, Great Dane, Presa Canario, Pit Bull, Staffordshire Terrier, Rottweiler, Husky, and Wolf-Hybrid.

Medical Necessity

Just as dining establishments allow pet exceptions for service animals, your apartment community might permit your service animal if you provide legal documentation of medical necessity.

Guide dogs for those with visual impairments or blindness provide obvious assistance to their owners. However, emotional support animals also offer assistance to individuals with certain disabilities or diseases. Reach out to apartment communities that don’t overtly claim to be pet-friendly to see if they make exceptions for animals that provide a vital medical service to their owners.

Accommodations For Your Pet

Even if you find the perfect, affordable, pet-friendly apartment with covered parking, a gym, and shiny granite countertops…wait before signing the lease! It’s important to consider the quality of life your pet will have at your new apartment.

Take sufficient time to research all the pet-friendly amenities available. Is there an on-site dog park like the one at Bayvue? Does your potential new apartment have pet sitting services available, such as those offered at Miramont and Middletown & The Dona? Just because an apartment community positions themselves as “pet-friendly” doesn’t necessarily mean that it’s the best option for your furry best friend.

If You Aren’t Considering The Pet-Friendly Apartments At Southern Management, You’re Barking Up The Wrong Tree

If you’re searching for pet-friendly apartments for rent, start with the communities at Southern Management. With dog parks, open patio spaces, grassy areas and plenty of nearby trails our pet-friendly apartment communities can accommodate various-sized dogs.

Visit an open house or browse our 75 apartment communities online to see which ones are pet-friendly. Our friendly team members would be happy to answer any questions you might or address concerns about moving your pet into an apartment community.

Contact us to set up a tour of any of our apartment communities.