When nearly 70% of U.S. households have a pet, it’s more important than ever to have pet-friendly policies in place at your multifamily property. Pet owners looking to rent often struggle to find a pet-friendly apartment, meaning many apartment complexes are missing out on a ton of potential renters. Adding pet amenities to your multifamily property is a great way to make it more attractive to potential residents, can help to create a sense of community among your residents, and, of course, it’s an awesome way to show that you care about your residents’ pets. Not to mention, having inclusive pet policies is great for your bottom line, too; reports show that residents in pet-friendly housing stay 21% longer than they do in non-pet-friendly housing, and pet-friendly vacancies fill much faster than vacancies that don’t accept pets. If you want to attract (and keep) more renters, consider boosting your pet-friendly policies!
So, what are some things you can do to make your rental more pet-friendly? Here are 12 of the best amenities that will make your renters – and their pets – love you.
1. Welcome Gifts
A welcome gift is a thoughtful way to show your new residents that you’re excited to have them move in. Why not include a welcome gift for their pet as well? This could be anything from a toy to a bowl to some treats! Some communities include coupons and listings for local businesses in the area, and including businesses that cater to their pets will show that you really care.
2. Treat Station
Treat stations are one of the easiest pet amenities you can add to your property. All you need is a place to put the treats, and you can stock it with whatever type of treat your pet residents enjoy. You can even add a sign that says “free treats” to let everyone know that your property is pet-friendly.
3. Pet-centric Events
Lots of apartment communities have some form of “yappy hour”, but whatever you want to call it, hosting pet-centric events is a unique way to show your residents that you care about their furry friends. Ideas for pet events are endless, from a doggy ice cream social to a Halloween costume party for pets. These events are usually well-attended and can be a lot of fun for everyone involved.
4. Dog Park or Play Area
There are a lot of worthwhile reasons to have a dog park as an apartment amenity. It’s a great place for dogs to socialize and get some exercise, and it’s also a wonderful place for dog owners to meet each other and connect with the community. Another reason to have a dog park is that it can help to keep your apartment complex clean; if dogs are able to relieve themselves in a designated area, it can help to reduce the amount of mess in other areas of the complex. A dog park can also be a premier location to host events for residents, such as dog-themed parties or meetups – the possibilities are infinite!
5. Dog Waste Stations
If you’re a dog owner, you know how important it is to pick up after your pet. But what about when you’re out and about? Dog waste stations provide a place for pet owners to dispose of their dog’s waste, and they’re usually equipped with bags and disposal containers. Keep your residents happy and your property clean by having this pet amenity readily available onsite!
6. Dog Daycare
Dog daycare is another amazing amenity for apartment complexes. While your residents are at work, they won’t need to worry about what their pets are getting up to – instead, they’ll be able to relax knowing that their pets are being well cared for and getting an opportunity to socialize. Like a dog park, dog daycare can also be a good way to meet other pet owners in the complex, and it can help to build a sense of community. Village at Commonwealth by Northwood Ravin is an example of one community in North Carolina that has gone above and beyond for their residents’ pets. While they already have a dog park and spa onsite, they’ve recently added ‘Buddies at Commonwealth’, a dog daycare that operates all day Monday through Friday for their four-legged residents. In addition to this luxurious amenity for pets, they even made booking and billing a streamlined, online process, making this amenity easy to use and convenient for residents, too! Take a look at the adorable video the Northwood Ravin team put together so show off this highly anticipated amenity!
7. Pet Washing Station
Some apartment buildings have a pet washing station available for residents to use. This can be a convenient amenity for pet owners, as it can save them from having to do the messy job of bathing their pets at home, especially if they’ve just spent a day at the dog park. Pet washing stations are also often equipped with all the supplies you need to get the job done, including shampoo, towels, and even blow dryers. This is an awesome perk for pet owners, as it can save them a lot of time and money on grooming costs, but it’s also a great way to make sure that your complex stays clean and pet-friendly. A pet washing station could certainly set your complex apart from the competition, and it’s sure to be appreciated by both your two- and four-legged residents.
8. Pet-Friendly Amenity Spaces
More than just dedicated pet spaces, you can allow your residents to bring their pets into other amenity spaces on your property. Clubhouses, game rooms, lounges, and more are all possible places to allow pets. Just be sure to add some pet-friendly furniture and amenities, like water bowls and beds, to make everyone comfortable. This is a surefire way to let your residents know that your community is welcoming to all, and it’s sure to be appreciated.
9. Pet Concierge
A pet concierge is someone who can help your residents with all of their pet-related needs. They can help to arrange dog walking, pet sitting, and other services available in the area. They can also provide information about local veterinarians, groomers, and pet stores. A pet concierge can make sure that your residents’ pets are always taken care of, and can be a huge help to new residents who are moving to the area with pets.
Some properties have brought their concierge services into the digital sphere, integrating apps for their residents that help pet parents to find and book services like dog walking, grooming, sitting, and more. Resident apps are sure to impress your tenants by providing a host of services that go well beyond pet care, but if you’re looking to really go above and beyond for your pet-owning residents, they’re a great option. Some of our favorites to check out include Elevated Living, Livly, and Flamingo!
10. Indoor Pet Relief Area
When it’s pouring rain and thunder is rolling overhead, the last thing your residents want to do is take their dog for a walk. An indoor pet relief area can be the perfect solution to this problem. It can be as simple as a small room with artificial turf, or you could go all out and include an agility course. Either way, your residents will appreciate having a place to take their pets when the weather is bad.
11. Doggie Pool
Many properties feature beautiful, well-cared-for pools onsite for their residents. So why not for their dogs too? A doggie pool is a genius way to keep your residents’ dogs cool in the summer. It’s also an excellent way to provide a fun activity for them where they can socialize with other dogs, and would be a terrific option to keep in mind for those pet-centric resident events. Hosting a pool party has never been so furry, fun, and easy!
12. Allow More Pets
This one is simple; many apartments either don’t allow or only allow a single pet, which poses a problem for the millions of families who have more than one furry friend and are looking for rentals. Adjusting your pet policy to welcome the entire family (pets included) can really show your residents how much you appreciate them.
These are just a few ideas to get you started, but there are endless possibilities when it comes to making your apartment complex pet-friendly. By adding just a few of these amenities, you can really make a difference in the lives of your residents and their pets. And who knows, you might even attract some new residents who are looking for a pet-friendly multifamily complex.
