Looking for a new apartment with a four-legged friend by your side?
You've got a lot of company. Almost 72 percent of renters have pets and up to 78 percent of apartment buildings accept pets, according to the Humane Society.
Renting with furry friends in tow can make looking for a new place a bit more complicated. But the good news is that there are plenty of pet-friendly apartments on the market. It's a trend in a competitive rental environment nowadays. But it's still up to you to make sure the leasing company will provide what you and your fur buddy need.
Here's a round-up of fun elements and must amenities that are promoted for people looking to share their space with a beloved canine — just like you.
It's proper etiquette to clean up after your pet when you live in an apartment community. When a complex offers a dog park — such as an off-leash play area — it needs to be accessible to the essentials to clean up. Don't be someone who walks away in a hurry without picking up after Fido.
At 1045 On the Park Apartment Homes in Atlanta, they have what you need to enjoy playtime with your pup. There's a pit stop station with poop bags and a waste bin. Pet-friendly promotional monikers here include “Pets are residents, too!" and “Wet noses are welcome."
Is a grooming facility on your apartment wish list? Do you dream of an on-site room to pamper your pal in? Lots of apartment renters and their pets are looking to enjoy this type of feature and more. A grooming room and a 600-square-foot outdoor dog run are available at Moment, a pet-friendly Chicago community that's meeting expectations.
Dog people gravitate to other dog people, so look for a place where you and your pooch can both mingle. In the nation's capital, Station House has options. Find a handy place to groom your pup, plus a hot spot for residents to hang with their dogs and be neighborly. Enjoy a rooftop dog walk with Capitol views.
Does green space matter? Does your pup need plenty of room to romp? Then an apartment complex with grassy trappings is the way to go. The Yards at 3 Crossings in Pittsburgh has that and more. There's a dog park for furry friends to play, plus a convenient wash station for sudsing up after.
What's going to clinch your next move-in deal? If an on-property grooming station or something with added perks is what you want, then go for it! In Las Vegas at Summerhill Pointe Apartments, there's a dog spa that comes with individual wash areas so multiple pups can get groomed at once!
Check with a local listings realtor to recommend communities to share with your pet. Have the realtor line-up several complexes in your must-live location. Visit the communities that best promote being a welcoming home for pet owners.
Talk to your colleagues about pet-friendly apartment suggestions. Reach out to friends who moved into a rental with a pup and see if it might be a good choice for you also.
One of the best ways to know where to start is to go to the source. Don't be shy. Ask the leasing office if you can see the dog park when it's in full prime, busy with owners having fun with their pets. Or, ask if they can show you the dog wash station to ensure it's working and hassle-free. Could make or break the move-in deal.
And don't forget: Always try to take a few days off once you're moved in to help your pet feel happy and secure in your new home.
Susan Friedman is a lifestyle journalist with a background that includes real estate, interior design, architecture and kitchen and bath design. The former senior editor of Florida Travel + Life magazine, Susan resides in sunny south Florida and loves exploring the next great place to live, local culture and neighborhoods with cool vibes. Whether it’s in her own backyard or beyond, she has the pulse on what’s trending now in apartment dwelling and more.