6 ways to create a pet-perfect community

So you’ve decided to create a pet-perfect community but aren’t sure how to get started. We understand it’s a big leap and involves learning a lot. Here’s everything you need to know to elevate your rental community for pet-parent tenants.

It’s important to set a baseline when approaching ways to make your community pet-perfect. This starts with understanding a pet’s basic needs and how you can help alleviate any stress or difficulty for pet parents when they address them.

Physical needs

Dogs and cats have different physical needs that pet parents must be aware of when choosing a building to live in. Dogs will need consistent exercise, bathing, meals, playtime, and access to veterinary care. For many dogs, space to run, play, go to the bathroom, be groomed, and more is also a priority. Typically, a cat’s physical needs are confined to the apartment and any porch, balcony, or deck attached to the unit. Regardless of what pet your tenant has, offering upgrades for them to opt into depending on their needs can be a plus.

Psychological needs

When pets are stress-free and happy, accidents and damage are a lot less likely to happen. Addressing causes of anxiety and stress in pets—loud noises, unfamiliar scents, etc.—and doing what you can to limit them, such as offering enrichment throughout the property, can ensure these needs are being met.

If your community welcomes dogs, you should have a dog park on your property. The size, enrichment options, and quality will often depend on the location and community, but dog parks allow pets to run free and work off their energy. Designated areas for pets can not only reduce property wear and keep other parts of the property clean, but they can also promote a sense of community between tenants and their pets.

Examples of dog parks

When the weather is poor, pet parents are looking for any way to get their pet to go to the bathroom without getting soaked to the bone. That’s why an indoor pet relief area can be a great solution. It doesn’t have to be big, but residents will appreciate the space when their finicky pet doesn’t want to get drenched or cold.

Examples of indoor pet relief areas

Let’s face it, pets get dirty and need bathing. Having a pet washing station (or multiple!) is a great perk for pet owners. These are especially helpful for pet owners with larger dogs or those whose apartments don’t have bathtubs. Having one outdoors can also alleviate any mud or mess a dirty dog might track inside on their way home. Some more decked-out washing stations may have shampoo, dryers, towels, and brushes.

Examples of washing stations

Virtual key services can be a lifesaver and timesaver for pet parents since they allow workers, cleaners, and even dog sitters and walkers easy, safe access to the apartment building. These keyless services allow you to know who is coming and going to your building with your code and can make using online pet sitting services easier.

This one is a must, especially since many owners find themselves in need of poop bags without anywhere to turn. Not only is this a great amenity to offer, but it has a second use: ensuring the area around your property is clean and free of excrement.

Pet parents new to an area or community are looking for the best information on places to take their furry friend, and a pet concierge can do wonders in building trust and rapport. While having a physical individual may not be realistic, there are other ways of communicating with residents:

• Within the app. Digitally storing information allows it to be updated regularly and at no cost. If your community has an app, sharing events and new places for pet parents to check out is a great idea.
• Physical infographic or brochure. A physical resource in the welcome packet of new residents can be a nice touch.
• Website. Your community website is great for pet parents to communicate what’s new and happening.

With added pet amenities comes the opportunity to see your investment thrive. This can be in the form of rent increases, which, as we mentioned before, a whopping 48% of pet owners would do. That’s millions of people who would potentially pay more to ensure they have ample amenities for their pets.

Also, according to the 2020 Pet Policies and Amenities in Multifamily report by PetScreening and J Turner Research, pet owners said that where they choose to live is significantly based on the types of pet amenities a community offers its residents. In a 2023 study by PetScreening, 64% of pet owners stated that having pet amenities, like on-site dog parks, was crucial in their decision to choose and renew leases​.

All in all, there is room for exponential financial gains from not only the retention of current tenants—which saves on marketing costs, background checks, and renovations to secure new tenants—but also the creation of a reputation within the locale that your community is the place to live because it’s achieved pet-perfect status.

Becoming pet-perfect can require some upfront work, from developing a solid pet policy to installing pet-proof flooring. Once you start, you’ll see the long-term benefits in the relationships built with tenants and their pets.