Apartment hunting is never easy, but searching for an apartment as a dog owner can be quite difficult. Along with considering an apartment’s location, price, and design, you also must look for a building that is pet-friendly.
Not every apartment is friendly for every type of dog either. This causes many dog owners to wonder what sort of questions they should be asking during their apartment search.
Luckily, when searching for a place to rent there are a few things you should keep in mind no matter where you are looking. Here are five apartment hunting tips for dog lovers.
Find out an Apartment’s Dog Policy
One factor dog owners must always consider when apartment hunting is a building or landlord’s policy on pets. Many apartment buildings still do not allow pets, though this is starting to change since over 70 percent of renters are pet owners.
When searching for apartments online always make sure you filter the search for apartments that are dog-friendly. Also, always make sure to confirm with the landlord or apartment company that dogs are allowed since information on websites is not always up to date.
Ask about Pet Rent
In addition to apartment rent, many dog owners have to pay dog rent each month along with a deposit when they first move in. The pet deposit usually costs anywhere from $200 to $500 though in some areas it can be much higher. Some landlords will refund this fee after you move out if there is no damage to the apartment, but others will keep it.
Dog rent is a monthly recurring fee that most dog owners have to pay so their dog can live with them. Most dog rent ranges from $50 to $100 a month, but it can be cheaper or higher depending on the city or town. When looking for an apartment make sure you ask about whether they charge pet rent and budget for it during your search.
Inquire about Dog Weight and Pet Limits
Many apartments have limits on the number of pets that can be brought to an apartment. Many places also have a limit on the weight of the dogs allowed. While weight limits vary by the apartment complex and landlord, most apartments prefer small dogs to medium sized dogs.
This factor poses a challenge for dog owners with big dogs. When apartment searching, always look if an apartment building has a weight restriction on their website and ask when talking with the landlord.
Many apartments also have a limit on the number of pets that are allowed to live in an apartment. A lot of apartment complexes and landlords will enable dog owners up to two pets in their apartment with some occasionally allowing up to three.
There are some places; however, that will only allow one. If you own more than one dog make sure you ask the landlord how many dogs are allowed to live in the apartment.
Even if your landlord does not have a limit on the number of pets that can live in the apartment, check with your city and town to see if there is a limit. Also see if you need to acquire a dog license for your dog.
Ask about Breed Restrictions
When apartment hunting, dog owners also have to see if an apartment has breed restrictions on the type of dogs allowed to live on the property. Many apartment companies have a list of breeds that are banned from living in their buildings.
Common breeds included on these lists are Pit Bulls, Doberman Pinschers, Rottweilers, and German Shepherds along with many other breeds.
Make sure to ask about any breed restrictions during your apartment search. While there may be some exceptions to these rules such as in the case of service-dogs, dog owners should always make sure the apartment they are choosing is friendly for their dog.
Also, be sure to see if the town or city you want to live in has any restrictions on breeds. Many cities and towns have certain restrictions on breeds such as requiring them to wear a muzzle in public places or even outright banning them.
Find out about Pet Amenities
One other important consideration for dog owners when apartment hunting is the amenities offered by the apartment and the area. Check out of if the apartment building has any dog walking areas on the property.
Also see if the apartment company has any partnerships with dog walkers, dog sitters, and groomers. Many times, you can get these services at a discounted rate through these partnerships.
Dog owners should also see what type of dog activities there are to do nearby. Look and see if there are dog parks, pet supply stores, and veterinarians near apartments you are considering.
Dog owners should also ask if an apartment is very dog-friendly and if a lot of residents have dogs, depending on the type of community you are looking for.
Final Thoughts
These five tips should help you find the perfect apartment and ensure your pup is comfortable in their new home. Don’t be afraid to ask a lot of questions when apartment hunting and be sure the apartment you end up choosing is within your budget and the best fit for you and your pooch.
What was apartment hunting as a dog owner like for you? Let me know in the comments below. Also, be sure to share this article with your friends if you liked it!
It can be hard to rent with a pet. Some landlords also have breed restrictions because of their insurance. It’s good to get all the info and this article is very helpful
It definitely can be! Glad you found the article helpful! 🙂
I live in an apartment building where there must be at least 20 other dogs if not more, all shapes and sizes but was really lucky to find this one. I only had to put a pet deposit down when I rented it. The apartment is tiny – a studio but took it as it is close to a lot of dog parks so there is place for her to run, plus they do not mind if she runs in the hallways also.
That’s so great you found such a wonderful and pet-friendly apartment! Being near dog parks is always a perk as well! 🙂
Years ago we were apartment hunting with a dog and our choices we very limited. It can be tricky, I really never understood the weight limits but fortunately we found a great place. Its nice to see it spelled out, it’s important for people to know that it takes more effort to find the right place when you have pets.
Thank you! 🙂 Some areas can offer such a limited amount of choices, unfortunately. I am glad you found a great pet-friendly place! I know before I lived in an apartment, I never realized how many restrictions there were on pets!
I had not heard of pet rent before, although it has been awhile since I rented an apartment. Great information! A friend of mine has a condo in downtown Chicago. She can bring a dog or a cat, but not a rabbit. She is a rabbit person and was shocked to find out that they were considered farm animals. This condo is a weekend get-a-way, so she has been able to leave the rabbit at her weekday home. But yes – read all the restrictions!
Many apartments in big cities usually charge a monthly pet fee, unfortunately! Yes, many places restrict the types of pets you can bring as well! It’s so important to read all the restrictions and ask before you sign a lease! Glad you liked the post!
I have only had to rent one apartment during my life at a time when I owned a Mini Poodle. The landlord kept my pet deposit and charged me extra for flea treatment after I left. I am allergic to flea bites so I would have know if there were fleas in the apartment. There were none but I didn’t fight it.
Insurance companies are still clueless. Labradors bite more people than any other breed…simple because there are more Labradors and their popularity has resulted in irresponsible puppy mill breeders selling mentally unstable dogs.
Renters will find this post helpful.
Oh no, I am sorry you had such a poor experience! Here in DC and the suburbs, many apartments will take dogs, but the pet rent and deposits can be really expensive! I’m glad the post was helpful!
Nice post. I wish more people would look into all these details before getting a dog. I remember seeing many emails from owners surrendering their pets because they neglected to get information on the apartment rules. It left many pets homeless. 😣 So frustrating and sad.
Thank you! That’s so sad and heartbreaking! 🙁 I got Bonnie because it is much easier to find apartments that will accept her since she is small. It’s so important to research before getting a pet.
Great tips as it can be very stressful apartment hunting with pets. In Toronto you can only own 3 dogs and many buildings do not allow pets. Luckily some of the newer ones for millennials do and I have not heard of a pet fee or tax or additional rent. Glad you found somewhere.
Thank you! Oh wow, those are a lot of restrictions! In the US unfortunately in a lot of the big cities pet rent and deposits can get really expensive!
Unfortunately Siberian Huskies are often on the breed restriction list. It can make it hard to find a place to rent! Luckily we bought our own house and so I do not have to worry about it. These are great tips for pet owners looking to rent with their pets!
Yes, breed restrictions make it even more difficult to find an apartment! Glad you have a house and don’t have to worry anymore! Glad you found the tips helpful! 🙂
Pet rent? MOUSES! I had no idea peeps were charged extra for their fur-fam to live with ’em, other than a larger security deposit. I knew ’bout that, and I CAN TOTALLY understand it, too. The security deposit, I mean. But the pet rent? Again I must say, MOUSES!
Yes, pet rent is the reality in a lot of big cities! I am not exactly sure why it started, but in some places, it can cost $50 or more!
It can be tough to find a pet-friendly apartment! You are right about the need to make sure you understand all the rules before signing the lease. My son ‘s roommate planned on adopting a dog until they discovered there was a weight limit on the dogs allowed. She decided to wait because she had her heart set on a big dog. She has a beautiful pit bull mix now who is incredibly sweet.
Yes, so many apartment buildings have a weight limit, unfortunately! Glad your son’s roommate ended up getting her pup eventually! 🙂
Being dog-friendly was always our main criteria when looking for a place. Not only whether or not our dogs would be allowed, but also whether or not there was a good area for potty breaks and short walks; an area for long walks close enough …
So true! It’s important to look for a place that has lots of dog-friendly areas around the apartment as well!
You have some really great tips, thanks for sharing them. I’ve heard a few stories from people who have rented an apartment, only to find out they didn’t allow pets!! It’s so important to find out all the information up front, and your list of questions will provide all the answers.
Oh no that’s horrible! It definitely is important to find out the information up front!
Mr. N is a tiny non-shedding pup so if places do take dogs, he’s allowed. Although I did see a listing for one place where the pet weight limit was SEVEN POUNDS. Mr. N would barely squeak through. Maybe they just wanted small cage pets?
Bonnie definitely would not fit that requirement either haha
Since our pets are family and an important member when hunting for new rentals we should consider those details too so I am glad that you are giving all this information as in some cases people that moves they do not realize their pets may suffer the consequences of not asking the right questions.
I definitely did not realize all the intricacies there are for renting with a pet! While I knew certain apartments allowed pets and others didn’t. Before I started renting, I did not know about weight and breed restrictions along with the different types of rent!
Great points to think about when renting with dogs. We have very few properties to rent, in the UK, that allow dogs, so it is very hard to rent with dogs and often if they are allowed, you have to pay a higher deposit and when you leave you have to have the carpets professionally cleaned and the whole apartment. Its a shame it renting is not more dog-friendly.
These are great suggestions! I was a landlord for many years and I did allow pets. I had a problem with one tenant who left her dogs outside all day long, which annoyed my neighbors and became a problem. It never occurred to me that her dogs would be left outside all day while she worked! I no longer own rental properties but I have a good list of pet rules I created over time. One thing I also suggest is letting a landlord know if your dog has the AKC/CGC certification (Canine Good Citizen) or is a therapy dog. That gives a landlord confidence. Let the landlord meet your dog too, that can really tip the scales in your favor!
Love & Biscuits,
Dogs Luv Us and We Luv Them
Oh apartment hunting with dogs.. We caved and bought a house after having so many issues finding homes to rent with multiple dogs. And we didn’t even disclose our cat. Informative post
It is definitely really difficult! Glad it was informative!
So many important tips in this post, thank you for sharing. Thankfully my humans have a house because I’m not sure how well I would do in an apartment. Although, I hear many people struggle to find a dog friendly place that is reasonable around my area.