Pet ownership in the United States has jumped significantly over the past few decades. An estimated 86.9 million homes own a pet, reveals a recent Forbes Advisor survey. 

With 55.1% of households owning a pet, Phoenix, Arizona, is considered the most pet-obsessed metro, followed by Riverside, California (54.2%). Los Angeles is another city in California with high pet ownership rates in the country. Roughly 1.9 million of the 3.3 million households in the city have a pet. 

From offering emotional support to companionship, pets have become a vital part of our lives. In fact, the majority of Americans consider their pets as family members. No wonder people have started prioritizing their needs when buying an apartment. 

With pet ownership on the rise, there has been a steady increase in the number of pet-friendly rental properties. Florissant, MO, has around 91% of pet-friendly properties, followed by Atlanta, GA with 72%. With the majority of Los Angeles homeowners owning a pet, the city has around 60% pet-friendly properties, which is decent. 

Still, many pet parents find buying a pet-friendly home slightly challenging. However, that’s mainly because they don’t know what to look for in their new apartment. 

To help you hunt the perfect apartment for you and your fur baby, here are a few tips: 

#1 Check Pet Policies

Searching for an apartment can get a little complicated with a pet because of the rules, regulations, and restrictions set by the city, state, or homeowners associations (HOAs). 

Many cities let residents keep two to three dogs per household. Take, for example, the City of Pittsburgh. It allows residents to own a maximum of five pets. That means you can keep five dogs or five cats, or four dogs and one cat. On the other hand, the supervisors of Los Angeles County have raised the dog-per-household limit from three to four.

Speaking of the homeowners’ association, it has the authority to decide the number of pets allowed in each home or community in total. Some HOAs lay restrictions on the type of pets. For instance, rottweilers, German shepherds, and pit bulls are some common dog breeds that are prohibited on rental properties. 

Many apartment complexes also follow a no-pet policy, which is mentioned on the lease. Be sure to get in touch with the landlord and check pet policies before taking a tour of any apartment complex to avoid wasting your time. 

#2 Prioritize Pet-Friendly Amenities

Finding an apartment complex with pet-friendly amenities was nearly impossible in the bygone days. But with the rise in pet ownership, finding an apartment complex with pet-friendly amenities in U.S. states has become easy. 

With 32,841 dog-friendly accommodations, including 2,699 long-term rentals, Florida grabs the top spot for being the most dog-friendly state in the U.S. California, with 24,443 accommodations, including 3,141 long-term rentals, secures the second position. 

With so many pet-friendly accommodations in California, finding luxury apartments in Los Angeles won’t be challenging for pet parents. 

Among the pet-friendly amenities, look for an apartment complex offering a designated dog park or play area. With a dog park in proximity, you can take your Fido to it and let them socialize with other dogs. 

Unless you don’t mind traveling long distances for pet grooming, an apartment complex with a pet-washing station should be your priority. Having one in the entryway allows pet owners to rinse their fur baby’s dirty paws before entering the apartment.  

Many apartment complexes offer on-site pet groomers. Going for such apartment complexes will be beneficial, as you will be relieved from the task of bathing your dog yourself. 

On-site pet support services like training centers and veterinarians, breed-specific play areas, pet waste disposal sites, and outdoor pet parks and walkways are other amenities that you can expect to find at pet-friendly living options, notes The Q Playa. 

#3 Choose an Apartment With a Yard

Especially if you’re a dog owner, an apartment with plenty of outdoor space is important. Spending between 30 minutes and 20 hours outdoors daily is vital to your fur baby’s happiness and well-being. 

That is why we advise you to choose an apartment with a yard. As the yard will be your pup’s play area, you should keep its needs in mind. 

Large dog breeds like boxers and bull terriers are full of energy, which is why they don’t like being cooped up in small spaces. If you own one of them, going for an apartment with a large backyard will be the best bet. That’s because wide, open areas will offer your fur baby plenty of space to roam and run around.

However, if you own a cat or a small breed dog, you can go for apartments with small yards or enclosed patios without worries. Just make sure you install a fence in your apartment’s yard to keep your furry companion safe from the elements and other animals. 

Wrapping Up

Finding a perfect nest for you and your fur baby might seem challenging, but it isn’t. 

Sifting pet-friendly apartment complexes from non-pet-friendly ones will simplify the process. Also, decide your budget beforehand and stick to it no matter what. Thereafter, check the pet policies of shortlisted apartment complexes and learn about the amenities they offer. 

If a particular apartment complex ticks off all the boxes, go ahead with your purchase. Also, if you have any questions, ask the leasing team before signing the lease agreement.