Finding a place to live when you have a pet shouldn’t mean choosing between your dream apartment and your best friend. Yet millions of renters face exactly that dilemma every year, scrolling through listings only to hit the dreaded “no pets” wall. The good news is that pet-friendly rentals are more common than ever, and the rental market is finally catching up to the fact that pets are family. So how do you actually find one that works for both you and your pet?
How to find pet-friendly rentals
The easiest way to find pet-friendly rentals is to use a rental search platform with built-in pet filters. Here are some solid options to start with:
- Dwellsy lets you create a pet profile upfront, including your pet’s species (dogs, cats, birds, reptiles, and other non-traditional pets), breed, size, and weight. Once you set this up, you can filter listings to show only places that match your pet’s profile. And, even if you don’t filter it, pet-friendly listings get a clear badge so you can spot them instantly, which cuts down on time wasted on properties that wouldn’t work anyway.
- Apartments.com has a “Pet Policy” filter where you can select whether you want dog-friendly, cat-friendly, or both. You can also specify if you need it to allow large or small dogs.
- RentCafe lets you filter by pet type and will show you listings marked by whether they accept cats, dogs, or both, sometimes with size or breed restrictions noted.
- Apartment List offers a pet-friendly filter and even a quiz that matches you with listings based on your budget and pet needs—helpful if you’re juggling multiple pets or specific requirements.
- Realtor.com also has a “Pet friendly” filter under the rental section, letting you choose “Cats OK” or “Dogs OK.”
The key is using these filters from the start. Don’t scroll through 50 listings only to find out they don’t allow pets. Let the platform do the heavy lifting for you.
Apartments vs houses for pet owners — which is better?
This depends entirely on your pet and your lifestyle, but there are real trade-offs worth considering.
Apartments
Apartments are the most common starting point for pet owners, and for good reason: urban locations, built-in amenities, and high landlord competition mean you’ll often have more options than you’d expect.
Pros
- Often in walkable neighborhoods with nearby parks, dog parks, and pet amenities
- Landlords more likely to accept pets because competition is higher and pet owners are a huge rental pool
- Many pet-friendly apartments come with built-in perks like dog parks, pet washing stations, and even on-site vet visits and walking services
- Great for apartment-friendly pets like cats, smaller dogs or even non-traditional pets such as rabbits, who don’t need a ton of outdoor space, and some dog breeds are surprisingly well-suited for apartment living too.
- Shorter commutes typically mean you can get home to your pet faster
Cons
- Noise complaints from neighbors if your dog barks a lot
- Limited outdoor space for pets who need room to run
- Breed and weight restrictions are more common, so it’s worth knowing the rules before you apply
- Pet fees and monthly pet rent can add up fast
- Smaller square footage means less personal space for both you and your pet
Houses
Renting a house offers more space and freedom, but the trade-off is a smaller pool of available listings and sometimes higher costs. It’s worth considering if your pet’s needs outgrow what an apartment can offer.
Pros
- Your own yard (if rented, not owned) means your pet has direct outdoor access
- More space overall, which is great for large dogs or multiple pets
- Fewer shared walls means neighbors are less likely to complain about noise
- Often fewer restrictions on breed or size
- More privacy for you and your pet
Cons
- Fewer pet-friendly house rentals available overall—they’re harder to find
- Landlords may charge higher pet deposits or fees for houses
- You’re responsible for yard maintenance, which falls on you
- Can feel isolating if you’re used to apartment community vibes
- Utilities and maintenance costs are typically higher
The real answer: apartments work great for many pets, especially if you live somewhere with solid pet infrastructure. But if you have a large dog or multiple pets, or you just want your own outdoor space, a house might be worth the extra effort to find.
How to Find Pet-Friendly Rentals
Beyond using those rental platforms, there are some strategic steps to actually land a rental once you find listings you like.
Start with your search filters early
Don’t wait until you’re desperate to move. Build a list of pet-friendly rental weeks or even months ahead if you can. The more options you have, the better your chances of finding something that fits your budget and your pet’s needs.
Check the fine print on pet policies
What to Watch For
- Breed restrictions (some units exclude entire breeds, which is worth knowing upfront)
- Weight limits (these vary wildly—some say 25 pounds, others 75 pounds, and some have no limit)
- Number of pets allowed (usually capped at one or two, but it varies)
- Pet deposit amounts and whether they’re refundable
- Monthly pet rent (usually $25 to $60 per pet)
- Non-refundable pet fees (typically $100 to $500)
Understanding Pet Costs
Pet costs in rentals come in three flavors, and it’s important to know the difference:
- Pet deposit: A one-time, refundable payment (usually $200–$500) that covers potential damage caused by your pet. If your pet doesn’t cause damage, you get it back.
- Pet fee: A one-time, non-refundable charge (typically $100–$500) that landlords keep to cover general wear and tear, regardless of whether damage actually happens.
- Pet rent: A monthly charge (usually $25–$60 per pet) added to your regular rent. This covers ongoing costs of having a pet in the unit.
Some landlords charge one, some charge all three. It varies by location and property, so always ask before signing anything.
Build a strong rental application
Landlords want to know your pet is worth the risk. Include your pet’s basic information like name, age, breed, and weight, along with current vaccination records and health certificates from your veterinarian. Spay or neuter documentation shows responsible pet ownership, while training certifications demonstrate your commitment to good behavior.
Canine Good Citizen certification can be particularly powerful – this American Kennel Club program proves your dog has mastered basic obedience and social skills.
Also get references from previous landlords who can vouch that your pet was a great tenant. That human touch can make a huge difference.
Best Cities for Renters with Pets
Some cities are genuinely easier for renting with pets than others. Cities like Austin, Scottsdale, Atlanta, Minneapolis, and Richmond consistently rank at the top for pet-friendly rental availability, outdoor access, and overall livability for pet owners. At the state level, Colorado leads the nation with 86.3 percent of listings welcoming pets, and has backed that up with legislation capping pet deposits and monthly pet rent.
The big takeaway: where you live matters, but it matters less than how you search. Pet-friendly rentals exist in every major market, but the trick is knowing how to find them.
FAQ
What’s the difference between pet rent and a pet deposit?
A pet deposit is a one-time refundable fee (usually $200–$500) held in case your pet causes damage. Pet rent is a monthly charge (typically $25–$60) added to your regular rent and is non-refundable. Some apartments charge both; some charge neither.
Can I negotiate pet fees before signing a lease?
Absolutely. If you’re a strong applicant and your pet has a clean history, many landlords are open to negotiating. Offering to sign a longer lease, pay higher rent, or get renter’s insurance with pet liability can help your case.
What breeds are usually restricted in pet-friendly apartments?
Restrictions vary widely by property, but breed bans often target larger dogs like pit bulls, German Shepherds, and huskies. Some apartments have no breed restrictions at all. Always check the specific policy for each building.
Is it worth getting renter’s insurance with pet liability?
Yes. Renter’s insurance add-ons for pet liability provide peace of mind for landlords while protecting you financially. These additions typically provide substantial coverage for pet-related incidents at a reasonable monthly cost. This protection benefits both you and your landlord, showing you’ve thought through potential scenarios and taken responsibility for them.
How can I get approved for a pet-friendly apartment if I have a big dog or multiple pets?
Build a strong application that shows you’re a responsible pet owner. Include vet references, proof of training, vaccination records, and references from previous landlords. Consider offering to pay higher pet rent or get pet liability insurance. Being upfront and professional goes a long way.
