Did you know that over 40 percent of renters consider pet-friendly policies and features to be essential when seeking a new apartment?
If your community welcomes dogs and cats, consider expanding your pet amenities to help your community stand out.
Nearly three quarters of properties listed on Apartments.com today allow dogs or cats, but few offer a full range of pet amenities to attract and retain pet owners. Here are five popular pet amenities to consider adding to your community.
1. Pet relief area and waste stations
Make it easy for dog owners to pick up after their pets. Offer a designated pet relief area onsite, and provide stations fully stocked with bags and bins for pet waste. The more convenient it is for residents to pick up after their pets, the more likely they are to do so. Your residents with dogs will appreciate the convenience, and your residents without will be glad to avoid the mess.
2. Dog park or play area
Does your community offer a safe place for dogs to run or play? Consider fencing off a grassy area as a dog park or play area. This will give your dog-owning residents a safe space to let their four-legged companions exercise, socialize, and release energy. Not only will this lead to happier, healthier dogs with fewer behavioral issues, but it also helps your residents get to know each other and build a sense of community.
Providing a dog park or play area makes it clear that your community is committed to the needs of its furry residents. This expands your renter base and increases resident satisfaction.
Currently, nearly 16 percent of properties on Apartments.com offer a pet play area and just under 2 percent feature a dog park. But searches for dog parks are on the rise, with a year-over-year increase since 2022.
3. Pet washing station
Keep your four-legged residents from tracking in mud and dirt by providing a self-serve pet washing station. This onsite amenity, currently available in under 7 percent of properties on Apartments.com, makes it easy and comfortable for residents to keep their fur babies clean.
To create a pet washing station, install large sinks and hoses in a common space, and make towels and hair dryers available. Make sure to add ramps for dogs to comfortably get into and out of the tub. This is especially important for larger pets that can’t be easily lifted by their owners.
4. Pet spa
Looking to go a step beyond a basic washing station? Kick it up a notch with a pet spa. This luxury amenity offers a pampering experience for all your four-legged residents. A pet spa typically includes professional grooming services, such as bathing, nail trimming, and fur styling.
In addition to having a professional groomer available onsite, you’ll want to offer self-service stations with veterinary-grade shampoo and conditioner, brushing and trimming tools, and non-slip grooming tables.
5. Discounts from local pet services
It’s not just onsite facilities that your pet-owning residents will love. Consider partnering with local pet-sitting businesses, groomers, daycare, overnight boarding hotels, and veterinary clinics to give your residents and their furry friends access to discounted services. Unlike other canine-centric amenities, these services can be just as valuable to cat owners as to dog owners.
A pet-friendly community is a renter-friendly community
When your community caters to pets’ needs and comfort, you expand your reach to a wider pool of renters. Satisfied pet owners also can build stronger ties within the community, ensuring your residents stay in your community longer and encourage others to move in.
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