Make Room for Fido: Your Pet-Friendly Apartment Amenity Checklist

Apartment Hunting, Apartment Living Hacks, Pet

Your Ultimate Checklist to Find the Perfect Pet-Friendly Apartment Building

Your fur baby is family – there is no denying that. So, when it’s time for you to move, you best bet you’ll be in search of the paw-fect pet-friendly apartment building! 

During your hunt for the optimal home for you, Fido, and Kitty Softpaws, you’ll want to scour all of the pet rules for apartments you are interested in. Plus, you’ll also want to be on the lookout for places that provide the best amenities for your four-legged family members. 

In this article, we’ll give you the ultimate checklist to make sure you don’t leave a stone unturned, so you’ll be happy and confident with the apartment you choose. As a bonus, you’ll also discover how Richman Signature can accommodate all of your pet-friendly apartment needs! 

Let’s jump right in. 

1. Make Sure They are Pet-Friendly Apartment Buildings

First and foremost, when hunting for an apartment that is appropriate for you and your pets, you’ll want to ensure the apartment you fall in love with is actually pet-friendly! To do this, it’s always a good idea to start your search with the word ‘pet-friendly’ or ‘pet-approved.’ That way, your search engine (like Google, apartment sites, and realtor sites) should narrow down the search for you and only offer apartments that are, indeed, pet-friendly. 

Furthermore, apartments that are open to pets will specify this on their website or in the advertisement. You shouldn’t have to HUNT for this information, as it should be easily noticeable and transparent. 

2. Check Pet Rules for Apartments

Once you have filtered your search and have found some of the best pet-friendly apartments that pique your interest, the next step is to take a look at their specific pet rules. Keep in mind that pet rules for apartments vary from place to place. For example, some apartments are only willing to accept certain breeds. Many apartments regulate the TYPE of pet you have (such as your dog’s breed) and the SIZE and WEIGHT of the animal. Therefore, you should check these regulations before you sign a lease and move into an apartment that doesn’t allow big ol’ Brutus, your 160 lb Tibetan Mastiff, to move in with you. If your furry friend is a certified support animal then the rules may vary, so make sure to check with the apartment complex and have proof of certification. 

Pro-Tip: Apartment complexes make pet rules for liability and legal reasons – they want to make sure you and your neighbors are safe at all times. So, when in doubt about a specific rule, it’s in your best interest to simply ask about it. 

3. Determine the Fee for Pets

Along with pet rules for apartments, you will also want to check to see if there is an additional fee per pet. Many, if not most, apartments will have an additional fee for your cat or dog. Consider it as a four-legged roommate agreement! If you have smaller pets, like a hamster, fish, bunny, or gecko, it’s always a good idea to ask the apartment community about their rules and specifications regarding fees and pet breeds before you move in. 

4. Look Up Local Pet-Friendly Activities in the Area

Of course, you’ll want to make sure there are great activities for you and your pets to do together nearby! 

Depending on where you move, you could find a vast array of pet-friendly places in the area, including dog parks, pet-friendly breweries, restaurants that offer outdoor seating, nature parks, pet-friendly beaches, and so much more. Some properties, like our Richman Signature Properties, also have a host of monthly events dedicated specifically for your four-legged friend! For instance, if you are planning to move to a new city like San Diego or Tampa Bay, you might want to look into the best dog-friendly spots in San Diego or top dog parks in the Tampa Bay area. Simply search for locations that are welcoming to your animal buddies! 

5. See What Amenities Are Offered for Pet Owners

What’s home sweet home for you and your pets if there aren’t any special amenities that were created for your pooch and kitty cat? That’s right – an apartment should meet the needs of ALL family members, not just those of the ‘hoomans.’ Keep reading to learn some of the wonderful amenities that luxury pet-friendly apartment buildings like Richman Signature offer.

Pet Park

A designated ‘run-and-play’ area for your puppy is an absolute must if you are a dog owner! The one downside to apartment living is that you might not have access to a fenced-in yard. And we all know that dogs LOVE to stretch their legs! With that being said, check to see if your apartment offers a pet park that is fenced and allows for free-range play. 

Pet Spa

If your pet is a walking floof, then you know as well as we do that grooming is a must. So, wouldn’t it be awesome if your apartment offered a luxury pet spa that meets all of the needs of your fluffy friend? Depending on the Richman Signature location you choose, you can relax at the edge of a shimmering resort-style pool while Fido has his or her very own spa day at the in-house pet spa! 

Scenic Walking Path or Nature Trail

Last but not least, a pet-friendly apartment building isn’t complete without a lovely path to take your pet on a walk. Many Richman Signature properties offer walking paths and scenic trails where your dog (or cat!) can sniff and explore to their heart’s content. From ponds with ducks and turtles to beautiful wooded areas, you can rest assured that you and your pup will always have a serene walk. 

6. Find Your Pet-Friendly Apartment with Richman Signature

Are you ready to discover the finest pet-friendly apartment buildings that also harbor amazing luxury amenities for both you and your pets? Look no further than Richman Signature. At Richman, we offer a variety of beautiful residences in the most coveted locations around the country, ensuring that you and your four-legged family members are always taken care of. Contact us to find the optimal pet-friendly apartment!

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