Moving to a new apartment with a pet requires special considerations beyond a regular move—from apartment pet policies to pet-friendly amenities, pet fees, and more. To help your transition go smoothly, check out our guide to renting with pets below!

Research Pet-Friendly Apartments

Finding the right apartment for you and your pet can seem tricky, but there are plenty of tools and strategies to make your search easier. Start by browsing rental listing sites like Apartments.com, Zillow, and People with Pets—these platforms allow you to filter for pet-friendly apartments near you. You can also turn to local resources like animal welfare groups, veterinarians, and pet groomers, who may already know which landlords or communities are welcoming to pets. Or check out local social media groups or ask friends for recommendations. Be sure to start looking well in advance of your desired moving date—pet-friendly apartments are often in high demand and can fill up quickly!

Keep Pet-Friendly Amenities in Mind

When searching for a rental with your pet, remember that “pets allowed” is not the same as “pet-friendly”—while some rental properties simply permit pets, a “pet-friendly” apartment typically offers extra amenities to help your furry friend thrive. During your search, look for apartment features and amenities that make life simpler for you and your pet, such as:

• Units on the ground floor, so taking your pet in and out is hassle-free
• Scratch-resistant floors that are easy to clean (e.g., laminate, tile)
• Removable shower heads to make bathing pets easier
• Community dog parks, or pet-safe balconies & patios for your pet to spend time outdoors safely
• On-site amenities like waste stations or washing & grooming stations
• Proximity to walking trails, dog runs, pet-friendly establishments, & veterinarians

Understand Apartment Pet Policies

Once you’ve narrowed down your search to a few good options, look carefully into each apartment complex’s pet policy. In addition to quantity and breed restrictions, most rental properties that allow pets will have one or a combination of the following pet fees that you should factor into your moving budget:

• Pet Rent: A monthly recurring fee (often between $25 and $100, depending on location & breed) for each animal
• Pet Deposit: A one-time, refundable payment to cover pet-related wear & tear upon moving out (often between $200 and $500)
• Pet Fee: A one-time, non-refundable charge to cover the risk of allowing pets in your unit (often between $200 and $500)

Some landlords may also require you to carry pet liability insurance as part of your renters insurance, which covers any personal injuries or property damage your pet causes. Keep in mind that many complexes have certain breed restrictions or weight limits for pets, as well as bans on exotic pets like reptiles and birds. Finally, remember your rights—assistance animals like service animals and emotional support animals are legally exempt from pet deposits and extra fees under HUD guidelines.

Review Lease & Negotiate If Needed

Demonstrating responsibility and preparedness as a pet owner can help you and your companion attain a lease that aligns with your needs. Creating a pet resume before approaching a landlord—including vet records, training certifications, and references from past landlords—can show them you’re a responsible pet owner. Even if your pet is of a breed or size that is usually restricted, a landlord may make an exception if your pet is especially well-behaved—if appropriate, try to set up a brief meeting between your pet and landlord. Regardless of whether you need to negotiate or not, be sure to carefully review all the details before you sign a lease—ensuring it outlines all pet fees and clearly states your pet is allowed in the rental.

Prepare for Moving with Pets

Moving to a new home with pets takes a little extra planning. To minimize stress on you and your pet before your moving date, update their microchip and ID tags, get a copy of your pet’s vet records and prescriptions, and try to keep their routine consistent leading up to moving day. Get seatbelt harnesses and crates set up in your vehicle to help ensure their safety while moving. Pack a separate bag full of items that are familiar to your pet—like food and water dishes, toys, and bedding—that you can unpack as soon as you arrive to help familiarize them with the space.

Pet-Proof Your Apartment

Before you can settle in, take some time to pet-proof your apartment. This not only ensures the space is safe and comfortable for your companion but can also prevent potential damage and increase your chances of getting your deposit back. Add pet gates or other pet barriers to keep them out of certain areas, place scratch guards on doors and walls, and use washable furniture covers to help reduce wear and tear. Also, be sure to choose pet-friendly houseplants so your furry friend can explore your home safely.

Help Your Pet Adjust

Moving can be stressful for pets, so help them adjust to the transition by getting back into your regular walking, playing, and feeding routines as soon as possible. You can even design a pet-centric home by setting up a cat room or dog room and creatively organizing pet supplies. Give your pet plenty of toys and enrichment tools like scratch pads or puzzle feeders to keep them entertained and prevent destructive behavior. If your pet is prone to chewing or scratching while you’re away from home, consider crate training or keeping them in a safe room. Focus on training your apartment pet to stay quiet and calm to help avoid noise complaints and lease violations. And be sure to make use of pet-friendly amenities like dog parks, trails, or green spaces so your pet can burn off excess energy in a healthy way!

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