Many renters adopt pets while living in their apartments. In areas like New York City, it’s incredibly common to own a cat, dog, or other animal as a pet. However, it can be difficult to find apartments willing to let pets in the space, especially dogs. If you’re a renter, you may need to learn “how to find dog-friendly apartments near me” during your next apartment search. Before touring an apartment, ask the advertiser to clarify the rules for the pet policy. Some landlords accept dogs of a certain breed, size, and weight. The larger and louder your dog, the more trouble you may have finding an apartment. Luckily, there are some tips to make the process a bit less painful for you and your companion.
Why Are Landlords Strict About Dogs?
The main reason landlords do not permit dogs in the apartment is due to potential damage to hardwood floors. Dogs have sharp claws that can scratch up hardwood floors, which are expensive to replace. There are numerous other ways dogs can damage a property, such as:
- Denting the walls and doors
- Leaving bite and scratch marks
- Defecating and leaving stains
- Digging holes outside
- Damaging outdoor fences
Dogs are fantastic pets, but they can be a bit unpredictable. You’ll know your dog and their behaviors best, so it’s important to understand what stresses them out. By learning their triggers, you can anticipate potential destruction and plan accordingly.
Noise Disturbances
Many landlords do not allow dogs in the building due to barking. Dogs can bark loudly, which disturbs neighbors and leads to noise complaints. Some landlords prefer not to deal with noise complaints and, therefore, will not permit dogs at all. In some buildings with thin walls, dog barks can disturb multiple neighbors.
Cats vs. Dogs-Friendly Apartments Near Me
It’s the age-old battle of cats vs. dogs, and landlords sometimes allow cats in their apartments but not dogs. While dogs have a larger affiliated risk when it comes to damage and noise, cats present fewer threats. Their meows typically do not extend past the walls of an apartment, and their smaller size makes them less prone to serious damage.
Renters with cat-sized dogs can still appeal to landlords of cat-only apartments. They may need to submit photo evidence of the size of their dog. If the landlord cares more about noise than potential damage, they still may not admit the dog.
Exceptions for Service Dogs and Emotional Support Dogs
New York City protects tenants who need service dogs and emotional support animals. Service dogs are partnered with a person with a disability. They receive training and can perform specific tasks to assist a person. Emotional support dogs are paired with a person, at the determination of a licensed professional, to provide relief for someone in need.
Even if an apartment listing says “no pets allowed,” the landlord must still allow the renter to bring their service or emotional support animal. The landlord also waives any restrictions regarding breed or animal size. The landlord can request documentation of the renter’s disability and need for the dog, including letters from a doctor or therapist.
Emotional Support Animals
Emotional support animals differ from service dogs. Renters should be mindful that landlords can refuse specific types of emotional support animals if it causes undue hardship to the housing provider.
Service Dog-Friendly Apartments Near Me
Renters with service dogs and emotional support animals will not have to select pet-friendly filters during their online apartment search. The landlord will already accommodate the service or emotional support dog, even if they do not allow pets in the building.
Tips for Locating Dog-Friendly Apartments Near Me
If you’re looking for an apartment that allows dogs, most online rental listing platforms have dog filters. On RentHop, renters can specifically look for “dogs allowed” when specifying their search parameters.
Renters can also consider the following tips during their apartment search:
- Even if the listing says “dogs allowed,” confirm with the agent or advertiser when they show you the apartment. Ensure your dog meets any requirements before submitting an application.
- Take a few nice photos of your dog. Have a photo of their head and a photo of their entire body that shows their size. The landlord may require this information for the application.
- Consider apartments on the ground level. While many New Yorkers do not want to live on the first floor of a building, there are advantages to no downstairs neighbors. This menas your pet will not disturb anyone downstairs with their running around and other loud noises. You could potentially argue this point with a landlord of a no-pet building. If it’s in your budget, you could even find a unit with private outdoor space!
Ready for a Dog-Friendly Apartment?
In the market to rent now? Consider the following dog-friendly apartments throughout New York City. This active feed showcases available units, but you may need to refine your search criteria for your desired location, room size, price point, and additional amenities. Over 10,000 apartments allow dogs as of February 2025.
Pet Insurance
You may already have a pet insurance policy for your pet’s health, but some renter’s insurance policies provide add-ons for pets. Depending on your renter’s insurance provider, your existing policy may already include coverage for some cats and dogs. However, it’s important to check the policy and ensure your pet receives coverage. Renters can purchase coverage through a third-party provider if necessary.
Conclusion
Wondering how you’re going to find a “dog-friendly apartment near me?” Don’t worry; there are plenty of options for New York City renters. Consider beginning your search at least a month in advance to leave yourself time to find an applicable unit. Gather information about your dog to provide a landlord if they ask, and adhere to any rules in the apartment. It’s also a wise idea to purchase a pet insurance policy in addition to renter’s insurance. You and your dog will have a great time in your new spot!
