How to Find a Pet-Friendly Apartment

Does the new addition to your family have four legs and a fluffy tail? If so, you’re in good company. Pet adoption rates have skyrocketed across the country in the past few months as people spend more time at home. 

Owning a pet in the city, especially if you are renting, can come with its own set of challenges. To help ease that process, we’ve put together a guide to finding the right apartment for you and your new furry friend in Greater Boston. 

Find a Welcoming Apartment 

Unfortunately, not all apartments are pet-friendly. Dogs, in particular, are often not allowed at some apartment buildings. When conducting your search for a new place, there are some steps you’ll need to take to make sure you can keep your pet at home. You’ll want to start by filtering your search to only pet-friendly apartments. 

Keep in mind that while some apartments allow animals, they may come with an extra monthly fee or security deposit. Be sure to consider that when budgeting for your next apartment. When touring the space, ask your agent if there are restrictions on what types of pets are allowed. Some units restrict animals by weight or breed, so have that information on hand to ensure you’re in the clear. 

It could be helpful to put together a “pet resume” when applying for a new apartment. You’ll want to include information about your pet’s breed, weight, and vaccination history. If you’ve lived in another apartment with this pet before, a recommendation from your past landlord could go a long way. 

Head to the Dog Park 

Just because you’re in the city doesn’t mean your dog has to live inside all day. Boston and Cambridge have some great dog parks in every neighborhood. When you’re looking for a new place to live, be sure to see if there are nearby dog parks, particularly if the apartment doesn’t have any private outdoor space. Even if you have a backyard, it’s always nice to take your dog somewhere where they will have even more space to run around. 

Some of our favorites include Danehy Park in Cambridge; its 50 acres should be more than enough to tire out your pup. South Boston Bark Park is another great enclosed park where you can take your dog to socialize and play on some of the obstacles. Plus, it’s right across the street from M Street Beach where you can go for a swim afterward. You may also want to check out Peters Park in the South End. Home to a dog park and a playground, Peters Park offers a wide array of recreation right in the heart of one of Boston’s most bustling neighborhoods. 

Finding the perfect place for you and your pet doesn’t have to be a challenge. One of our experienced Senné Associates can help you start your search for a dog-friendly apartment today. Give us a call at 617.314.9400 to get started.