The rent race is real. And not just for tenants! In 2022, multi-family developers and property owners must keep up with the ever-changing demands of amenities from prospective residents.
Clubhouse? Check.
Business center? Done.
Pool. Got that.
Fitness center? You bet.
But what about pet-friendly amenities like a dog park or pet spa? If you want to appeal to the tenant of the future, it’s time to step up your game and add the amenities your prospective renters want to see.
According to the 2021 Pet-Inclusive Housing Report, 93 percent of rental housing operators agree that pets are an important part of the family, yet 72 percent of renters say it’s hard to find pet-friendly housing.
Those numbers don’t add up. By taking action and improving the pet-friendliness of your property, you can attract new renters, and may keep existing tenants longer. In fact, according to the report by the Human Animal Bond Research Institute (HABRI), residents in pet-friendly housing communities stay an average of 21 percent longer!
“Making positive changes to pet policies creates a unique opportunity for rental housing operators who will become attractive to a wider pool of potential residents.” – HABRI
Here are a few ways multifamily architects, builders and property owners can cater to pet owners.
Dedicated recreational space. Without a yard of their own, pets need a space to play. If you have plenty of green space, create a dedicated dog park, where dogs can run and play off-leash. A pet-friendly rooftop lounge is a great option for communities in urban areas.
Concierge services. Pet owners are looking for communities that will treat their pets like true residents. Pet spas, self-grooming stations and pet fitness options have become popular amenities in recent years.
Pet-focused activities. Include your pets in social events and activities planned for residents. Consider hosting a regular “Yappy Hour” where residents and their pets can mix and mingle! Spotlight a “Pet of the Week” on social media and in your resident services building.
Evolution Dog Wash makes it easy for multifamily operators and developers to incorporate an Evolution Dog Wash into their projects. In fact, we have CAD designs available for architects, construction managers and engineers! To learn more about this option, contact us today.
