According to a recent survey, 51% of prospective residents today are looking for pet-friendly communities. Over 66 million American households own at least one dog, and when you include other popular pets into the mix, that number gets exponentially higher. How can community management teams tap into this large market? By offering pet-friendly communities and the pet-friendly amenities to match. A few important pet-friendly amenities that really attract prospective residents in 2024 are:

  • Dog parks or runs -- One issue that many pet owners face when moving into a new community with their furry best friend is a lack of space for exercise. Even smaller dogs require regular exercise, and taking walks multiple times per day on concrete surfaces doesn't always cut it. Having a dog park or dog runs within your community, where pet owners can spend some quality time with their dogs running off a bit of energy, can set you apart in a huge way.
  • Pet-friendly amenity spaces -- It's understandable to keep some areas of the community off-limits to pets, like a clubhouse or pool area, but having a few amenities that welcome them can be a big incentive for pet-loving prospects. An outdoor BBQ space or community courtyard where residents can go to relax with their pet is an inviting prospect.
  • Offer waste bags -- It's common to see waste bags offered at public parks all around the country, usually set into poles with signage to let pet owners know where they can find those "baggies" in a pinch. These are just as easy to install around your community. If you're offering a pet-friendly neighborhood, and you want to keep that neighborhood clean, they're a benefit to you as well.
  • Link up with local pet services -- Networking with local businesses is a great way to build meaningful partnerships between your community and others. For pet-friendly communities, linking up with local pet services to market mutually can be beneficial to you, to these local businesses, and to your residents. Partnerships with local veterinarians, dog walkers, pet boutiques, groomers, and more help to really drive home your pet-friendly message.

At OccupancySolutions.com we want to help community management teams to reach the largest possible pools of prospective residents. To learn more about offering a welcoming and unique pet-friendly community to your prospects, contact us today.