Are you allowed dogs in apartments? A Step-by-Step Guide

Your Pet’s Good Behavior is Key

Are you allowed dogs in apartments?

Helping a doggy mind its manners begins with the owner.

This means it is your responsibility go the extra mile and pay for those puppy training courses because, lets face it, at the end of the day its harder to make it as a dog in New York City too.

Most overwhelmingly, the noise and light pollution proves itself to be a bigger deal for these sensitive creatures.

This is why potty training your pup will save a lot of time and hassle.

Just make sure that you will have time throughout your work day to allow your buddy to relieve him/herself and, if not, have the finances to hire a dog walker.

Being a dog-walker in NYC is actually is a full-time job for many students, artists, and work-from-homers!

For a one-up against your renting counterparts, supply the prospective landlord of the building with a photo that shows the dog’s calm behavior and that is has been socialized.

A reference letter from a past neighbor or landlord vouching for the dogs behavior with no nuisances, damages to the apartment, or issues whatsoever would be helpful.

Be prepared to pay extra in security deposit and rent.

The risk for the landlord to make an exception for your pet is only worth it if there is additional renters insurance or higher rent to cover the potential damage that may ensue.

See the best renters insurance companies in New York.

So you think you can just go adopt a pet in NYC without giving it extra (more than normal) thought? Now, let’s not be selfish!Make sure you can truthfully answer yes to all of these questions:

  • Can your wallet handle it? Will you be able to comfortably pay for pet food, grooming, vet visits, obedience courses and extra fees related to renting?
  • Dogs need exercise! Will you have time and energy for at least 3 daily walks?
  • Can you be your pup’s BFF? Can you give your canine pal plenty of TLC every single day?
  • Does your apartment have the space for your new family member? If so, choose your breed accordingly. Theres a reason 4 out of 5 most common NYC breeds are small dogs.
  • Thankfully, some luxury buildings will be more than happy to assist you with your day-to-day doggie chores if you find yourself busier than expected.

    Are you allowed dogs in apartments?

    Some pet-friendly luxury buildings have gone to great lengths to attract qualified pet owners.

    Several take it to the next level with amenities that include in-house dog-walking, ‘daycare’ services, doggie spas and grooming stations, just to name a few.

    For example, if you want to spoil your furry buddy, the AVA DoBro in Downtown Brooklyn takes it two steps further by offering a pet program called WAG which hosts annual social events like doggie pool parties, yappy hours, and pet CPR classes.

    The program, also partnered with nearby VCA animal hospitals to supply residents with discounted vet visits and supplies.

    One awesome perk of owning a pet in NYC is the convenient access to resources.

    This city knows how much people love their pets so making a business out of it seemed pretty significant.

    Here are just a few of the most popular pet services:

    NYC Dog Walkers: Trusted service that offers private walks, semi-private walks, puppy walks and visits.

    Manhattan Pet Service: Offers dog walkers, pet sitting and pet training

    Brooklyn Bark: Offers dog walks, pet sitting, sleepovers and baby watching

    Wag!: Popular dog walking and dog sitting app that offers live GPS tracking to see the dog being walked and know whether it took care of its business (some consider this excessive).

    Rover: Dog site providing services for walking, boarding, house sitting, and doggy day care. Owners have the option of boarding their dogs with other dog owners and also volunteer their dog sitting services.

    When moving to a new area in NYC as a pet owner it is very important to consider factors which you may not have considered without a pet like nearby veterinary clinics, pet stores, walking areas and parks.

    Here are the top 3 pet-friendly areas to live in with your pooch:

  • The Upper East Side seems to have it all for pet-owners including pet-friendly parks (with Central Park being the money maker), pet-friendly buildings and more pet stores than you’d think imaginable.
  • The Upper West Side offers sufficient ample space for your pet to explore not only the apartment but the area as well! In addition to Central Park, the UWS offers residents Riverside Park on the west side, which has plenty of fun dog runs for you AND your pet!
  • The Financial District is beginning to offer more of more pet-friendly options in its luxury rentals and new condos. This area takes the bone when it comes to pet-friendly luxury buildings. Private dog park? In-house pet sitting and dog walking? Done and done!
  • Animal-loving-buyers have plenty of green space for their furry companions including Tribeca Dog Park or Battery Park City’s Kowsky Dog Plaza.

    By far, the absolute best part of the dog walks is taking in the amazing views of the Hudson River and New Jersey skyline while walking the Hudson River Park and Rockefeller Park.

    Check out surrounding dog parks and chat with other owners about where they found their pet-friendly apartments.

    Sometimes, word of mouth is the best way to find the most hidden gems. Who knows, you may even get lucky and snag a no-fee apartment!

    Read more: The Best Places to Live in New York with a Dog

    What Are Pet Policies?

    Pet policies are provisions within a lease that dictate the rules around pets for tenants. These policies protect both landlord and tenant by clearly stating expectations around pet ownership within the unit—for example, what kind of pet is or isn’t allowed and whether or not there is an additional deposit or monthly fee.

    Pet or not, it’s crucial that you read your lease carefully. A lease is a legally binding contract, and once you sign it, you must uphold the guidelines within it. If you don’t have a pet yet but are considering adopting one in the future, you should still be reading through the pet policy to learn whether pets are allowed and what your landlord will expect from you. The more clear you are on the policy of your rental, the less chance you’ll have of running into trouble later on.

    If your lease doesn’t have a designated pet policy and you either have a pet or intend to adopt a pet, ask your landlord before signing. A lack of pet policy isn’t the same as getting a direct go-ahead. And if your landlord does say that pets are okay, it’s a good idea to amend the lease with that statement to cover your bases.

    Are there three-bedroom pet-friendly apartments available in New York, NY?

    New York, NY has 386 pet-friendly three-bedroom apartments for rent.

    Should pets be allowed in apartments? | Your Domain