What Are the Challenges of Increased Pet Ownership?

Today, allowing and accommodating pets is nearly a mandate for renters. Developers and owners are incorporating pet-friendly amenities, like dog parks and pet spas, to meet demand from renters, but the increase in pet ownership has also put more pressure on property managers and operators. To effectively mange the increase in pets—and in particular, dogs—managers are implementing pet policies that both allow for a broad range of breeds and offset increased costs.

“We are seeing a lot more pets and predominately dogs in our communities, and it takes a little more effort on our part to make sure that our expectations are clear,” Debbie Willis, president and designated broker of property services at PB Bell, tells GlobeSt.com. “That is everything from clear and well-defined pet addendums that are reviewed with pet owners when they move in. In the amenity areas, like dog parks and dog salons, we have clear policies posted so that owners understand the expectations. It is manageable and it is something that we want to do. We are just clear about our expectations.”

In addition to amenities, properties are also giving move-pet gifts and planning pet-owner events. At PB Bell, the move-in pet gift includes a goodie bag with toys, treats and an inflatable water bowl. These amenities and services are common throughout the Phoenix market, where pet ownership is common. Willis didn’t say if accommodating pet owners helped to boost occupancy, but she did say it would be unusual in the market. “In the Phoenix market, there are very few communities that don’t accept pets,” she says. “It is pretty commonplace that every community accepts them, but they might have different guidelines.”

While it is necessary to accommodate pet owners to stay competitive, pets can also be destructive and taxing on a property. However, Willis says these are minor issues that are offset by pet fees and deposits. “Pets can be destructive, but we charge non-refundable fees, refundable fees and pet rents,” she ways. “People are willing to pay those fees and deposits, and we feel that offsets any cost that we incur.”

While accommodating more pets does come with some challenges, most owners are responsible and abide by the policies and guidelines. “Most people are responsible pet owners. Pets have become a part of our society,” says Willis. “People respect the property and the amenities where there are other people. I have seen that evolve during my time in this industry. Pets are true companions, and I think that respect has elevated pet ownership.”

Because owners have such a bon with their pets, Willis doesn’t expect the rise in pet ownership to wane anytime soon, and she says that management companies should establish pet policies to accommodate this need. “I believe that our culture has lost some of its human connection, and I think that dogs fill that void,” she says. “It has become an important trend in Phoenix.”