2024 Pets and Housing Awards

Congrats to all the nominees and winners! 

The growing number of pets and the increasingly important role they play in the lives of families and individuals present a new world of opportunities for the multifamily industry. Many operators have already recognized this and are leading the way by making their rental communities more pet-inclusive, setting an example for others to follow. To recognize these efforts, the Michelson Found Animals Foundation was proud to host the third annual Pets and Housing Awards. 

Thank you to everyone who participated in the 2024 Pets & Housing Awards. Together, we’re making a world where pets and families can truly have it all!

Watch the full show below!

 

A big round of applause to this years winners!

*NEW* THIS YEAR! Best Leap Forward

Your property or company may have eased or lifted your pet restrictions in the past year, or have begun to implement a plan for becoming more pet-inclusive. We’d love to hear about the ‘why’ behind this decision as well as the goals, and the process for managing more pets on-site. Be sure to tell us about your specific pet policies, including any pet fees; what resources have been devoted/planned for pet amenities and spaces; how you help all residents feel comfortable with the pet population; and any data or goals you can share on marketing lift, enhanced resident retention and sense of community.

Winner: <10,000 units: Rainier Properties

Winner: 10,000+ units: Sequoia Equities

*NEW* THIS YEAR! Most Pet-Inclusive Property

For the first time, we’ll be using the Pet-Inclusive Score to recognize the Most Pet-Inclusive Property! The PI score determines finalists for this award category.

Winner: Lilac Pointe, MGMT Residential 

*NEW* THIS YEAR! The Vanguard Award

Are you a company that has been leading the charge to open up access to rental housing for people with pets? Is pet-inclusive housing old hat for your company? If so, this award may be calling you! The Vanguard Award is intended to recognize sustained excellence in the area of pet-inclusive rental housing. Be sure to tell us about your journey toward pet-inclusivity, including when you began, what you have learned, and what is next.

Winner: The Management Group

Most Creative Pet-Centered Event

It’s time to brag about your unique pet event that created participation and engagement among your pet residents and their owners. How many residents/pets attended? How did you market the event to residents? Did you utilize and partner with pet companies? Bonus points if you also engaged your non-pet-owning residents for the event!

Winner: Sequoia Equities

Most Impactful Adoption or Foster Event or Program

Tell us about your on-site or community/company-sponsored adoption program or event that assisted local shelter(s) in finding furever homes among your residents. Spill all the details about attendance and pets adopted. Did you offer any financial support to residents (like lower pet fees) or shelters (contributions)?

Winner: Dane Park Communities

Most Innovative Pet Amenity or Amenity Group

Have a cool new pet amenity (or group of amenities) that has your residents buzzing? Tell us all about it and how the ideas came about. What do your residents say about it? Has it impacted resident satisfaction, retention, and/or the ability to attract new residents?

Winner: Dane Park Communities

Most Innovative Pet Marketing Campaign

Has your company or property embraced pets as a key strategy to attract and keep residents? Tell us about how pet marketing is part of your overall marketing strategy. What are your key messages? Have you been able to impact traffic, revenue, profitability, occupancy, and retention?

Winner: Sequoia Equities

Outstanding Pet Citizen

We have the stories in multifamily! Tell us about a time that a pet resident made a difference in your community, did something really remarkable, or simply added joy or calm with their presence.

Winner: The Management Group

Merit Recognitions

These dedicated animal welfare organizations are leading the charge in advocating for pet-inclusive housing, ensuring families can stay together and pets can thrive.

Oklahoma Humane Society & Urban Resource Institute