Multifamily housing property management can help provide education and support to pet parents. By following these pet parenting tips, you can help set your residents and their furry friends up for success, creating a positive and harmonious community for all.
By Judy Bellack, Industry Principal, The Pet-Inclusive Housing Initiative
Pet Parents are Increasing
Consider this: 70% of U.S. households now have a pet, which is nearly 91 million homes. That’s a steady increase from 56% in 1988 and 67% as recently as 2019. The most popular companion animals are dogs (69 million households) and cats (45.3 million households).
That’s a lot of pets! Not only does that translate to more pets than ever in rental housing – it means increased opportunity for issues to arise. Fortunately, most potential issues may be avoided with a little education and support.
Pet Parenting Tips for Rental Residents
It’s important that your community’s pet parents provide the best possible care for their four-legged family members. Happy, healthy pets are good neighbors; and well-informed owners are great neighbors.
Here are some great pet parenting tips for property managers to share with residents, setting them — and their pets — up for success!
Create a home within the home
A comfy bed, a kennel, a quiet room, a cat house, a blanket on the couch . . . these give your pet a special place to feel comfortable and safe. This is especially important during those times you’ll be away from home.
Socialize & Leash
Every pet needs to interact with other pets and people, and this is especially important within the dense population of an apartment community. Helping your pet get to know your neighbors allows them to practice important training skills and learn desired behaviors. Be sure to keep pets walking the property leashed, which helps you control and avoid potential unwanted attention.
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Pick it up
Poop is part of pethood. When nature calls, make sure you immediately clean up after your pet and properly dispose of the waste.
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Exercise
Giving your pet enough exercise and mental stimulation is key to helping them release energy. Without it, pets might develop negative behavioral issues such as incessant barking while alone. Your pet will be happier and healthier, and your neighbors will appreciate it too.
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Tag
An ID tag on your pet’s collar is the quickest method of return-to-home for your pet. Ensure your pet is always wearing an up-to-date tag. Also consider microchipping your pet for added peace of mind, and keep their chip registration current.
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Train
Teaching your pet basic commands not only helps you build a pet-positive community; understanding simple cues like “sit,” “stay” and “leave it” can help save their life in an emergency. And everyone appreciates good manners.
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Communicate
If you have a special issue with your pet, please communicate with your property management team. We are here to help you and your pet have a great experience living in our community and will assist in any way that we are able.
Want to download this customizable infographic template containing the above tips for distribution to your residents? Just click here.
