Pet Owners and Non-Pet Owners Agree: Pets Are Part of The Community

It’s official: We can all coexist — at least when it comes to pet owners and non-pet owners.

Many property managers assume that non-pet-owning residents are uncomfortable with pets and believe a community’s pet policies solely cater to the pet-owning demographic. But just because an individual is not a pet owner doesn’t mean they are not a pet lover. Or, at the very least, accepting of pets in their communities.

The recently unveiled Multifamily Pet Policies and Amenities survey, conducted by PetScreening and J Turner Research and featuring the feedback of nearly 23,000 apartment residents, found that non-pet-owning residents are reasonably agreeable with a community’s pet population.

When non-pet-owning residents were asked on a scale from 0 to 10 how they feel about having pets in the apartment community — with 0 being “don’t like them” and 10 being “very comfortable” — the overall response averaged a 6.3 comfortability level, with the highest level of 7.39 coming from student-housing residents. Those ratings have the potential to rise if property managers, while clamoring to offer the best possible pet-friendly experience, increase their efforts to ensure non-pet owners are just as comfortable. 

Respondents, when asked to rate their concerns in order of importance, named barking, off-leash pets and pet waste as the top three. These concerns can be eased with revised policies that remain pet-friendly. Without limiting the pet population or implementing excessive pet policies, here are a few suggestions to help alleviate those concerns.

How to Handle Top Concerns of Non-Pet Owners

Barking

Noise violation policies are likely already included in your lease agreement but making it part of your pet policy ensures residents are aware of the rule and the possible repercussions if violated. Considering noise violations are oftentimes most frequent when residents are not home, offer residents resources for local dog-walking outlets or other pet services that can make day visits or provide daycare.

Off-Leash Pets

It is a common sight, but to many residents seeing a dog off its leash can be anxiety-inducing. Some perceive it as a safety issue, while others find it frustrating that others think they’re exempt from rules. Adding pet spaces and amenities designated for off-leash activities can help alleviate many of these concerns. For communities lacking onsite space, property teams can offer materials referencing the nearest pet parks and other pet-related sanctuaries.

Pet Waste

Nobody likes taking a walk and ending up sole-deep in waste. Simply put, pet waste is bothersome and creates a health concern. Installing and properly stocking waste stations throughout the community is one solution to help curb pet waste. A more advanced solution is to adopt a doggie DNA service, such as Poo Prints. These services can trace the pet waste to the offending party.

While property managers are making a concerted effort to become as pet-friendly as possible, it should not be at the expense of non-pet owners. Smart pet policies can cater to both demographics and foster harmony among residents while increasing potential revenue. That is a win-win, or for pet lovers, a woof-woof.

About PetScreening™

PetScreening™ helps housing providers manage residents’ pets and assistance animals digitally while generating opportunities for pet-related revenue. The virtual screening platform standardizes risk assessment for household pets by providing a digital Pet Profile and FIDO Score for each pet screened. PetScreening™ streamlines the assistance animal accommodation request review process while following HUD guidelines, and it helps limit unauthorized pets.

This article was contributed by PetScreening, a Rent Manager integration, and originally appeared on their blog.