Let technology do its work and have happy residents, less pet damage, plenty of renewals and profitability. Earlier this month, Apartmentalize highlighted the latest technology property owners and companies are embracing for their pet residents. Let’s explore these opportunities for innovation. Paws and Effect. Many property management companies are using the latest technology for their furry residents and seeing immense success. Starting with pet DNA testing, management can use these tests and know which poop is coming from which dog. With this knowledge, management can decide whether to issue warnings to pet owners or give them an extra monthly fee. This eliminates all un scooped pet waste around the property, ultimately leading to happier residents. Pet screening has also been implemented in some properties, giving prospective residents a quick survey that will track vaccination records and behavioral affidavits. Those who score a lower score must pay a high pet rent. Those with a high score can have zero to minimal pet rent. This allows property managers and owners to set high standards, eliminating the need for breed restrictions and allowing for more pet inclusivity. Those who offer no pet rent with high screening scores will be happy and likely renew their lease contracts. Plus, word-of-mouth marketing from grateful tenants will be significant. Another way to waive fees or pet rent is if those looking to be pet owners adopt a rescue dog or cat. Host a pet adoption day at the property. Those who adopt that day can get a discount or waived fees and rent. This not only helps the community for those pets in need but also shows that management cares and wants to see residents happy while living at the property, which will lead to retention and profitability. Oppawtunities to innovate....

The future is furry. According to the American Pet Products Association (APPA), 65 percent of Americans have pets. The number of households with pets is growing. Since 2014, the number of people who own pets has increased by 3 percent. Many of these households include your prospects and renters. Another major housing trends report from 2018 reveals that 46 percent of renters live with pets. Multifamily properties that adequately market their pet policies and services can thrive in this environment. What Renters Want About 47 percent of renters list allowing pets as a requirement for their next rental, reports the 2020 NMHC and Kingsley Apartment Resident Preferences Survey. Simply permitting pets isn’t enough. Nearly 45 percent of respondents expressed interest in on-site pet services. Pet services make caring for an animal in an apartment setting more convenient. In the absence of a personal yard, more than 50 percent of renters expressed interest in a dog park and 44 percent desired a pet-washing station. Those are just a few services that pique renters’ interest in the NMHC report. Other options include dog walking, pet-friendly community events, and animal health and safety activities. When properties offer value-add services for pets, pet owners report a greater sense of satisfaction with the community. That satisfaction can translate directly into conversions and lease renewals. Marketing that Gets Results Establishing your pet policy and an engaging selection of in-demand pet services are the first steps towards success. The next step makes sure that your hard work draws the cash flow that it deserves. Without advanced online marketing, prospects who would value your pet-friendly efforts may not find you. It’s important to intercept prospects at multiple points during their housing search. By reaching prospects are various touchpoints around the web, you can...

Some days, you make look at your property lawn and wonder if it’s worth it to permit pets. Operating a pet-friendly community comes with its challenges. Your pet policy and unique services, however, are profitable differentiators when you’re amongst the nation’s most fur-friendly cities. RentCafe.com recently released its list of the 50 Best Cities for Renting with Pets. To create the list, the ILS analyzed pet-friendly rental listings across the nation. Analysts then factored in monthly pet rent, deposits, additional charges and amenities to determine the most pet-friendly cities for renters. When your city appears on the list, there are distinct benefits that can work in your favor. There are also challenges that, when overcome, give you and your properties even greater opportunities to shine. The Benefits While this list was published with renters in mind, property managers and owners can benefit from it as well. Pet-friendly apartments are in high demand: almost 70 percent of U.S. households own a pet, reports the 2017-2018 National Pet Owners Survey. Of those households, the American Veterinary Association estimates that 50 percent of renters have pets. Of the renters without pets, 35 percent said that they would have pets if allowed by landlords. By offering pet-friendly rentals, you can reach prospects with pets as well as those who want to have pets. That’s more than 80 percent of renters! You then have a healthy pool from which you can identify quality, low-risk renters with resident screening. The Challenges (+ the Work Arounds) If your city is on the list, it’s an indicator that you’ve got a lot of competition. You are in a city where plenty of multifamily communities accept pets. To stand out, you’ve got to outshine the competition. Draw in prospects with your carefully curated amenities. These pet-friendly, value-add services...

Much ink has been spilled on the topic of Millennials and their influence on the modern workplace. This tech-savvy generation is willing to change tracks towards a more satisfying career path, and able to ride the rough waves of the gig economy. Millennials’ demand for a lively urban life is driving the revival of downtowns across the nation, and the development and expansion of a new office design plan: the coworking office. To go with this new office concept, employers are further trying to entice workers with a series of office perks that address the preferences and values of this generation. Office listings platform COMMERCIALCafé looked at one of the most recent additions to the growing range of work benefits―the option of bringing your pet to work―and compiled a list of the 50+ most pet-friendly coworking hubs in the U.S. Peruse the list below and read on for more details about the pros and cons of bringing pets to the office. The list is by no means comprehensive and remains open to suggestions. Among the venues that caught our attention is the whimsically named CO+HOOTS in Phoenix―recently acclaimed one of the most innovative coworking spaces in the U.S.―which invites visitors to meet the office dogs. Strongbox West in Atlanta―the city’s oldest coworking space―is not only a self-declared dog-friendly office, but a veritable ‘doggy daycare operation.’ The Box Jelly in Honolulu holds different events for owners and their pets, and they don’t shy away from welcoming unconventional companions. If you’re considering adopting a pet-friendly policy in your office, it’s good to weigh both pros and cons. There are several benefits of spending your workday with your beloved furry friend. For one, you can stop worrying about its safety and hurrying out the door as soon...

Welcoming pets onto your property was your first step in the right direction. Nearly 70 percent of U.S. households own a pet, reports the 2017-2018 National Pet Owners Survey. Pet-friendly apartments appeal to a broader spectrum of households. But don’t stop there! Several properties in your area are also pet friendly. What makes you different?  Outshine Your Competitors  The pet-centric, value-add services below can help you stand out in prospects’ minds. For your existing residents, the services encourage compliance with property regulations. When residents develop a relationship with the property staff and other pet owners, it improves the likelihood that the resident will care about the pet community at the property. 4 Fun Value-Add Ideas The best value-add ideas are beneficial for your property and its residents.  Small investments in communal spaces go a long way towards a tidy property and happy pet owners. Include pet waste disposal bags and trash can stations throughout your property’s walking trails and dog park. Water bowls and treats at the dog park also make a nice addition. Local discount programs are a terrific way to showcase the conveniences of your neighborhood. Simultaneously, you’re offering incentives to prospects and residents. Negotiate discounts or loyalty rewards opportunities with nearby veterinarians, groomers, pet sitters and walkers. Promote pet daycare services like Wag, Rover, and local boarding businesses. When pets are given supervised breaks to play and potty, they’re less likely to damage the unit they live in. Promoting daycare services is free for you and cuts costs for your property. Make your pet community a selling point by using RentCafe SMS messaging, email, blog, and social media. This is a great way to market your pet-focused events such as adoption events, walking groups, pet hack workshops, volunteer opportunities, and more. What...

Several recent studies reveal a strong correlation between pet and human health. By increasing the pet-friendliness of your site, you can boost park attendance and take proactive measures towards community wellness. A report by the American Veterinary Medical Association states that nearly 53 percent of dogs and 58 percent of cats are considered overweight or obese. Poor diets are one culprit. Processed pet foods are rich with grains, byproducts, preservatives, and even components of antifreeze. But perhaps the largest contributor to poor pet health is inactivity. Pets have adapted to the predominately indoor, sedentary lifestyles of their owners. Almost 70 percent of American adults are diagnosed as overweight or obese. Unhealthy eating habits and inconsistent physical activity are the leading factors. It may be possible to improve the health of pets and parents through the park system. The Journal of Physical Activity and Health reports that dog owners are more likely to achieve physical activity goals than people without dogs. Robert Taylor is a graduate student at Georgia Tech and a yoga teacher.  Taylor has studied yoga for years and has always been mindful of his health. Yet once Laska—an adorable and playful field spaniel—came into his life nearly a year ago, his activity levels increased. There are several occasions where Taylor would skip cardiovascular activity if it weren’t for Laska.  She motivates such healthy habits. “For her happiness and health, it is important for her to get moving some everyday at the very least. As a dog owner, I feel it is my responsibility to make sure her needs are met. She depends on me for so much that I feel it is unfair and wrong of me not to meet these needs. So, I am much more inclined to drag myself outside...

The American Pet Products Association estimates that approximately 60 percent of all Americans own at least one pet, with nearly 80 million dogs and 96 million cats as part of that lofty figure. “That’s a significant amount of prospective renters,” said Gina Bertagnolli Slater, regional property manager for Pinnacle, Las Vegas. “For our pet owners their furry friends are family. Our ability to provide an extraordinary experience for the entire family is paramount in fulfilling our mission of consistently exceeding our customers’ expectations—and that includes their pets.” The rental housing market adapted to the fact that people consider their pets as family members, and property owners are focusing more and more each year on pet-friendly amenities and services to attract and retain residents with pets. It’s a view shared by many in the multifamily business today, with developers doing all they can to attract people (especially Millennials) with pets, and companies adding a host of pet-friendly services and amenities to their communities. Features like pet parks, pet spas, pet concierge services, and even pet welcome gifts are becoming more common for people moving into apartments. Plus, with the number of Millennials moving into urban cores where there are fewer opportunities to care for a pet, it makes it even more vital to cater to the pet lover. “In most growing and developed urban markets around the United States, pets, specifically dogs, are the children of condominium and multifamily building residents,” said Scott Leventhal, president & CEO of The Trillist Companies. “Failing to cater to the needs of the full extension of someone’s family provides a shortfall in services. That is why we see the importance to provide those services to our residents.” That’s why the Trillist Companies installed Pet Respite into its buildings, which provides pet grooming...

It’s been said that the way to a man’s heart is through is stomach. And, apparently, the way to a renter’s heart is through his or her dog. Not only are more and more buildings pet-friendly nowadays, but some property managers are adding amenities specifically catering to man’s best friend. Communities are banking on pet-focused amenity offerings, such as dog parks and pet grooming areas, that promote their facilities as home sweet home for pets and humans alike. For example, Rockrose, which manages residential buildings in New York, offers The Spot Experience, which is a third-party dog amenity provider. This service includes dog walking, cage-free daycare, overnight boarding, training and non-surgical vet services, such as nutritional plans and vaccinations, at their buildings. Spa treatments for dogs are also offered, which could even include facials. (It’s a ruff life for dogs nowadays.) Other property management firms such as Rose Associates, Argo and Millennium Partners, are also getting in on the act and offering the Spot Experience. Yardi client Stonehenge has created resident events programming specifically focused around pets, including a fashion show for dogs with a runway and judges and a holiday-themed event where residents could have their dogs’ pictures taken with Santa Claus. Of course, membership to the Spot Experience doesn’t run cheap—about $200 a year, or $25 a day for members or $50 for nonmembers—but that isn’t stopping residents from participating. The expense is worth it for the renters. And it is definitely worth it for the property managers. Are you offering a unique pet-friendly amenity at your community? Tell us about it! Jessica Fiur is News Editor at Multi-Housing News. Find more of her insights on multifamily living on the “What Renters Want”...