Zillow Data Shows That Pet-Friendly Rentals Are in High Demand
More than half of renters in the U.S. now own a pet, and they’re shaping the rental market in a big way. Zillow analyzed over 11 million listings and found that pet-friendly homes rent an average of eight days faster than those that don’t allow animals. In New York City, the gap was even larger, with pet-friendly rentals filling 26 days faster. For landlords, such a difference can make or break their vacancy rates.
Renters today look different from how they did a generation ago. Many stay in apartments longer, put off starting families, and bring pets into their homes. Close to 60% of renters now own a pet, a rise from under 50% just a few years earlier. For a large share of renters, that detail drives the search itself—about half say they won’t even consider a place if animals aren’t allowed.
More Attention, Faster Leases
Image via iStockphoto/Lautaro Federico
Pet-friendly listings don’t just move quicker; they also draw more eyes online. Zillow found that properties allowing pets received 9% more views, 12% more saves, and 11% more shares than non-pet-friendly units. This kind of engagement gives landlords a clear edge in attracting potential tenants.
The extra attention matters even more after the recent construction boom, which left renters with plenty of options. With so many units to choose from, small details like pet policies become big selling points. Some new apartment buildings are going beyond basic allowances by adding pet parks, dog runs, and even grooming spaces. These touches can help landlords stand out in crowded markets.
Where Pet-Friendly Rentals Are Common
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Texas leads the charge for pet-friendly rentals. Austin topped the list with 80% of listings allowing pets, followed closely by Dallas at 79% and San Antonio at 78%. Houston, however, sat at just 38%, with Providence, Hartford, and San Jose also near the bottom, each in the low 40s.
The rental speed advantage is evident across many metropolitan areas. In addition to New York’s 26-day lead, Tampa saw pet-friendly units fill 16 days faster, Columbus 12 days, Phoenix 11 days, Cincinnati 10 days, and Austin 10 days. For landlords, the takeaway is simple: permitting pets accelerates the leasing timeline.
A Shift in Renter Priorities
Pets now play a central role in housing choices. For many renters, policies on animals shape not only where they live but how long they stay. Some even plan vacations around pet care, underscoring how seriously they take these commitments.
Landlords who respond to this shift gain more than faster leases — they also build stronger relationships with tenants who are likely to stay longer and treat the property as a true home.