In the Doghouse

Pet-friendly amenities

By Jessica Fiur on May 29, 2013 in News

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” blog.