The Rise of Dog Parks in Apartment and Condo Communities
More Americans are shifting towards urban living and renting rather than owning homes. In response, multifamily residential communities are adapting to meet the needs of their pet-owning residents. One major amenity that has seen a surge in popularity in recent years is the dog park.
Dog parks provide a convenient way for apartment and condo dwellers to give their canine companions space to run, play, and socialize safely off-leash. These designated enclosed areas, typically are equipped with pet waste stations, water sources, and sometimes even dog agility equipment. This allows dogs to get exercise while enabling owners to meet fellow pet parents in the community.
“We’ve absolutely seen a increasing demand for dog parks from our residents, especially among younger urban renters,” said Jessica Martin, a property manager at Avalon Communities. “Providing this amenity is really a must for attracting pet-owning tenants these days.”
According to data from the National Multifamily Housing Council, around 70% of multifamily rental communities now have some form of pet amenities like dog parks. This is up from only around 30% a decade ago. The rise parallels the growing pet ownership rates in the U.S., especially among millennials and urban renters.
Dog parks can foster a sense of community and engagement at apartment and condo complexes. “The dog park has really become a hub of social activity,” noted Mark Thompson, who lives at a pet-friendly complex in Denver. “It’s a great way for residents to meet their neighbors in a relaxed setting.”
Dog ownership shows no signs of slowing down. Because of this, dog park amenity is likely to become even more widespread at multifamily communities seeking to attract and retain tenants. Property managers see it as a valuable investment to differentiate their properties. They also cater to the needs of modern urban renters and their four-legged roommates.
