Pet Item Storage: An Oft-Overlooked Multifamily Amenity

These days, adults moving into apartments are rarely alone. They might come with a partner or children, and many might also bring a four-legged feline or canine companion into their living space.

Multifamily owner-operators are increasingly welcoming renters’ pets into their communities. “Owners and operators have become attuned to renters’ desires to pamper their pets, offering amenities like dog-washing stations, grooming areas, and enclosed dog parks,” Lindsay Steiner, co-founder of Bradyl Storage Solutions, told Connect CRE.

Pet owners need space to store their animals’ larger accoutrements, but such options are not always available. “To truly meet the needs of pet-friendly renters, it’s time to think beyond the unit and expand storage options for all their gear,” Steiner said.

Pet Owners Who Rent: The Driving Fundamentals

Steiner explained that many dogs and cats were adopted during the pandemic and have since become part of the family. A recent Forbes study goes further, reporting that 66% of U.S. households—86.9 million homes—own a pet.

And many of those households are renters for many reasons, including ongoing higher mortgage rates, continual home price hikes, and falling for-sale inventory. Younger adults, especially, remain renters for longer as they whittle down student debt and save up for home downpayments.

“As younger generations continue to delay homeownership, pet ownership in multifamily buildings will likely continue to grow,” Steiner said.

Storing all the Stuff

Dog leashes can hang on doorknobs, while toys and extra bowls can be placed on closet shelves. However, larger items—think crates, strollers, bulk supplies, and grooming tools—are tough to keep out of the way, especially in smaller apartment units.

Additionally, “today’s dogs are joining their humans for everything—camping, paddleboarding, hiking—you name it,” Steiner said. “Many of these adventures require not just bulky gear for the human, but also dog-specific equipment: pet backpacks, bike trailers, even sidecars for electric bikes. On-site storage offers a practical solution, helping residents stay organized.”

Dedicated pet storage and amenities also aid in attracting tenants and keeping them. “Renters want to feel seen and accommodated; they’re looking for homes that support their lifestyle,” Steiner explained. Providing water bowls and treats at the front desk, concierge walking services, and storage for pet items sends a positive message to dog and cat owners. “It tells renters that they—and their pets—belong there,” Steiner said.

More Pets, More Facilities

Steiner explained that the outlook for multifamily pet-related storage and amenities is robust, especially as pet ownership among young adults continues to grow. Offering dedicated space to store Fluffy’s or Fido’s extra items is a feature that can encourage renters to stay in place, thus reducing the costs of turnover.

“Many new multifamily developments are including pet amenities by default,” Steiner said. “Being pet-friendly has become a strong marketing advantage, with such listings gaining more interest and resulting in faster leasing.”

A previous version of this story appears on ApartmentBuildings.com.