WASHINGTON, D.C. – If multifamily developers want to attract tenants with pets they better offer apartments with a major Bow-Wow Factor.
Some 67 percent of pet-owning apartment dwellers wants a community dog parks in their apartment, according to a new study by the National Multifamily Housing Council and Kingsley Associates.
Another must-have: a dog washing station. Some 54 percent of those surveyed want a pet washing station in their apartment. Giving Fido a bath in the parking lot with a garden hose won’t cut the mustard anymore.
And the tummy is always the quickest way to the heart. The NMHC survey said 35 percent of dogs and dog-owners will smile if there are dog treats in the lobby.
Ignoring pets may be a big mistake for apartment landlords.
Pet owners will spend an estimated $60 billion on their pets this year. Renters are part of this spending population, as 33 percent of apartment residents own a pet, NMHC reported.