Many property owners hesitate to allow pets, fearing damage, noise, or additional risk. But the numbers now show that pet?friendly policies aren’t just a “nice to have” – in many markets, they’re a competitive advantage.
At Pioneer Property Management, we believe in building rental portfolios that are not only well-maintained but also attuned to market demand. Here’s how allowing pets can strengthen your property’s performance – when done right.
1. Pet Demand Is Massive – and Growing
- According to Zillow, 59% of renters have at least one pet, and 40% have a dog in 2023.
- In a survey of single-family renters, nearly 69% of respondents had pets, and over 13% said the ability to keep a pet was the main reason they chose their home.
- The Pet-Inclusive Housing Trends Report (2025) finds that fewer than 11% of rental properties in major U.S. markets are truly “pet inclusive” (i.e. without heavy breed or size restrictions) – meaning opportunity for forward-thinking owners.
- And here at Pioneer Property Management, we see the same trend firsthand – 73% of our residents have at least one pet. That means most Colorado renters are already living with pets, and properties that don’t allow them are cutting out the majority of qualified applicants.
2. The Financial Upside: Higher Rent, Lower Turnover
- A 2011 analysis showed that pet?friendly units with minimal restrictions commanded an 11.6% rental premium over units that forbade pets.
- Landlords who permitted pets reported only a modest increase in insurance premium (approx. $150/year), and many recouped that cost in just one month via higher rent.
- Tenants in pet?friendly units stayed 21% longer than those in pet?restrictive housing.
- A FIREPAW survey found that tenants in pet?friendly rentals averaged 46 months of stay vs. 18 months in non?pet rentals.
3. Risks Are Real – But Manageable
Allowing pets doesn’t come without costs. But with clear policies, many risks can be mitigated.
Common risks:
- Property damage (scratches, stains, chewing)
- Noise or disturbances (e.g. barking)
- Odor, allergens, or cleanliness issues
- Insurance or liability concerns
Ways to manage them:
- Require pet deposits, non-refundable pet fees, or monthly pet rent.
- Screen the pet and pet owner (vet references, prior landlord references, breed/size limits).
- Require renters insurance that covers pet liability.
- Use a pet addendum in your lease that outlines rules (waste removal, damage responsibility, behavior).
- Limit number of pets, set weight or breed restrictions if marketable (though more inclusive policies often win favor).
To ensure our clients are protected, we offer a pet damage guarantee at Pioneer! In the case of pet caused damage, we will cover up to $1000 over the security deposit!
4. Why This Works Especially for Single-Family Rentals (SFR)
- Pet ownership tends to be higher in single-family or detached homes than in dense multifamily buildings.
- Because SFR units already command certain amenities (yards, space), adding pet acceptance amplifies their appeal in the market.
- In Colorado markets (Denver metro, Colorado Springs), pet amenities like yards, fenced space, or nearby parks are selling points – making pet?friendly homes more competitive.
5. You Might End Up With A Pet Anyways
Even if your property is listed as “no pets,” federal law under the Fair Housing Act (FHA) requires housing providers to make reasonable accommodations for service animals and emotional support animals (ESAs). These are not legally considered pets, and therefore pet restrictions, deposits, or fees cannot be applied to them.
Here’s what property owners need to know:
- Service animals are trained to perform specific tasks for individuals with disabilities (for example, guide dogs or medical alert dogs).
- Emotional support animals (ESAs) provide comfort or support related to a person’s disability but are not required to have specialized training.
- Both must be allowed in rental housing, even if the property has a “no pets” policy.
- You cannot charge pet rent, deposits, or additional fees for a verified service animal or ESA.
- However, residents are still responsible for any damages caused by the animal.
- Housing providers are entitled to request documentation (for ESAs) that establishes the need for accommodation, as long as the request is reasonable and compliant with fair housing regulations.
Because these situations can be complex, professional property management is critical. At Pioneer Property Management, we handle accommodation requests carefully to protect our clients’ properties while maintaining full compliance with federal and state fair housing laws.
? Schedule a consultation today to see how a thoughtful pet policy can make your property more profitable, stable, and market-ready year-round.
