In today’s luxury apartment market, traditional amenities like pools and fitness centers are no longer enough to stand out. Tenants are looking for more convenience, more comfort, and more support for the lifestyles they lead, including the care of their pets.
As more renters prioritize pet-friendly housing, property managers can attract and retain residents by offering built-in pet care services. One of the most effective ways to do that is by adding boarding and pet amenity solutions that support pet owners where they live. These upgrades not only improve tenant satisfaction but can also support a higher net operating income over time.
In-House Boarding is a Growing Trend
While still relatively rare, in-house boarding or doggie daycare facilities are gaining momentum in upscale developments. These services appeal to residents who frequently travel, work long hours, or want the reassurance of knowing their pets are close by and well cared for.
One posh New York City building, for example, offers:
- An indoor dog playroom
- A dog washing station
- A dog training studio
To offer similar amenities, buildings need high-performance infrastructure. In-house boarding facilities require high-quality dog kennels and other animal cages that are easy to clean and sanitize. While not completely maintenance-free, these systems are built to withstand heavy use for decades.
They’re also highly customizable and flexible, allowing you to adapt them to your available space without compromising on durability or aesthetics.
Some properties also offer concierge-style pet services, such as dog walking or at-home check-ins when tenants are out of town. These small touches deliver significant value to pet owners and elevate the experience of living in a pet-friendly luxury community.
Other Pet Amenities You’ll Want to Consider
Some apartment buildings are taking pet-focused amenities even further by incorporating dog runs, usually on outdoor terraces or rooftops in high-rises. Artificial turf is a popular material choice, and well-designed runs help dogs burn off energy while giving owners a convenient spot to exercise their pets.
In properties with more space, developers may add dedicated dog parks or walking trails. These outdoor areas foster a sense of community among tenants and their pets, and often become social hubs on the property. Pet-centric events like yappy hour, dog beauty contests, athletic competitions, and playdates for compatible dogs can help residents bond.
Beyond shared spaces, individual units can include subtle but thoughtful pet-friendly touches, like scratch-resistant flooring, “feeding nooks” for food and water dishes, or tucked-away areas for litter boxes. Apartments built near parks or greenbelts naturally appeal to dog owners looking for walkable access to nature.
Some luxury buildings even include unique features like doggie pools, splash zones, or indoor pet hydration stations. In San Diego, one high-rise includes a lobby “bark bar” where dogs can sip from water bowls while owners browse for treats and learn about trusted local pet sitters.
Partnering with Local Businesses like Daycare Facilities and Vets
If building a boarding facility onsite isn’t feasible, partnering with nearby pet care providers is a highly effective and maintenance-free solution for residential pet facilities. Many apartment managers already recommend trusted local services to residents; formalizing that relationship through referral programs or preferred partnerships can add even more value.
With luxury properties often located near shopping and service districts, connecting with boarding facilities, doggie daycares, trainers, and groomers makes logistical sense. These businesses are often eager to access high-value clients and may offer discounts, priority scheduling, or white-glove services to your tenants.
Partnering with local veterinarians who offer in-home visits can also be a major convenience. Pets can receive vaccinations, wellness exams, or treatment for minor issues without the stress of traveling to a clinic. You might even consider reaching out to veterinary acupuncturists, chiropractors, or other animal wellness professionals who can promote their services to residents.
This type of partnership model gives tenants the lifestyle benefits of pet care access—without the added costs or staffing concerns of in-house operations.
Start Designing Your Pet-Friendly Amenity Space
Whether you’re building a new residential community or updating an existing property, adding pet care solutions can set your apartments apart and increase long-term tenant satisfaction. From custom kennel systems to thoughtfully designed play areas, we’ll help you create spaces that are easy to maintain and built to last.
At Direct Animal, our pet care experts design and manufacture durable and easy-to-clean state-of-the-art equipment made to last the lifetime of your business, whether you’re a vet, luxury boarding facility, animal shelter, or doggy daycare. We rely on high-quality stainless steel construction, ergonomic design, and field-tested functionality to meet the needs of professionals like you.
We listen closely to your goals and will help create the ideal solution for your property, space, and residents. Contact us today online or give us a call at 877.459.7827 to start planning your next pet-friendly amenity upgrade.
Be sure to download or request a free catalog from our website.
