Learn everything you need to know about renting an apartment in New York City as a pet owner. Discover city and landlords rules and how to make it with a pet.
Many pet owners would not even consider moving to the Big Apple without their four-legged furry companion.
However, pet owners must be ready to go through the apartment rental process with more restrictions than they might be used to.
It can easily be said that more apartments don’t allow pets than ones that do.
So here are some things to consider about your beloved buddy before you begin apartment hunting.
As a New York City pet owner, renting rather than buying is much more tedious; however, buying real estate may not be in the best interest of most moving to the city for the first time.
According to New York City pet laws, there are multiple exceptions for tenants who need to keep a dog because there is nothing worse than having to separate from your pet because of building policies.
About 75% of all New York City buildings do not allow pets.
The NYC Pet Law, which applies to renters living in buildings with three or more apartments and to co-op apartment owners in all five boroughs, protects dog owners who have rented in a building that does not allow dogs.
According to the law, pet owners can keep their pets if they reside in the apartment for three months without the landlord citing them or seeking eviction.
This exception depends on the tenant not concealing the dog and being open about its presence.
Every building has different rules regarding pet ownership, and many have policies on specific breeds they perceive to be 'aggressive.'
Pitbulls and Rottweilers are two of these shunned breeds.
It’s no wonder that more and more New Yorkers are going for the smaller, more convenient breeds like French Bulldog or Yorkshire Terrier!
Not all small breeds are created equal because buildings sometimes will ban smaller breeds like Chihuahuas and Pomeranians because they bark too much or may have a tendency to bite.
Pet policies vary by building, so inquire about these before getting too invested in an apartment.
Also, the number of dogs allowed is restricted to usually one, sometimes two (rules can be different for owners vs. renters).
I think most New Yorkers can agree that outlawing the ownership of all venomous spiders is not the worst thing in the world.
Most people don't know that squirrels, pigs, and iguanas, amongst many others, are considered exotic pets and illegal to keep as pets in New York City.
A good start would be to check the official list to make sure that your not-so-common pet will be welcome in the first place!
If there is a security deposit for dogs or cats, tenants may have to pay that same rate for a mouse or turtle, but never more than the usual deposit.
Coming to NYC with an exotic pet is extra baggage (literally). It can add to an already stressful process, so be prepared to walk away because some landlords cannot or will not accommodate your pets.
Just take a deep breath and remind yourself that other apartments will.
According to the New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYEDC):
You love your pet and want to protect them from accidents, health problems, or other unforeseen events. Pet insurance is the perfect solution for ensuring you're always covered when something goes wrong. Find a pet insurance company offering peace of mind and coverage for your furry friend.
Helping a doggy mind its manners begins with the owner.
This means it is your responsibility to go the extra mile and pay for those puppy training courses because, let's face it, at the end of the day, it's harder to make it as a dog in New York City, too.
Most overwhelmingly, noise and light pollution are a big deal for these sensitive creatures.
This is why potty training your pup will save time and hassle.
Make sure you have time throughout your work day to allow your buddy to relieve him/herself and, if not, have the finances to hire a dog walker.
Being a dog walker in NYC is a full-time job for many students, artists, and work-from-homers!
For a one-up against your renting counterparts, supply the prospective landlord of the building with a photo that shows the dog’s calm behavior and has been socialized.
A reference letter from a past neighbor or landlord vouching for the dog's behavior with no nuisances, apartment damage, or issues would be helpful.
Be prepared to pay extra for security deposits and rent.
The risk for the landlord to make an exception for your pet is only worth it if there is additional renters insurance or higher rent to cover the potential damage that may ensue.
So, do you think you can adopt a pet in NYC without giving it extra (more than usual) thought? Now, let’s not be selfish! Make sure you can truthfully answer yes to all of these questions:
Thankfully, some luxury buildings will happily assist you with your day-to-day doggie chores if you find yourself busier than expected.
Some pet-friendly luxury buildings have gone to great lengths to attract qualified pet owners.
Several take it to the next level, with amenities that include in-house dog-walking, ‘daycare’ services, doggie spas, and grooming stations, to name a few.
For example, if you want to spoil your furry buddy, the AVA DoBro in Downtown Brooklyn takes it two steps further by offering a pet program called WAG, which hosts annual social events like doggie pool parties, yappy hours, and pet CPR classes.
The program also partnered with nearby VCA animal hospitals to supply residents with discounted vet visits and supplies.
One incredible perk of owning a pet in NYC is convenient resource access.
This city knows how much people love their pets, so making a business out of it seemed significant.
Here are just a few of the most popular pet services:
Get $10 off your first booking. Services include Pet boarding, house sitting, drop-in visits, dog walking, and doggy daycare.
LEARN MOREWhen moving to a new area in NYC as a pet owner, it is very important to consider factors you may not have considered without a pet, like nearby veterinary clinics, pet stores, walking areas, and parks.
Here are the top 3 pet-friendly areas to live in with your pup:
Animal-loving buyers have plenty of green space for their furry companions, including Tribeca Dog Park or Battery Park City’s Kowsky Dog Plaza.
By far, the absolute best part of the dog walks is taking in the fantastic views of the Hudson River and New Jersey skyline while walking the Hudson River Park and Rockefeller Park.
Check out surrounding dog parks and chat with other owners about where they found their pet-friendly apartments.
Sometimes, word of mouth is the best way to find hidden gems. Who knows, you may even get lucky and snag a no-fee apartment!
