best pet-friendly amenities for apartment complexes

Looking to make your community more pet-friendly—and more profitable? You’re not alone. With more than 70% of U.S. households owning pets, renters expect more from multi-family living. And it’s not just about a patch of grass and a poop bag station anymore.

We’re Kate and Pete, co-founders of Puppered, and we’ve helped apartment communities attract and retain residents with our commercial dog wash stations. It’s low-maintenance, loved by pet owners, and built for long-term returns.

Here’s what you should know about pet amenities that actually move the needle.

 

why pet-friendly amenities matter

Modern renters—especially millennials and Gen Z—are more likely to own pets than previous generations. And they’re not just looking for a place to live… they’re looking for one that supports their lifestyle.

Pet-friendly features, like a self serve pet wash, are now a top factor in apartment selection. Communities that offer meaningful pet amenities see:

✓ Higher occupancy rates
✓ Faster lease-up for new builds
✓ Increased retention
✓ Stronger community engagement
✓ And with minimal upkeep, a self-serve dog wash is one of the few amenities that pays for itself.

top pet amenities in demand

These are the amenities today’s renters expect—and the ones that get noticed in online listings:

onsite dog parks
great for exercise and socializing, but… they get muddy.

pet relief areas
convenient for quick potty breaks, especially in urban builds.

pet waste stations
basic, but essential.

pet washing stations
a true differentiator that adds real value.

Pro Tip: Dog parks + wash stations = the ultimate combo. After a good romp, residents love the convenience of an easy clean-up—without dirtying their bathrooms or tubs.

 

why add a self-serve dog wash?

Let’s face it—washing a dog in an apartment bathtub isn’t ideal. It creates:

• Clogged drains from fur
• Slippery tile floors
• Damaged walls and fixtures
• Frustrated tenants who’d rather not bother

With Puppered’s self service pet wash, you give them a simple alternative that solves all that.

 

designed for multi-family living
Our self-serve dog wash stations are:

✓ low-labor: no staff needed, residents operate the unit themselves.
✓ easy to clean: built-in hair traps and simple rinse-down surfaces.
✓ pet-safe: we offer plant-based, hypoallergenic soap systems.
✓ flexible: indoor or outdoor installation, depending on your layout.
✓ American-made: proudly built in North Carolina for long-term durability.

Plus, we offer branding and graphic support to match your property aesthetic—and help you market your dog washing station as a key amenity.

real-world placement ideas
Where should your station go? Think about visibility and convenience. Some great spots we’ve seen include:

• leasing office lobbies
• parking garage alcoves
• near dog parks or walking trails
• outdoor patios with hose access
• shared utility or pet spa rooms

 

what about cost & roi?

You don’t need to charge residents for every use of your self-serve dog wash (though you can!). Many properties offer the wash for free to:

• justify pet rent fees
• attract pet owners
• enhance perceived value

Others opt for paid access via cash or card payment directly on the machine—creating a steady stream of revenue that offsets installation within the first year or two.

 

get started with puppered

We designed our stations to make this easy for you. We’ll help with:

✓ site planning & installation guidance
✓ custom soap programs & branded products
✓ financing options if needed
✓ ongoing support, parts, and signage

 

want to see how it fits into your community?

You don’t need to be an expert—we’re here to help. We’ve worked with properties across the country and can walk you through everything from layout suggestions to resident rollout tips.

Reach out to us directly at [email protected] to see how a dog wash station for your apartment complex can increase retention—or browse our shop to learn more.

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