Pet-Inclusive Housing Trends Report: 2025 Outlook
How Rental Property Owners/Operators can Navigate and Capitalize on Pet-Inclusive Housing Trends in the New Year
LOS ANGELES (January 6, 2025) — The demand for pet-inclusive rental housing is rising. A new report from Michelson Found Animals’ Pet Inclusive Housing Initiative (PIHI) highlights how rental property owners and operators can capitalize on this high-potential market in 2025: Pets in Rental Housing 2025 Outlook.
The report reveals that pet-inclusive policies drive resident retention, with tenants staying up to 21 percent longer—reducing costly turnover and vacancy losses. Despite these clear benefits, 72 percent of renters report difficulty finding pet-friendly housing, and only 8 percent of rental properties are free of restrictive pet policies.
“With two-thirds of U.S. households owning pets, the message is clear: ‘pet-friendly’ is no longer enough,” said Ross Barker, Director of the Pet Inclusive Housing Initiative at Michelson Found Animals Foundation. “Renters are demanding true inclusivity for their furry family members, and property owners who respond to this trend can expect stronger tenant loyalty, reduced vacancies, and a significant edge in the competitive rental market this year.”
The report highlights key areas where outdated policies—such as breed and weight restrictions—create barriers for renters and missed opportunities for owners:
- Prevalent Restrictions: 80 percent of properties that allow pets still enforce breed restrictions, and 64 percent impose weight limits.
- Untapped Potential: Fewer than 11 percent of rental properties in major U.S. markets qualify as truly pet-inclusive, leaving ample opportunity for growth.
These insights come as pet ownership continues to rise, and tenants increasingly prioritize housing options where their pets are welcome, regardless of breed or size. By aligning with these trends, property owners can attract a broader tenant base and foster long-term community engagement. Additionally, pet-inclusive housing helps to reduce shelter overcrowding and euthanasia rates, creating a ripple effect of positive social change.
PIHI’s Pet-Inclusive Scorecard offers housing providers a free, easy way to assess inclusivity and access resources for improvement. Properties that have already started their journey toward pet-inclusivity will have the opportunity to submit a nomination for the 2025 Pets and Housing Awards when the submission window opens on February 3.
Modernizing pet policies in 2025 is more than a trend—it’s a strategic move for rental property owners to maximize revenue growth and meet the needs of today’s renters. Download the full report, evaluate a property’s inclusivity, and explore free resources at petsandhousing.org.
Read more about 2025 pet-inclusive housing trends in expert blog here: Embracing the Future of Pet-Inclusive Housing: 2025 Outlook
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Michelson Found Animals Foundation, founded in 2005, directly provides animal welfare services and champions pets at every point they intersect with our society. The foundation operates a range of initiatives, including grants and programs that put resources in the hands of communities in need, research that promotes pet-friendly policies, and more. Learn more at foundanimals.org.
