Pet-Friendly Rentals: Are they worth it?

Should You Allow Pets in Your Rental? Here’s the Real Cost—And Opportunity

When landlords ask me whether they should allow pets in their rental properties, I usually respond with questions of my own: Do you want more applicants, longer tenancies, and increased rental income? Because statistically speaking, that’s what you’re leaving on the table by saying “no.”

Yes, pets can cause damage. Yes, they can be noisy. But with the right systems in place—such as smart upgrades, clear policies, and thorough screening—allowing pets can go from a liability to a competitive advantage.

Let’s unpack the risks, the benefits, and the practical steps to making pet-friendly rentals work for your bottom line.

The Risks: Real but Manageable

Landlords have valid concerns that deserve to be addressed, not dismissed.

• Damage to property: Scratched floors, stained carpets, and chewed fixtures are common fears.
  
  
• Noise: Excessive barking or high-energy pets can cause friction with neighbours.
  
  
• Cleanliness and odour: Without proper oversight, pet waste and lingering smells can become costly issues.
  
  
• Liability: Aggressive pets—or simply poorly trained ones—may pose risks to other tenants and visitors.
  
  

These risks are real, but they’re not inevitable. More importantly, they can be mitigated through planning and proactive management.

The Opportunity: Demand, Dollars, and Duration

Now, here’s what many landlords overlook.

1. Wider Tenant Pool
   Approximately 80% of Canadian households own pets. If you’re not offering pet-friendly rentals, you’re effectively excluding four out of five prospective tenants.
   
   
2. Reduced Vacancy Periods
   Pet-friendly listings attract more applicants—and faster. Properties that accept pets experience 10–15% shorter vacancy times, based on Canadian rental market data.
   
   
3. Premium Rental Rates
   With limited options available, pet owners are often willing to pay more. We routinely see pet-friendly units command $50 to $100 more per month, translating to $600–$1,200 in additional annual revenue.
   
   
4. Longer Tenancy Duration
   Pet owners know how difficult it is to find a suitable rental, and once they do, they tend to stay put. Our data in Alberta shows that tenants with pets stay an average of 9–12 months longer than those without.
   
   

In other words, while there are costs involved, the revenue upside—if managed well—often outweighs them.

Property Improvements That Protect Your Investment

If you’re opening your property to pets, strategic updates can safeguard it from unnecessary wear and tear:

Durable Flooring

• Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP): Water-resistant, scratch-resistant, and easy to clean. Ideal for rentals.
  
  
• Avoid carpet where possible. If necessary, opt for low-pile, dark-toned varieties that better conceal wear.
  
  

Pet-Resilient Landscaping

• Dog runs with artificial turf or pea gravel redirect pet activity to one manageable area.
  
  
• Reinforced fencing is essential—both for safety and liability.
  
  
• Hardier grass types like Kentucky Bluegrass or Perennial Ryegrass stand up better to pets.
  
  

Interior Enhancements

• Washable, scratch-resistant wall paint keeps walls looking fresh.
  
  
• Pet-proof window screens and protective baseboards reduce damage.
  
  

These improvements mitigate damage and appeal to quality tenants who are serious about caring for their pets and your property.

Breed Considerations: Screen, Don't Ban

Breed-specific policies are often a point of contention. Some landlords adopt blanket bans on certain dog breeds, while others welcome all pets unconditionally. The right answer usually lies in the middle.

Breeds to Approach with Caution

• Pit Bulls
  
  
• Rottweilers
  
  
• Dobermans
  
  
• German Shepherds
  
  
• Huskies
  
  

These breeds tend to have higher energy levels and, in some cases, a more complex risk profile.

More Rental-Compatible Breeds

• French Bulldogs
  
  
• Shih Tzus
  
  
• Cavalier King Charles Spaniels
  
  
• Labradors (when well-trained)
  
  
• Poodles (low-shedding and hypoallergenic)
  
  

That said, every animal is different. Rather than focus exclusively on breed, implement a screening process that assesses individual behaviour, temperament, and training. Ask for a reference from the last Landlord.

Implementing a Smart Pet Policy

A well-structured policy ensures that expectations are clear from day one. Here’s what we recommend:

• Pet application: Include breed, age, size, vaccination status, and whether the pet is spayed or neutered.
  
  
• Landlord references: Request previous landlord feedback on the pet’s behaviour.
  
  
• Meet and greet: A brief in-person visit with the animal can reveal a lot.
  
  
• Pet agreement (addendum): Outline noise expectations, damage responsibilities, and waste cleanup protocols.

Condos & Strata: Know the Limits

If you’re managing a condo or apartment unit, be aware that building bylaws or strata councils may have their own pet restrictions. Always confirm what’s permitted before approving a tenant with pets. Smaller, quieter animals—cats or small dogs—tend to be better suited to these environments.

Service Animals: A Legal Distinction

This is important: Service animals are not considered pets under Canadian law. Landlords are legally obligated to accommodate tenants who require a certified service animal—and, in some jurisdictions, emotional support animals (ESAs) as well.

You cannot deny a tenant or charge additional fees in these cases. When in doubt, consult a legal professional.

Where Property Management Makes a Difference

Managing a pet-friendly rental requires structure and follow-through. A professional property management team—like ours at Hope Street—can help you:

• Screen tenants and pets.
  
• Draft comprehensive lease agreements and pet addendums.
• Conduct regular inspections to monitor for damage.
• Intervene early when issues arise.
  
  

With expert oversight, you can allow pets while minimizing risks and maximizing income.

Final Word

Allowing pets has its challenges, but it’s also one of the most effective ways to expand your market, increase your income, and build stronger relationships with long-term tenants. With the right infrastructure and support, it can be a win for everyone involved.

At Hope Street, we help landlords make informed decisions backed by real data, proven systems, and over two decades of property management experience.

Considering allowing pets? Try our Pet-Friendly Rental Income Calculator to see what your property could earn—and how to do it right.