People love their pets. For many renters, their furry friend is family. That’s why more apartment communities are going all-in on apartment marketing for pets. If your apartment community doesn’t actively promote its pet-friendly features, you’re missing out on a huge group of prospective residents.
More than two-thirds of U.S. households own a pet, and many renters won’t even consider a place unless it accommodates their four-legged companion. However, simply allowing pets isn’t enough. You must show pet owners that your apartment community truly welcomes them. Fortunately, a few simple strategies can make all the difference.
Let’s look at some of the best ways to market your apartment as pet-friendly. Some of the covered apartment marketing for pets tips include branding, social media, resident events, and pet-friendly amenities.
Make Pet Owners Feel Welcome From the Start!
If you say you’re pet-friendly, your apartment community should actually feel that way. Sometimes, putting “Pets Allowed” into the leasing ad won’t be enough. You should take an extra step to make pet owners feel like your community is the perfect place for them and their pets.
Some of the ways of making pet owners feel welcome from the start include:
Upgrade Apartment Amenities to Fit Pet Owners’ Needs
Having pet-friendly apartment amenities is one of the easiest ways to attract renters with pets. Here are a few features that can make your apartment community stand out:
- Dog Parks: A fenced-in play area with agility equipment and benches for owners creates a social space for pets and people.
- Pet Wash Stations: Nobody likes giving their dog a bath in a tiny apartment sink. A self-service dog washing station can be a huge selling point.
- Waste Stations: No one wants to step in dog poop. Conveniently placed waste bag dispensers and disposal bins encourage responsible pet ownership.
- Welcome Kits: A simple bag with pet treats, a toy, and a branded pet ID tag can go a long way in making new residents feel at home.
2. Highlight Nearby Pet Services
Your apartment community’s pet-friendly reputation shouldn’t stop at your leasing office. Pet owners will appreciate knowing about nearby businesses that cater to their needs.
Consider a “Pet Perks” guide featuring the following:
- Veterinarians and pet hospitals
- Grooming salons and pet supply stores
- Dog-friendly restaurants and parks
Use Social Media to Attract More Pet Owners
If you’re looking for an easy way to boost pet-friendly apartment marketing, social media is your best friend. Pet content performs well on every platform, and it’s an effective way to reach renters who are actively looking for a pet-friendly home.
Your apartment marketing for pets social media strategy should incorporate the following points.
1. Feature Resident Pets on Your Platforms
People love showing off their pets. A “Pet of the Month” feature is a great way to highlight real residents and their furry friends. Post their photos, share a fun fact about their pet, and tag them in the post. This builds community and encourages engagement.
Post Fun & Engaging Content
Mix up your content so it’s not just promotions. Try the following strategies:
- “Guess the Breed” polls on Instagram
- TikTok videos of residents’ pets enjoying the dog park
- Quick pet care tips to keep engagement high
Optimize Your Website for Pet-Friendly Searches
Most renters start their apartment search online. Therefore, your website needs to clearly showcase your pet-friendly features.
1. Create a Pet-Friendly Landing Page
Your website should have a dedicated page that highlights your pet-friendly apartment amenities. Some of the things to include when marketing to pet owners:
- A list of all pet-friendly features
- Resident testimonials about their experience as pet owners
- Clear pet policies, including any restrictions and fees
2. Use SEO to Reach Pet Owners
Optimizing for keywords like “apartment marketing for pets” and “pet-friendly leasing strategies” can help your community appear in more search results.
Host Community Events That Pet Owners Love
1. Organize “Yappy Hours” and Playdates
A “Yappy Hour” is basically a happy hour—for dogs. Set up an enclosed play area, offer some snacks for both pets and humans and let residents socialize while their pets do the same.
2. Plan Adoption and Charity Events
Team up with a local shelter for an adoption day or donation to connect with the community. Even if residents aren’t looking to adopt, they’ll appreciate the effort.
3. Host Seasonal Pet-Themed Activities
Get creative with seasonal events. Try the following apartment marketing for pets strategies:
- A Halloween Pet Costume Contest
- A Spring Training Agility Course for Dogs
- A Holiday Pet Photo Booth for festive pictures
These types of events boost resident engagement for pet-friendly apartments and provide great content for social media.
Use 3D Marketing to Showcase Pet-Friendly Features
If your apartment community is adding new pet amenities, 3D marketing can help potential residents visualize them before they’re built.
1. Visualize Upcoming Pet Amenities
Our multifamily marketing for pet-friendly properties includes high-quality 3D renderings that showcase future dog parks, pet washing stations, and indoor pet play areas.
2. Enhance Digital Ads With Pet-Themed Content
Ads that feature happy residents and their pets can grab attention quickly. Try:
- Resident testimonials about pet-friendly features
- Video tours of dog-friendly spaces
- Targeted ads that highlight your pet-friendly policies
Encourage Pet Owners to Spread the Word
Word-of-mouth marketing is powerful. If residents love their pet-friendly community, they’ll tell their friends.
1. Launch a Pet Referral Program
Encourage referrals by offering incentives like a $200 pet supply gift card for every successful move-in.
2. Recognize Long-Term Pet Residents
Building loyalty with pet owners helps with lease renewals. Consider sending small pet treat bags when residents renew their lease, giving social media shoutouts to longtime pet owners, or offering small gifts for pet birthdays.
Turn Your Community Into a Top Choice for Pet Owners
If you want to attract pet-loving renters, you must add pet-friendly apartment amenities and host fun events. There are plenty of ways to make your apartment community stand out.
At Primary360, we specialize in apartment marketing for pets. Using 3D marketing, branding, and digital advertising, we help apartment communities connect with pet owners in meaningful ways. If you would like to make your apartment community the top choice for pet-friendly renters, contact us today to get started.
