Finding an Apartment When You Have Pets
If you have a dog, cat, or other pet, finding an apartment just got a little more complicated — but not impossible. Most apartment communities in Texas allow pets, but the rules, fees, and restrictions vary wildly from property to property. Knowing what to expect (and what to ask) before you start your search will save you time, money, and frustration.
Pet Deposits, Pet Fees, and Pet Rent: What Is the Difference?
These three terms get mixed up constantly. Here is what each one actually means:
Pet Deposit: A one-time, refundable amount you pay when you move in — usually $200 to $500. This works like a regular security deposit but specifically covers potential pet damage. If your pet does not damage the apartment, you get this money back when you move out.
Pet Fee: A one-time, non-refundable charge — usually $150 to $400. Think of this as an "admission fee" for bringing your pet. You will not get this back regardless of whether your pet causes damage.
Pet Rent: An ongoing monthly charge on top of your regular rent — typically $25 to $75 per pet per month. This is charged every month for the entire duration of your lease. Over a 12-month lease, pet rent of $50/month adds up to $600.
Some properties charge only a pet deposit. Others charge a pet fee plus pet rent. A few charge all three. And some (rare) properties have no pet fees at all. Always ask exactly which pet-related costs apply before you sign.
Breed Restrictions: The Frustrating Reality
This is the biggest obstacle for dog owners. Most apartment communities in Texas maintain a restricted breed list. The breeds most commonly restricted are:
- Pit Bulls and Pit Bull mixes (American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier)
- Rottweilers
- Doberman Pinschers
- German Shepherds
- Chow Chows
- Akitas
- Huskies (sometimes)
- Great Danes (sometimes, due to size)
- Wolf hybrids
These restrictions are typically driven by the property's insurance policy, not the property management's personal opinion about the breed. That means they are usually non-negotiable at the property level.
However, breed-friendly properties do exist in every Texas city. They are just harder to find on your own. This is one of the biggest advantages of using an apartment locator — we maintain lists of which properties accept restricted breeds, and that information is not always listed on their websites.
Important note about weight limits: Many properties have weight limits for dogs, commonly 25, 50, or 75 pounds. Make sure you know your dog's weight and ask about limits before you tour.
Best Pet-Friendly Neighborhoods
Dallas
Deep Ellum: Walkable, full of dog-friendly patios and bars. Many of the apartment communities here are pet-friendly with fenced dog parks.
Uptown / Katy Trail area: The Katy Trail is one of the best walking paths in Dallas for dogs. Several luxury apartment communities here have pet spas, grooming stations, and dedicated dog parks.
Lower Greenville: Neighborhood feel with sidewalks, parks, and pet-friendly restaurants. Tietze Park is a local favorite for dog walks.
White Rock Lake: If your dog loves water and open space, this area is ideal. The trails around the lake are popular with dog owners.
Austin
Zilker/Barton Hills: Zilker Park has an off-leash area that is one of the most popular dog parks in Texas. Apartments in this area tend to be pet-friendly.
Mueller: This planned community has wide sidewalks, multiple parks, and a dog-friendly atmosphere. Lake Park has an off-leash area.
East Austin: Many of the newer apartment communities in East Austin are pet-friendly with dog parks and pet washing stations.
The Domain: Modern apartments with pet amenities built in — dog parks, pet spas, and proximity to walking paths.
Houston
The Heights: One of the most walkable neighborhoods in Houston with parks, trails, and pet-friendly restaurants. Heights Hike and Bike Trail is great for dog walks.
Montrose: An inclusive, walkable neighborhood with independent pet stores and dog-friendly patios. Ervan Chew Park has an off-leash dog area.
EaDo (East Downtown): Growing neighborhood with newer apartment communities that tend to have pet-friendly policies and amenities.
Memorial Park area: Close to one of the largest urban parks in the country. Miles of trails for walking, running, and hiking with your dog.
Questions to Ask Before Signing with Pets
Do not rely on the property's website for pet information. Policies change, websites lag behind, and there are details that only come up when you ask directly. Here is your checklist:
1. "What are the total pet costs?" Get the full breakdown: deposit, fee, and monthly pet rent. Ask if any of it is negotiable.
2. "What breeds are restricted?" Get the full list, not just the highlights. Some properties restrict breeds that you would not expect.
3. "Is there a weight limit?" Ask for the specific number and whether it applies per pet or per household.
4. "How many pets are allowed?" Most properties allow one to two pets. Some allow up to three. Very few allow more.
5. "Is there a dog park or pet area on site?" This matters more than you think for daily convenience. Also ask if it is fenced and lit at night.
6. "Are there any pet-related lease clauses I should know about?" Some leases have specific rules about leashing in common areas, cleaning up after your pet, and noise (barking) complaints.
7. "Do you require pet screening?" Some communities use third-party pet screening services (like PetScreening.com) that verify your pet's breed, weight, vaccination records, and behavior.
8. "What happens if my dog grows past the weight limit?" This sounds like an odd question, but if you have a puppy, it matters. Get clarification upfront.
Hidden Fees to Watch For
Beyond the obvious pet deposit and pet rent, watch for these:
- DNA testing fees: Some properties require you to register your dog's DNA so they can identify (and fine) owners who do not clean up after their pets. The registration fee is usually $30 to $75.
- Non-refundable vs. refundable deposits: Make sure you know which type your pet deposit is. Some properties call it a "deposit" but it is actually a non-refundable fee.
- Damage charges beyond the deposit: If your pet causes damage exceeding the deposit amount, you are responsible for the difference. This is stated in most leases but often overlooked.
- Unauthorized pet fines: If you move a pet in without disclosing it, most properties will charge a fine ($200 to $500) and may require you to pay the full pet deposit and fee retroactively. Always disclose your pets upfront.
Emotional Support Animals and Service Animals
Under the Fair Housing Act, emotional support animals (ESAs) and service animals are not considered "pets" and cannot be charged pet deposits, pet fees, or pet rent. They also cannot be subject to breed or weight restrictions.
However, you do need proper documentation. For an ESA, that means a letter from a licensed mental health professional. For a service animal, it means the animal is trained to perform a specific task related to a disability.
Legitimate ESA letters come from your therapist, psychiatrist, or doctor who has an ongoing treatment relationship with you. Online-only ESA letter mills that charge $100 for an instant letter are increasingly rejected by apartment communities and are not considered legitimate documentation.
The Bottom Line
Renting with pets in Texas is absolutely doable — you just need to do your homework. Know the costs upfront, ask the right questions, and be transparent about your pets from the start.
The easiest way to find pet-friendly apartments that fit your budget? Use a free apartment locator. We keep track of which properties are truly pet-friendly, which ones accept restricted breeds, and which ones have the best pet amenities — information that is not always available on listing websites.
Start your free apartment search and tell us about your pets in the survey. We will match you with pet-friendly options in Dallas, Austin, or Houston — at zero cost to you.