Student renters are moving back to their apartments this fall, and they’re not moving alone. An Apartments.com survey found that 44 percent of Gen Z renters live with a pet, and an even larger proportion live with a dog or cat. While these pets are popular among all generations, where are renters living with dogs or cats the most in 2026? In this article, we analyze which metros have the most renters living with dogs, which have the most living with cats, and share a few helpful notes on apartment hunting with furry friends.
Why Are Pet Policies Important?
Pet policies are important because they set guidelines outlining apartment pet rules. According to Apartments.com, 35 percent of renters say that a pet policy affects their decision-making process when searching for a new apartment and will only consider apartments that allow their type of pet. For renters, this means understanding the rules and regulations outlined in your pet policy is essential. Pet policies can include:
- Types of pets allowed (dogs, cats, fish, birds, etc.)
- Pet restrictions (number of pets allowed, size/weight limits, breed restrictions)
- Renter and owner responsibilities
- Pet rent and pet deposit amounts
Renter responsibilities refer to the rules that apply to the pet owner. For example, an apartment community may require dogs to be on a leash when outside the unit, or animals to wear collars with identification. These rules are put in place to help keep pets, owners, and other residents safe.
Pet rent and pet deposits are two different things. Pet rent is a monthly recurring charge that apartment communities require on top of base rent if an animal lives in a unit. A pet deposit is a one-time, usually refundable payment that helps cover any damage or cleaning costs, similar to a security deposit. Property managers can require both or either of these charges, so ensure you know what charges you may be responsible for if you live with a pet.
Do Renters Prefer Dogs or Cats?
The Apartments.com survey found that 4 in 10 Gen Z renters live with a pet, making this living decision increasingly popular. Breaking it down, of renters living with a pet, 62 percent live with a dog and 49 percent live with a cat, making these the two largest groups of pet-owning renters.
Deciding whether to live with a dog or a cat is a personal decision and can depend on several factors. However, certain metros have a larger portion of renters living with one of these pets.
Where Are Cat Owners Renting?
Based on an Apartments.com Q2 2026 Renter Insights Survey, certain cities have a larger percentage of cat and dog owners among renters who already live with these pets. Apartments.com found that metros with more cat owners tend to be smaller, colder cities, with several located in the Pacific Northwest. These are the five metros with the largest share of renters living with cats.
|
Metro |
% of Renters Living with a Cat |
|
46% |
|
|
Presque Isle, ME |
44.2% |
|
43.9% |
|
|
43.4% |
|
|
43.1% |
Source: Apartments.com
One similarity among these cities is that they are smaller than other metros within the same state, suggesting that cat owners may prefer quieter areas. In addition, several of these cities are major college towns. For example, Eugene is home to the University of Oregon, Lansing is home to Michigan State University, and Purdue University is located just outside of Lafayette, Indiana.
While more Gen Z and younger renters are living with pets, this geographic data suggests that student renters are especially likely to live with cats in these cooler climates.
Where Are Dog Owners Renting?
In contrast to cat owners, the metros with a larger share of dog owners tend to be larger, warmer Sun Belt and coastal markets. These are the top five metros with the highest share of pet-owning renters living with dogs, according to Apartments.com 2026 data.
|
Metro |
% of Renters Living with a Dog |
|
61.6% |
|
|
61.2% |
|
|
59.6% |
|
|
59.5% |
|
|
58.6% |
Source: Apartments.com
Sun Belt markets continue to attract renters because of their affordability and favorable weather conditions. These cities are increasingly popular among new grads because of their size, lifestyle opportunities, and growing job markets.
While the dog-dominated metros are quite different from the cat majority metros, they share one common characteristic: both are home to colleges and universities. Miami is home to the University of Miami, while other metros include campuses, such as Louisiana State University of Alexandria and Texas A&M International University in Laredo.
The metros above not only illustrate where renters who rent with a pet are living but also suggest that proximity to university campuses may play a role in Gen Z and student renters choosing to live with a pet.
Apartment Tips for Living with Pets
Whether you’re apartment hunting for the first time or looking for a new community that meets you and your pet’s needs, there are a couple of important considerations to keep in mind. Verify that the pet policy meets your needs, budget for pet-related costs, and talk with potential roommates before signing a lease.
Confirm the pet policy works for you
Pet policies are meant to protect landlords from potential financial or physical damages and outline what is expected of renters who live with a pet. Pet policies also explain which pets are allowed and what it costs to keep them in your apartment.
If you have a set budget, a particular breed, or a unique pet, it’s important to review the pet policy of an apartment community you’re considering. Ensuring the pet policy aligns with your lifestyle can help prevent potential lease violations.
Budget for pet deposits and monthly pet rent
One of the most important parts of living with a pet is budgeting. If you plan to live with a dog, cat, or another pet, you will have additional housing costs.
Here is a breakdown of common pet-related apartment expenses:
- Pet rent- Pet rent is a monthly charge that can range from $20 to $100 depending on the apartment. It is charged in addition to a renter’s monthly base rent.
- Pet deposit- A pet deposit is a one-time, refundable upfront payment renters must pay before moving in with a pet. Similar to a security deposit, it helps cover potential pet-related damage.
- Pet fee- A pet fee is a one-time, non-refundable fee paid in addition to other move-in costs. Unlike a pet deposit, a pet fee is typically charged per pet. For example, if the pet fee is $50 per pet and you have two dogs, your total pet fee would be $100.
Talk to roommates about potential pets
If you plan to live with roommates, communicate with them before bringing a pet home. Some people may have allergies, noise concerns, or questions about responsibilities. Talking through expectations early can help everyone avoid misunderstandings and reduce the risk of lease violations.
Find Your Next Pet-Friendly Home on Apartments.com
Whether you’re apartment-hunting by pet amenities or pet policy, Apartments.com can help you find the right pet-friendly apartment. With advanced search filters and Matterport 3D tours, you can narrow your search before visiting a property in person.
Find your next pet-friendly home on Apartments.com today!
FAQs
Can students live with pets in an apartment?
Yes, students can live with pets in apartments that allow their type, breed, size, and number of animals. Students should review the apartment's pet policy before applying or signing a lease.
What should student renters check in a pet policy?
Student renters should check which pets are allowed, breed or weight restrictions, the number of pets permitted, and any required pet rent, deposits, or fees. They should also review rules covering leashes and waste removal.
How much should students budget for apartment costs?
Students may need to budget for monthly pet rent, a refundable pet deposit, or a non-refundable pet fee, depending on the apartment community's policy. Pet rent usually ranges from $20 to $100 per month, depending on the apartment.
