Being a landlord in Seattle means staying in tune with a market full of pet-loving tenants. In fact, nearly 60% of renters own pets—and in a pet-friendly city like Seattle, not allowing them could mean turning away great, long-term residents. But going pet-friendly doesn’t mean sacrificing your property or peace of mind. With smart policies and proactive planning, you can create a welcoming space for renters and their furry companions and increase your income.

Let’s talk about how you can do this right.

Why Go Pet-Friendly?

The rental market is competitive and standing out matters. Pet-friendly properties attract more applicants, reduce vacancy times, and often allow you to charge:

  • Higher rent (Seattle pet owners are often willing to pay more to live in pet-friendly spaces)
  • Pet deposits or non-refundable pet fees
  • Pet rent (monthly surcharge per pet)

Going pet-friendly isn’t just good-hearted—it’s good business. Tenants with pets tend to stay longer, partly because pet-friendly housing options can be limited, making your property more desirable in the long run.

How to Create a Profitable Pet Policy

A great pet policy protects your property and keeps responsible tenants happy. Here are some key elements to include:

1. Define Which Pets Are Allowed

Be specific about:

  • Types of pets (dogs, cats, birds, etc.)
  • Breed or size restrictions (if any)
  • Number of pets allowed per unit

Keep it fair but clear. If you’re unsure, speak to a property management professional to ensure your policy is both market-competitive and compliant with Fair Housing laws.

2. Set Clear Fees

You can protect your property and generate additional income by implementing:

  • Pet deposits: Refundable if no damage is caused.
  • Non-refundable pet fees: For cleaning or maintenance.
  • Monthly pet rent: Typically, $25–$50 per pet.

These fees add up—without increasing your operating costs.

3. Require Pet Screening

Many Seattle landlords now use third-party pet screening services to:

  • Verify pet health records
  • Evaluate pet behavior
  • Confirm tenant responsibility

This helps ensure you’re not dealing with untrained or risky pets.

4. Protect Your Property with Rules

Include pet-related rules in your lease such as:

  • Leash requirements in common areas
  • No pet waste left behind
  • Restrictions on nuisance behaviors (barking, scratching, etc.)

These ground rules set expectations early and give you tools to enforce them.

5. Insurance Considerations

Make sure your insurance policy covers pet-related damage or incidents. Some providers exclude certain breeds or animals, so it’s important to double-check before finalizing your pet policy.

Seattle-Specific Considerations

Seattle is famously pet-friendly—with dog parks, walking trails, and a culture that embraces four-legged friends. Many apartment complexes already welcome pets, so if you don’t, you might fall behind.

But that doesn’t mean going pet-friendly should be reckless. It just means being strategic.

Here at SJA Property Management, we help property owners strike the perfect balance—making your property appealing to pet owners while protecting your investment. We can help you:

  • Draft and enforce strong pet addendums
  • Screen applicants and their pets
  • Recommend the right pet fee structures
  • Stay compliant with local and state regulations

More Pets = More Profit (When Done Right)

Opening your doors to pets doesn’t have to mean opening the floodgates to damage or problems. With a smart, proactive policy in place, it can actually lead to better tenants, longer leases, and higher profits.

Thinking of going pet-friendly but not sure where to start? Let’s help.

Reach out to SJA Property Management today—we’ll help you build a rental strategy that makes tails wag, and your bottom line grow.

Visit sjapm.com or call (425) 658-1946 for a free consultation.

Disclaimer:

The information provided in this article is intended for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, or professional advice. While we strive to ensure accuracy, SJA Property Management makes no warranties regarding the completeness or reliability of the information. For personalized guidance related to your rental property, please consult a licensed professional or reach out to our team directly.