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Austin is consistently ranked as one of the most pet friendly cities in the country for renters. According to research done by Zillow, 80% of rental listings in Austin allow pets. With an abundance of dog parks, pet-friendly patios, and walkable neighborhoods, the city makes it easy to enjoy life alongside your furry companions.
At The Metropolis Apartments in Southeast Austin, we love our furry friends and are here to help you find the perfect home for both you and your pets. In this guide we explore all you need to know about finding pet friendly apartments in Austin.
Want to skip straight to our pet policy? Check out The Metropolis pet policy here.
Before you sign a lease, it’s important to understand the specific pet policies that apartments in Austin may have. While many properties welcome pets, restrictions and requirements can vary significantly.
Most pet-friendly apartments in Austin allow dogs and cats, but some may also permit small caged animals like hamsters, rabbits, or birds. Exotic pets such as reptiles or large birds are less commonly allowed and may require specific landlord approval.
At The Met, we allow dogs, cats that have been neutered or spayed, birds, and other mammals or fish kept in cages or other holders.
Many apartments enforce breed restrictions for dogs, particularly larger or historically “aggressive” breeds, such as Pit Bulls, Rottweilers, Dobermans, and German Shepherds. These policies vary by property and are often influenced by insurance coverage limitations, so it’s best to ask directly before applying.
Here at The Met, we welcome all breeds as long as they have no history of aggression.
Apartments may also have weight limits, especially in multi-story buildings. Common thresholds range from 25 to 75 pounds. Some pet-friendly communities waive weight limits for well-behaved dogs or allow exceptions with a pet interview.
At The Met, we welcome dogs not exceeding 45 pounds in weight, with exceptions for Service and Emotional Support Animals (ESAs) with proper documentation.
Most apartments limit the number of pets per unit, typically to two animals. This includes any combination of cats and dogs. Some properties may allow more with prior approval and increased deposits or fees.
At The Met, each tenant is allowed to have two animals in their apartment, with a limit of three animals of any given species. If you have any questions, please contact our office staff.
Service Animals are not considered pets and are protected under the Fair Housing Act. This means breed, weight, and pet-related fee restrictions do not apply to them. Emotional support animals (ESAs) may also qualify for exemptions but typically require documentation from a licensed healthcare provider.
At The Met, we comply with the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) to permit dogs that qualify as Service Animals. Tenants with Service Animals are required to provide proper documentation to The Met staff upon application.
While Travis County itself does not require pet licensing, the city of Austin requires all dogs and cats over the age of four months to be vaccinated against rabies. Before moving in, be prepared to provide proof of up-to-date vaccinations as part of the lease process. At The Met, you must include evidence of current vaccinations for dogs and cats upon the start of your lease and at the time of renewal.
While we love our furry friends, pets tend to be a bit messier than their human counterparts. Because of this, pet friendly apartment complexes typically charge additional deposits and fees. These costs help cover potential damage or extra cleaning associated with having animals in the unit.
Pet friendly apartments in Austin often require a:
At The Met, we charge a one-time $150 non-refundable pet fee and a refundable $150 pet deposit per pet. All pet fees must be paid upfront during the application process, or when registering a pet with our office staff after the lease starts.
Some landlords may require renters insurance that includes pet liability coverage. This is especially common for tenants with larger dogs. This type of coverage protects you financially if your pet bites someone or damages apartment property.
Finding the right pet-friendly apartment starts with knowing where and how to look. With so many options in Austin, using the right tools and strategies can make all the difference.
Most major apartment search websites, such as Zillow, RentCafe, HotPads, Rent.com, and Realtor.com, include filters that let you sort listings by pet policies. These filters can help you avoid wasting time on listings that don’t accept pets or have strict limitations. Some platforms even allow you to filter by dog- or cat-friendly properties specifically.
Look for communities that go beyond just “allowing” pets. Choosing a community that supports pet ownership often translates to a more enjoyable living experience for both you and your pet. Pet-friendly amenities might include:
Some Austin neighborhoods are especially well-suited for pet owners. Consider areas close to:
Southeast Austin, for example, offers easy access to outdoor spaces, such as the Ann and Roy Butler Hike and Bike Trail and the Mabel Davis District Park, and pet friendly neighborhood spots, such as Neighbors Dog Park & Café, Lou’s Eastside, and Lustre Pearl East. Because of this, Southeast Austin is a favorite among pet owners looking for more room to roam.
Visiting in person can give you a sense of how truly pet friendly a property is. Look for signs like well-maintained pet areas, other visible pets in the community, and welcoming leasing staff. If allowed, bring your pet along for a short visit to observe how they respond to the environment.
Not all pet policies are listed online. When you find a listing you’re interested in, ask about:
If you’re looking for an affordable, artsy, and pet-friendly place to call home, The Metropolis Apartments in Southeast Austin should be on your list.
Located just minutes from downtown, our community welcomes cats, dogs, and other furry companions with open arms. We offer:
At The Met, we believe your pets are part of your family, and we’ve designed our community to reflect that. Be sure to schedule a tour, meet the team, and bring your furry companion along — it might just be the perfect fit.
