Best Austin Apartments for Pet Owners in 2025

Your furry roommate deserves more than just “pet friendly.” In Austin’s competitive rental scene, some buildings go above and beyond to make your dog or cat feel just as at home as you do.

If you’re moving with pets, this blog will help you skip the stress and find apartments that actually work for animal lovers—without surprise fees or strict restrictions.

🐾 What to Look For in a Pet-Friendly Apartment

Before falling in love with a listing, make sure to check:

• Breed restrictions (common with large dogs, pit mixes, and certain shepherds)
• Weight limits (often 50–75 lbs max)
• Monthly pet rent (typically $15–$35 per pet)
• Nonrefundable pet fees ($200–$500 upfront, sometimes per animal)
• Nearby parks or trails (bonus if there’s a fenced dog park on-site)
• Pet washing stations (increasingly common in newer builds)

Some buildings go a step further, offering pet concierge services, treat bars in the lobby, or leash-free dog runs. If you work from home or treat your pet like a child (no shame here), those amenities can make all the difference.

Working with a locator helps you skip the guesswork—we already know which places will welcome your German Shepherd or let your three cats live rent-free.

🏡 Top Pet-Friendly Communities in Austin Right Now

Here are a few standout picks as of June 2025 (based on current listings and resident reviews):

Note: Availability changes weekly, and many communities offer specials for new pet owners—like waived pet rent for the first month. Check with our team for the most current information on move-in specials and pet amenities.

🐕 Hidden Pet Costs You Should Know

Pet-friendly doesn’t always mean budget-friendly. Be aware of these common fees:

• Pet deposit vs. pet fee: A deposit is refundable. A pet fee usually isn’t.
• Breed exceptions: Some buildings offer “case-by-case” approvals but may still deny breeds quietly.
• Pet insurance requirement: Rare, but some properties now request proof of liability coverage.

Additional tip: Some luxury communities quietly charge more rent just because you have pets—without listing it separately. We help you avoid those sneaky markups.

Always ask for a full pet policy in writing before applying.

🐶 Neighborhoods Pets Love (and So Will You)

• Mueller: Walkable, parks galore, trails every few blocks
• Zilker/Barton Hills: Access to Zilker Park, Barton Creek Greenbelt, and off-leash zones
• East Austin: Spacious courtyards, creative layouts, fewer breed restrictions
• South Austin (78745 & 78704): Quieter, fenced yards more common, budget-friendly
• Northwest Hills & Cedar Park: Larger floorplans, pet trails, and easy access to green spaces

When choosing a neighborhood, think beyond the building—does your area have safe sidewalks, shade, and vet clinics nearby? We help you factor in all of it.

🐾 Pet Locator Tip: Not All Listings Tell the Whole Story

Many “pet friendly” listings have:

• Hidden size or breed limits
• Non-refundable $500 fees
• Monthly pet rent that’s buried in the fine print

Location ATX will:

• Filter out strict communities
• Match you with flexible pet policies
• Help you avoid double-paying (like pet rent and pet insurance)
• Find units with ground-floor access or nearby dog parks, if that’s your jam

We’ve helped pet parents with everything from emotional support animal setups to finding places that allow five cats. (Yes, really.)

🧼 Pet Amenities You Didn’t Know You Needed

Here are a few extras that make life easier for pet owners:

• Mudrooms or tile entryways to catch dirt after walks
• Pet doors on balconies for easy outdoor access
• Built-in food and water station drawers
• Dedicated freezer space for raw food diets
• Paw-washing stations near elevators

They’re rare—but they exist. And we know where to find them.

📞 Let’s Find Your Pet-Approved Apartment

Tell us your move date, your must-haves, and your pet situation. We’ll send back a hand-picked list that checks every box—without the stress.

Contact Location ATX now and get moving with the perfect home for you and your fur baby.

We’ll help you:

• Avoid unfair breed restrictions
• Score waived pet rent or deposits
• Find properties that truly welcome pets (not just tolerate them)

🔗 Related Articles

• The Ultimate 2025 Guide to Finding Your Austin Apartment
• Best Austin Apartments for Remote Work
• Hidden Apartment Costs in Austin: What Renters Always Miss