SEATTLE, WA — Landlords looking to fill vacancies more quickly may want to consider welcoming furry tenants. A new analysis by Zillow of more than 11 million rental listings from 2023 shows that pet-friendly rentals lease eight days faster on average and receive significantly more online engagement.
As pet ownership among renters has surged—rising to 58% in 2023 from 46% in 2019—properties that allow animals have become highly sought after. Nearly half of renters reported they had skipped over listings that didn’t accommodate pets, signaling a strong preference in today’s market.
“Allowing pets can be a strategic edge for landlords competing to fill units,” said Emily McDonald, Zillow rental trends expert. “Today’s renters are more established and more likely to have a pet, and we clearly see that pet-friendly rentals attract more interest on Zillow. In a market where renters have more options, allowing pets can make the difference in finding a tenant quickly.”
According to Zillow, pet-friendly listings received 9% more views, 12% more saves, and 11% more shares than listings that excluded pets. This greater visibility often translates to quicker lease agreements.
Regionally, Texas stood out as a leader in pet-friendly offerings. Austin led all major U.S. metros with 80% of listings allowing pets, followed closely by Dallas (79%) and San Antonio (78%). Conversely, Houston reported the smallest share among large cities, with only 38% of rentals permitting pets. Other markets with low shares included Providence (43%), Hartford (43%), and San Jose (44%).
In New York City, the impact of pet-friendliness on leasing speed was especially pronounced. Pet-friendly rentals there were leased an average of 26 days faster than those that did not allow pets—the largest gap of any market. Similar trends were noted in Tampa (16 days faster), Columbus (12 days), Phoenix (11 days), Cincinnati (10 days), and Austin (10 days).
The study highlights a clear shift in renter priorities as demographics evolve. With more renters settling into long-term leases and viewing their pets as family members, landlords embracing pet-friendly policies may see tangible benefits in both speed and tenant interest.
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