PHILADELPHIA, PA — As pet ownership surges nationwide, Philadelphia has emerged as one of the Northeast’s most accommodating major cities for renters with pets — but that welcome comes with a growing set of costs, rules, and economic pressures reshaping the rental market.
A new analysis from RentCafe.com shows that Philadelphia ranks fourth in the Northeast for pet-friendly renting, driven largely by an unusually high share of apartments that allow pets. According to the study, 83% of Philly rentals listed on the platform welcome dogs or cats — a rate surpassed regionally only by Albany and Harrisburg.
The ranking reflects a national shift in how renters navigate housing. With 94 million American households now owning pets — a 15% jump in just two years — landlords have more incentive than ever to open their doors to furry companions. Nationwide, roughly 80% of rental apartments now allow pets, with the highest concentrations in large cities where demand is strongest.
But Philadelphia renters are learning that “pet-friendly” doesn’t necessarily mean “affordable.” The study found that pet owners here pay an average of about $490 annually in pet rent, or roughly $41 per month. That sits slightly below the Northeast regional average but still adds a meaningful monthly surcharge to a city already grappling with rising housing costs.
Pet deposits and fees add another financial layer. In Philadelphia, the combined average deposit and fee totals around $600 — higher than the national average of about $535 — reflecting a market where competition for pet-friendly units remains strong.
Across the U.S., renters typically pay between $34 and $37 per month in pet rent, along with deposits averaging just over $300 and nonrefundable fees averaging $315. Those numbers rise in markets where availability is tight.
While costs remain a barrier, demand continues to surge. Millennials now make up the largest share of pet owners, followed by Gen X and Baby Boomers, and many cite their pets as non-negotiable members of the household. That reality has forced property managers to compete not only on price but amenities — including on-site dog parks, pet washing stations, and even pet spas, which appear in a growing share of listings nationwide.
Restrictions, however, remain part of the picture. Roughly one in five pet-friendly rentals includes limits on species, size, or breed. Dogs face the largest share of restrictions, particularly concerning size and so-called aggressive breeds, while cats tend to encounter lighter rules focused on litterbox training and vaccination requirements.
Importantly, service animals and emotional support animals are exempt from all pet fees and restrictions under federal fair housing laws, a protection that continues to shape how leases are structured across the country.
For Philadelphia renters, the study suggests a mixed landscape — one with strong availability but mounting costs and policies that vary widely by property. As pet ownership continues to climb and landlords adapt to rising demand, the price of keeping a four-legged companion in the city is likely to remain a significant factor in rental decisions.
With nearly 100 million households nationwide now sharing space with a pet, the rental market of 2025 is no longer just about bedrooms and square footage. For many in Philadelphia, it’s about finding a place where their animals are welcomed — and understanding the real cost of that choice.
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