As the saying goes, everything is bigger in Texas – including the love Austinites have for their four-legged friends! Austin is consistently ranked one of the most dog-friendly cities in the nation and for good measure. Even Pterry sells hamburgers by the patty in the drive through for your little friend! With lush greenbelts, hiking trails, and the refreshing waters of Lady Bird Lake, it’s no wonder that Austin offers plenty of outdoor spaces for you and your pup to explore together.
However, when it comes to finding an apartment in Austin that allows dogs, especially large breeds or multiple pets, the search can be ruff. If you’ve struggled to locate pet-friendly properties with fewer restrictions on size and number of dogs, this blog post is for you! We’ll cover which Austin apartments accept large dogs, apartments that have no breed restrictions, and allow 3 or more dogs so you and your pack can live happily together.
Why It’s Important to Find Dog-Friendly Housing
For many pet owners, our dogs are part of the family. When looking for a new apartment, we want to find a space that’s dog friendly and may include a dog park, walking trails and other features that welcomes the whole family – including our furry friends. Apartments in Austin with pet restrictions based on weight, size or breed can make us choose between a home and our beloved companions – a difficult situation no dog parent wants to face.
Thankfully, Austin has many pet-friendly apartment communities catering to dog owners. Finding apartments that allows multiple pets, large breeds, and has no breed restrictions enables dog owners to keep their dog knowing they are well received at the community they are living in. This in turn leads to less stress, happier pups, and a more joyful experience for pet and owner!
Austin Apartments Accepting Multiple Dogs
For those with multi-dog households, finding an Austin rental property that allows 3 or more dogs can be tricky. Many apartments only allow 2 pets maximum in addition to pet deposits and pet rent. A handful of dog-loving Austin properties have no limit on the number of dogs you can bring with you.
Some great pet-friendly options that allow up to 3 dogs we can schedule tours for:
NE Austin
As you can see, Austin has solid options when seeking dog friendly apartments that allow up to 3 dogs. You might be asked to pay a little extra in rent and deposits for more dogs, but rest easy knowing your whole pack can stick together.
Finding Housing for Large Breed Dogs
For pet parents of big dogs, finding an Austin apartment that doesn’t have size restrictions can pose a challenge. Additionally you may want to consider searching for a 1st floor apartment so it’s easy to get your dog out without taking so many stairs. Many complexes place 50lb weight limits on pets or ban certain large breeds while some may allow weight limits up to 75lbs. No matter how big or small your dog is, we have the inside scoop on the best large dog-friendly apartments in Austin for your oversized best friend. A few of the many apartments we know that might be a good fit for you and your dog include:
- Walnut Creek Apartment Homes – No weight limit on dogs so giant breeds welcome. Lots of trails and open spaces surrounding the complex.
- La Vista de Guadalupe – No size limits on dogs. Even extra-large breeds like Great Danes welcome in their spacious flats.
- Gables West Avenue – Features a “Big Dogs Allowed” section with no size restrictions on pets. 2 bedroom apartments begin at $1,760.
As you search for a dog friendly apartments in Austin, keep these large breed friendly properties on your list if you have a bigger pup or contact us for a hyper-personalized list of apartments that match your other needs and wants. Just remember – we don’t bite! Searching on your own or big apartment websites may seem like a good idea be careful knowing that many apartment may advertise as “pet friendly” however it’s important to make sure and double check any size or weight limits before applying so you don’t loose your application or admin fee.
Avoiding Apartments in Austin with Breed Restrictions
Certain dog breeds often face discrimination when apartment hunting in Austin due to breed stereotypes amongst multifamily property owners. Many apartments and rental properties place specific breed restrictions for dogs, aimed at ensuring the safety and well-being of residents and their pets regardless of any dog traning you may have done. While the breed restrictions can vary depending on the property management company and location, some of the most common breeds restricted by apartments are listed below.
Apartment Expert Tip: by law breed restrictions cannot apply to service/assistance animals or emotional support dogs prescribed by a medical professional for a disability-related need so if you need a referreal let us know!
Common Breed Restrictions Include:
- Pit Bulls: Pit Bull Terriers, including American Pit Bull Terriers, American Staffordshire Terriers, and Staffordshire Bull Terriers, are commonly restricted in many apartments due to their reputation for being strong and potentially aggressive dogs. Some properties may have restrictions based on the perception of these breeds as being more prone to aggressive behavior.
- Rottweilers: Rottweilers are another breed that is frequently restricted in apartments due to their size, protective instincts, and perceived guarding tendencies. While individual Rottweilers can be friendly and well-behaved pets, their strong physical presence and protective nature can lead to restrictions in rental properties.
- German Shepherds: German Shepherds are known for their intelligence, loyalty, and versatility, but they are also on the list of commonly restricted breeds in apartments. Their size, strength, and protective instincts can be a concern for property managers, leading to restrictions for this breed in rental communities.
- Doberman Pinschers: Doberman Pinschers are often subject to breed restrictions in apartments due to their history as guard dogs and their perceived potential for protective behavior. While Dobermans can be affectionate companions, their reputation as guard dogs may lead to restrictions in rental properties.
- Huskies and Malamutes: Breeds such as Siberian Huskies and Alaskan Malamutes, known for their beautiful eyes, energy, independence, and sometimes high prey drive, are also commonly restricted in apartments. Their need for exercise and tendency to be vocal can pose challenges in apartment living environments.
- Great Danes: Great Danes are gentle giants known for their friendly and loving nature, but their large size and potential for accidental knocks or bumps can lead to breed restrictions in apartments. Due to their size and strength, Great Danes may be restricted in rental properties that have limitations on large breeds.
- Akitas: Akitas are known for their loyalty and protective instincts, making them excellent guard dogs and companions. However, their strong-willed nature and tendency to be reserved around strangers can lead to breed restrictions in apartments. Some properties may restrict Akitas due to their reputation for territorial behavior and potential aggression toward unfamiliar individuals or animals.
- Bulldogs: Bulldogs, including English Bulldogs and French Bulldogs, are popular breeds known for their affectionate and gentle demeanor. However, their brachycephalic (short-nosed) facial structure can lead to health issues and concerns, which may result in breed restrictions in apartments. Additionally, Bulldogs’ strong jaws and tendency to chew on objects can be a consideration for property managers when implementing breed restrictions.
To avoid breed bans for your dog, consider getting them certified as an emotional support animal (ESA) by a licensed mental health professional or medical doctor. While you might be includes to buy an online certification the smart apartment communities are onto this and must obtain certification directly from the provider so while it may have worked in the past, that’s not the case anymore. In order to obtain an emotional support animal certification ESAs must alleviate symptoms related to your disability – evidence often required by apartments granting ESA status waiving their breed rules. Alternatively, if your dog performs specific trained tasks to aid your disability (like guide work for the blind) they qualify as a full service dog. The ADA protects service dogs’ access rights to all public places, overriding any breed prohibitions.
By taking the necessary steps to get your dog certified as an ESA or service animal with proper documentation, you can bypass restrictive pet policies. This opens more Austin rental options to you regardless of your dog’s breed or size! If you don’t already have a doctor in mind please consider utilizing our apartment locating services to find a place for you and Sparky. As part of our free apartment locating service, we’ll happily recommend you to a health professional to assist with your ESA.
Start Your Austin Apartment Search Today!
As one of America’s most dog-friendly cities, Austin offers many pet-friendly living options welcoming multiple, large, or misunderstood breeds. By focusing your search on complexes without limits on the number of dogs, size restrictions, or discriminatory breed policies, you can find an ideal home for you and your furry family.
Remember to keep handy any ESA letters or service dog certificates if needed to overcome breed bans. Taking these steps means more Austin rentals with become available so your beloved pup can stay by your side.
Let our list of the most dog-friendly Austin apartments be your guide to locating the perfect place and if you have been denied with a dog breed restriction in the past, don’t let that stop you from contacting your trusted apartment locator in Austin for recommendations on apartments in Austin that accept pit bulls, rottweilters, huskies, dobermans, akita, terriers, bulldogs and more.
Don’t wait – start your search for dog friendly apartments in Austin and find your fur-ever home today!
