For many renters, home isn’t just about personal comfort—it’s about creating a space that suits their pets as well. Gone are the days of simply finding an apartment that allows animals. Now, renters are actively designing their living spaces with their furry companions in mind. In fact, 69% of renters consider their pets when making design decisions, per the Rently 2025 Apartment Design & Decor Trends Report, underscoring just how integrated animals have become in modern home life.
Pet-Friendly Living Is a Priority for Renters
As more people embrace pet ownership, apartment design is evolving to reflect their needs. Renters aren’t just looking for homes that allow pets; they’re making interior design choices that enhance their pets' comfort, safety, and well-being. This trend is influencing everything from furniture selection to layout modifications, with pet-safe materials and thoughtfully designed pet zones becoming increasingly common.
Multifunctional furniture is a key part of this trend. Built-in pet beds that blend into cabinetry, feeding stations incorporated into kitchen layouts, and shelving that doubles as cat perches allow renters to meet their pets’ needs without sacrificing aesthetics. These choices suit a home that serves both human and animal comfortably—and cohesively.
Safety is also top of mind. Renters are investing in pet-proofed decor that reduces hazards, such as furniture with rounded edges to prevent injury and window treatments that eliminate cords pets could get tangled in. These intentional choices allow pets to roam freely without the risk of accidents, enhancing the experience for everyone.
Design Meets Functionality for Furry Friends
Pet-friendly design isn’t just about creating designated spaces for pets—it’s about making the entire home functional for both humans and animals. Renters are being more thoughtful about the materials they choose, favoring options that are durable, easy to clean, and resistant to pet-related wear and tear.
Scratch-resistant fabrics like microfiber and leather alternatives are gaining popularity, helping minimize wear from claws and fur. Many renters are swapping carpet for hardwood or luxury vinyl flooring, which is easier to clean and less likely to trap pet hair or odors. Area rugs made from stain-resistant materials also help preserve a polished look without sacrificing practicality.
The addition of non-toxic plants is another design trend driven by pet owners. While houseplants are a popular way to bring nature indoors, renters are paying closer attention to which varieties are safe for their pets. Instead of lilies and pothos, which can be toxic to cats and dogs, many are choosing pet-friendly options like spider plants, Boston ferns, and parlor palms.
Meanwhile, pet accessories are getting a design upgrade. Bulky crates and plastic beds are being replaced with elevated feeders, sleek litter box enclosures, and dual-purpose furniture that doubles as pet hideaways. These elevated design choices allow renters to maintain a cohesive aesthetic while still meeting their pets’ daily needs.
The Rental Market Is Responding
As renters demand more pet-friendly living options, landlords and property managers are adapting. Increasingly, apartment communities are offering amenities tailored to pet owners—not just permitting pets, but enhancing the pet-owning experience.
Features like outdoor relief areas, dog-washing stations, and even pet concierge services are becoming standard in pet-forward developments. These amenities add convenience for renters and create a sense of community among pet owners.
Many landlords are also adjusting their policies to attract responsible pet owners. In addition to relaxing breed and weight restrictions, some property managers are offering more flexible terms to renters with well-behaved animals.
This approach benefits landlords as much as renters. Pet-friendly properties tend to attract long-term renters, as moving with a pet can be complicated and costly. By offering inclusive policies and thoughtful amenities, landlords can boost satisfaction, reduce turnover, and appeal to a broader tenant base.
Pets Are Now a Central Part of Home Design
In 2025, renters aren’t just making their apartments feel like home—they’re ensuring their pets feel at home, too. The rise of pet-friendly interior design reflects a broader cultural shift where pets are seen as true family members. Apartment living has evolved from simply accommodating pets to thoughtfully designing for them.
As this trend gains momentum, renters will continue to seek innovative ways to integrate their pets into their living spaces. Landlords and designers alike will adapt in response, offering solutions that blend durability, aesthetics, and functionality. Whether through pet-friendly furnishings, flexible policies, or intuitive layouts, the future of rental living is unmistakably pet-centric—and it’s here to stay.
