Ranking the Nation’s Most Pet-Friendly Rental Markets

Zillow’s assessment of the most pet-friendly rental markets reveals that Charlotte ranks first, with a whopping 91.6% of its rental listings permitting pets. Providence, RI, and New York follow, exhibiting the lowest proportions of pet-friendly listings among significant markets.

On a national scale, an estimated 77% of rental listings on Zillow accommodate pets. Further, approximately 59% of renter households own a pet, surpassing the number of those with children, and 65% consider pet-friendliness to be “essential” when selecting a rental property.

While over three-quarters of rental listings on Zillow across the United States now permit pets, Charlotte distinguishes itself. Recent Zillow data encompassing the 50 largest metro areas in the U.S. indicates that although pet-friendly rentals have become commonplace nationwide, the availability varies by location. In Charlotte, an impressive 91.6% of listings on Zillow are pet-friendly, whereas in Providence, RI, only 54% of listings offer this amenity, the lowest among major metro areas.

Top 10 metros with the highest share of pet-friendly rentals:

Charlotte leads the pack at 91.6%, closely followed by Austin at 91.5%. Denver also matches Austin with a score of 91.5%, while Dallas stands at 90.6%, Nashville at 90.4%, and Raleigh at 89.7%. The top of the list is dominated by Sunbelt and Mountain West metropolitan areas, where newer and larger apartment complexes have adopted pet-friendly policies as a norm. Completing the top ten are Indianapolis at 89%, Richmond at 88.7%, Kansas City at 88.3%, and Columbus at 88%.

It is not surprising that landlords are increasingly accommodating pets. As indicated by Zillow’s Consumer Housing Trends Report, 59% of renter households own at least one pet, surpassing the number of households with children (37%) or even plants (46%). Specifically, 40% of renters have dogs, while 31% have cats. Furthermore, 65% of all renters consider pet-friendliness to be “essential” when choosing a rental property, an increase from 60% in 2024, with the percentage rising to 73% among those renting single-family homes.

Once renters discover a pet-friendly home, they are likely to remain there. Approximately 62% of long-term renters who did not relocate last year reported that pet-friendly policies influenced their decision to stay, which is positive news for both landlords and their furry residents.

Providence holds the lowest percentage of pet-friendly listings among major metropolitan areas, with only 54%. This is followed by New York at 61%, Buffalo, NY, at 62%, Boston at 63%, and Hartford, CT, also at 63%. Coastal California is similarly behind, with San Francisco at 64%, Los Angeles at 68%, and Riverside, CA, at 69%. Research conducted by Zillow last summer indicated that rentals allowing pets garner greater interest from potential renters, receiving 9% more views, 12% more saves, and 11% more shares compared to listings that prohibit pets. In the New York metro area, these pet-friendly rentals were leased a remarkable 26 days more quickly.

Further, an increasing number of markets are emerging. Over the past year, Salt Lake City experienced a rise of nearly eight percentage points in its pet-friendly share, marking the largest increase among major metro areas. Louisville, KY, saw an increase of 4.6 points, Cleveland 4.5 points, Miami 4.4 points, and Indianapolis 3.9 points, all of which also recorded significant improvements.

To read the full report, click here.