For many Australians, pets aren’t just companions, they’re part of the family. As renting becomes a longer-term lifestyle choice, the demand for pet-friendly apartments has never been higher. From energetic dogs to curious cats and all furry friends in between, today’s renters want homes that support their lifestyle and wellbeing – as well as that of their pets.
The good news? Modern pet-friendly apartments are designed with this in mind. Build to Rent communities, like Indi, that welcome you and your furry friends*, increasingly recognise that happy pets mean happier residents, stronger communities, and more stable long-term living.
Whether you already share your apartment with an animal friend, or you’re planning to welcome one soon – here are 12 practical tips to help your pets thrive in apartment living.
1. Choose a home designed for pets – and the people who love them
Not all rentals are created equal. True pet-friendly apartments go beyond simply allowing animals – they’re specifically designed to support them!
The best thing to do is to look for buildings and apartments that offer:
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Durable, easy-to-clean flooring
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Pet-friendly outdoor spaces
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Pet waste stations and pet washing bays
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Clear, fair pet policies
These features (all of which are part of life at Indi) can help lower stress for both renters and their animals, making daily life easier and more enjoyable for everyone.
2. Create a dedicated pet zone
Even in a smaller apartment, giving your pet a defined space helps them feel safe and settled. Like humans, pets like to have a space specially designed for them. A simple corner with a bed, toys, and food bowls creates a sense of routine and belonging.
In pet-friendly apartments, this zone becomes your pet’s retreat and somewhere they can relax, while the rest of the apartment stays calm and organised.
3. Choose furniture that stands up to paws and claws
Modern apartment living and pets can coexist beautifully when you are intentional about your furniture and material choices. The right pieces not only need to suit your personal style, but stand up to the realities of life with pets. While the specific furniture and material types will depend on your pet (and your taste!), features like washable covers, scratch-resistant fabrics, and easy-to-clean rugs can make a big difference.
Choosing the right furniture will keep your pet-friendly apartment looking good, while letting your pet enjoy the space.
4. Turn outdoor spaces into a pet-friendly retreat
It is important that your apartment supports your pets’ wellbeing, just as much as your own. While our full apartment wellness guide explores this in more detail, a good place to start is recognising the value of outdoor access and spaces. Balconies, courtyards, and rooftop gardens can make a huge difference in pet-friendly apartment living.
Even relaxed indoor pets benefit from fresh air and natural light. Consider simple additions, taking into account your apartment layout, such as:
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Open windows to promote airflow
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Outdoor mats or turf
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Shaded areas
These small upgrades can transform outdoor spaces into enriching environments for pets, giving them a daily change of scenery.
5. Support your pet’s wellbeing with a daily movement routine
One of the most common concerns with apartment pets is getting enough exercise. While every pet’s needs are different, living in a pet-friendly apartment can make it much easier to build movement into their day.
Look for buildings with access to nearby parks, walking trails, or dog-friendly spaces. Some communities even offer onsite pet runs or nearby green spaces such as Indi Southbank and Indi Footscray.
6. Make grooming simple
Hair, muddy paws, and shedding are part of life with pets. Fortunately, many modern pet-friendly apartments include washing stations or outdoor taps designed specifically for cleaning pets before they come back inside.
At home, it’s also handy to keep a small grooming kit handy so maintenance becomes a quick habit rather than a chore.
7. Connect with other pet owners
One of the biggest advantages of pet-friendly apartments is the community they create. Neighbours with pets naturally connect, whether it’s in shared spaces, lifts, or walking areas. This can also be a great addition to your overall wellness routine, or a great way to bring more balance to your work-from-home days.
These small interactions make pets and their owners feel more connected, strengthening the sense of community within apartment living.
8. Keep your pet entertained
In pet-friendly apartments, the space itself plays a big role in keeping pets engaged throughout the day. Simple environmental choices, such as allowing clear sightlines, placing furniture near windows, or creating access to different areas of the apartment, can add variety to an otherwise compact space.
Balconies, window views, and shared outlooks provide natural stimulation, while throwing in some toys and puzzle feeders will help your pet feel entertained and right at home.
9. Reduce clutter with smart storage solutions
A tidy apartment is a calmer environment for pets – as well as their owners! Store leashes, toys, and grooming supplies neatly so your space feels organised and safe.
Fortunately, modern pet-friendly apartments are often designed with storage in mind, making it easier to keep everything in its place.
10. Be a good neighbour
Living in a pet-friendly apartment building means sharing common areas with other residents, so it’s important to be considerate of how your pet interacts with your Build to Rent community. Training, regular exercise, and consistent routines can help prevent issues like excessive barking or scratching. And simple habits – like cleaning up after your pet – go a long way in keeping shared spaces pleasant.
When pets are well-supported and well-managed, they contribute to a more harmonious apartment community.
11. Prioritise health and vet care
Finally, it’s important to be proactive when it comes to caring for your pet. That means keeping on top of regular vet visits, vaccinations, and parasite prevention –all are essential for pets in any environment, but especially in shared living spaces.
Keeping your pet healthy protects not just them, but the wider pet-friendly apartment community as well.
The rise of pet-friendly apartments
As more Australians choose Build to Rent for long-term living, it’s becoming clear to everyone involved in designing, managing and maintaining the buildings and apartments that pets are an essential part of modern life. At Indi, our experience reflects this shift: pet-friendly apartments can help to create more vibrant, connected communities.
That’s why we believe apartment living should never limit pet ownership. With thoughtful design, supportive communities, and a few daily smart habits, Indi’s pet-friendly apartments* and building amenities can offer everything pets and their people need to thrive.
From quiet nooks and green spaces to opportunities for social connection and flexible, well-designed layouts, Indi’s modern pet-friendly living makes it possible to enjoy both city life and the companionship of your animal family.
When your home is purpose-built for all its renters, including the furry ones, everyone benefits.
*Pets are subject to approval.
