Minneapolis is the most pet-friendly city for renters

February 2024 - Considering the rising cost of living and rents, it’s no surprise that people are starting to accept renting as a long-term option. As a result, renters are seeking properties that will accommodate long-term life choices, such as owning a pet.

SpareRoom analyzed over 51,000 ads across major US cities, comparing those who are open to renting to tenants with pets and those who are not to find the most (and least) pet-friendly cities for renters.

The most pet-friendly cities for renters (incl % of ads that are open to tenants with pets):

1. Minneapolis, MN (40%)
2. Denver, CO (35%)
3. Detroit, MI (34%)
4. Austin, TX (30%)
5. San Antonio, TX (29%)

Four out of ten (40%) properties listed in Minneapolis are pet-friendly, whereas Raleigh, which ranked the lowest, listed only 12% of its properties as pet-friendly. As well as ranking second for most pet-friendly cities, Denver also placed within the top 5 cities for animal lovers, based on SpareRoom data on what over 47,000 roommates listed as their interests across 25 cities.

These are the cities which ranked least pet-friendly for renters (incl % of ads that are open to pets):

1. Raleigh, NC (12%)
2. Atlanta, GA (14%)
3. Boston, MA (14%)
4. Jacksonville, FL (15%)
5. Riverside, CA (16%)

Matt Hutchinson, spokesperson for SpareRoom comments:“Although financial constraints have made achieving milestones like home ownership much harder for many people, postponing other significant life choices, such as becoming a pet-owner, shouldn't be necessary.

Pets are commonly regarded as integral family members and hold significant value in people's lives. By allowing pets in your rental property it not only expands the pool of prospective tenants, but also increases tenant longevity.”

Here’s the full list of cities, ranked most to least pet-friendly (incl % of ads that are open to pets):