Tips for landing a pet-friendly apartment in Seattle

Pet owners know that finding an apartment that accepts furry friends is of the utmost importance when looking for a new spot to call home. Luckily, Seattleites love their four-legged companions and it shows.

In fact, a 2011 census discovered there were more dogs than children in this city!

As a known stress reliever and health booster, it’s no wonder the locals are voracious pet enthusiasts.

Thanks to a booming population and lots of new developments, there are plenty of excellent options for pet-friendly apartment living, and even some buildings that go so far as to offer unique amenities such as pet spas and private dog parks.

First Steps for Finding a Pet-Friendly Seattle Apartment

Before you start your apartment search, create a profile for the pet, or pets, that you intend to live with.

Ask and answer questions such as how much does your pet shed? Are they very vocal? For dogs, what are the weight and breed, as well as activity requirements? (Are you thinking of adopting a dog? Check out our guide to the easiest breeds for urban living)

Identifying the parameters of your companion will help you isolate the best space for you both. This profile will also help you establish if your furry friend will be approved in a pet-friendly apartment building that has certain requirements about what kinds of pets are allowed.

Make sure you also have their veterinary records on file, in case a leasing office asks for their vaccine history.

Next, compile a shortlist of neighborhoods that you’re interested in. This will help you narrow down the wide selection of buildings that allow pets. Consider proximity to your work or school if those are factors, as well as nearby parks and green spaces.

Finally, assess your budget. Searching for pet-friendly housing narrows your options and often means you’ll be shelling out more in rent and added fees.

Also, decide what you’re willing and comfortable spending before you begin your search, which will help to streamline your selections down the line.

A Shortlist of Pet-Friendly Buildings

Fortunately for all Seattle dwellers, new and native alike, there are a plethora of fantastic pet-friendly apartments all over the city.

That being said, most buildings do have requirements around how they accept those pets, such as a one or two-pet limit or weight restrictions, as well as a pet deposit and even a pet rent fee.

And make sure you understand the rental agreement and the fees associated with having pets and don’t hesitate to ask any questions before you get slapped with a surprise bill!

To help with your search, we’ve compiled a shortlist of apartment buildings in Seattle that have a reputation for being pet-centric to get you started:

The Whittaker

Boasting an enormous indoor/outdoor amenity space, the gorgeous Whittaker apartments in West Seattle are also highly pet-friendly and even offer a pet grooming center on-site.

Their policy allows for up to two with maximum weights of 65 lbs each. There’s pet rent and a deposit.

And keep in mind that the building does have some breed restrictions.

Infinity Apartments

Modern and spacious, Infinity Apartments on bustling Capitol Hill know the importance of your furry friend.

Honoring that, they allow up to two pets per apartment and even a refresh station, along with lots of community amenities, including a fitness studio and rooftop lounge.

Pet rent, deposit, and breed restrictions do apply, so contact the leasing agency for specifics.

ALMI Wallingford

A pet-friendly apartment complex in serene Wallingford, ALMI offers residents an off-leash dog park and pet spa, as well as plenty of other perks such as courtyards, a bike repair center, and a rooftop deck to soak in the view.

Ascent SLU

A contemporary high rise in South Lake Union, Ascent SLU offers pet-friendly apartments with a dog run and pet wash, as well as luxuriously styled spaces highlighting Pacific Northwest design.

Griffis Belltown

Highly pet-focused, this modern apartment building offers perks for up to three pets per resident, such as washes, a pet pals program, regular pet events, as well as a dog park!

Griffis does, however, charge pet rent per animal, along with having specific breed restrictions, so make sure to read the fine print and contact them directly with any questions.

Marlowe SLU

This eco-focused building in South Lake Union shines with beautiful pet-friendly apartments, offering pet amenities such as a doggie relief area and washdown station.

With no weight restrictions, your large pets will be warmly welcomed at Marlowe. Breed restrictions do apply, however, so make sure to request their complete policy.

The Nolo, Downtown

Spitting distance from Century Link Stadium so you never miss a Hawks game, The Nolo boasts two dog runs and a pet spa for your furry friend, as well as other amenities for you such as a fitness studio, theatre, game room, and private courtyard.

The Century

Recognized by the Washington State Multi-Family Housing Association as Downtown Seattle’s Apartment Community of the Year, and pet-friendly to boot!

With a rooftop dog run that offers a stunning view of the Space Needle, The Century is happy to welcome dogs and cats of at least one year old to join the community.

Alley 24

An upscale apartment community in South Lake Union, Alley 24 offers pet-friendly studios, one and two bedroom apartments, lofts, and townhomes. Their policy does outline breed restrictions, as well as deposit and pet rent fees, so make sure to get specifics from the leasing agency.

If you’re in the market for a pet-friendly apartment that comes fully furnished and completely equipped, Blueground has you covered.

You can browse their listings across all the best neighborhoods and buildings in Seattle, easily searchable by the “pets allowed” filter via their user-friendly website.

All in all, these apartments are a no-brainer for pet owners looking for a welcoming and comfortable space for a month or more.

If your pet is a legal service animal, there’s no need to be worried about finding the pet-friendly living. The Tenants Union of Washington State notes that the federal Fair Housing Act requires that service animals be “permitted in all units despite no pets’ rules.

Furthermore, it is unlawful to be charged extra fees or deposits for having a service animal when renting. Check out the Tenants Union for more details regarding service animal laws and regulations for tenants.

Benefits of a Pet-Friendly Apartment, and Things to Do

Pet owners will be overwhelmed by the number of services and amenities the Emerald City has to offer them and their four-legged companions, from luxury to necessity, and everything in between

• Rover and Wag are two fantastic mobile applications to book dog walking, boarding, sitting, and even daycare from vetted sitters in your area
• Dog owners will be delighted by the vast number of quality off-leash dark parks in the city (Check out this official website that offers descriptions of each park, as well as a map)
• Plenty of breweries are pet-friendly so your best friend can partake as you socialize (Cloudbursts’ taproom is a great option right by Pike Place Market, or try Seapine Brewing in SoDo for a laid-back vibe)
• For the conscientious pet parent, Next to Nature offers an extensive array of the best healthy, all-natural treats, food, and accessories

Though there are plenty of pet-friendly options in Seattle, remember that housing is competitive, so make sure to act quickly when you’ve found a spot that fits the bill.

With some patience and planning, you and your best friend will be on your way to finding the perfect apartment to suit your lifestyle in the Queen City of the Pacific Northwest.