Before I brought Sugar home, I knew nothing about pet rent. In fact, I never even considered it. So, in this blog post we’re discussing how to budget for pet rent and ensure that it doesn’t break the bank.
WHAT IS PET RENT & WHY IT EXISTS?
Pet rent is a monthly fee that landlords charge tenants who own pets, typically dogs or cats. Unlike a deposit, which is a one-time payment to cover potential damages, pet rent is an ongoing charge. It’s designed to compensate landlords for the additional wear and tear that pets may cause to the property. Landlords charge pet rent because of the following:
Maintenance Costs – Pets can contribute to additional maintenance costs, such as wear on carpets, scratches on doors, or odors that may require special cleaning. Like the time Sugar chewed a hole in the carpet because she was teething.
Increased Liability – Having pets on the property can increase liability for landlords, particularly in cases where pets might cause damage to the property or injury to other tenants.
Market Trends – In some areas, pet rent has become a standard practice as more tenants choose to have pets. It allows landlords to offset the costs associated with being pet friendly. Some additional pet-friendly amenities may include private dog parks for residents and their pets in the complex, pet-friendly gatherings for neighbors, etc.
HOW MUCH IS PET RENT?
Pet rent can vary depending on several factors. In my apartment, I paid $25 per month. On average, pet rent can range from $25 to $75 per pet. There are several factors that influence the cost. Here are four common factors.
Location – Urban areas or regions with high demand for rental properties often have higher fees. For example, renting in a major city like New York or San Francisco will likely come with higher fees compared to smaller towns.
Property Type – Luxury apartments or properties with upscale amenities may charge higher pet rent due to the perceived value of the property. This includes the size of the apartment or property. For instance, a one-bedroom apartment may have a different pet rental fee than a three-bedroom townhome.
Dog Size and Breed – Some landlords charge more for larger dogs or certain breeds that are considered more likely to cause damage.
Local Laws & Ordinances – Local laws and ordinances concerning rental fees may impact the cost of a properties pet rent. Laws such as Fair Housing and Rent Control can also determine the fees in a property.
It’s important to research your area whenever you’re assessing pet rental fees. Look at rental listings in your area to get an idea of the average cost in your area. This can help you budget accordingly before you sign a lease. If you’re already living in a property, this can also help you budget your expenses prior to getting a dog.
Some landlords may even offer discounts on pet rent for multiple pets or if you have a smaller breed that is less likely to cause damage.
BUDGETING FOR PET RENT
Pet rent is an ongoing expense. And just like that rent bill, it comes once a month without fail. So, it’s important to plan for it like you would for any other monthly expense when you’re mapping out your budget. Here are some budgeting tips to help you get started.
Create a Pet-Specific Savings Fund – Set up a dedicated savings account or allocate a portion of your budget specifically for pet-related expenses, including pet rent. Automate monthly transfers into this fund so that the pet rent is covered without disrupting other parts of your budget. For example, if your pet rent is $50 a month, aim to transfer that amount automatically at the start of each month.
Cut Back on Non-Essential Spending – Review your monthly expenses and identify areas where you can cut back to allocate funds for pet rent. This could mean reducing your dining out budget, subscription services, or entertainment expenses. Use the money saved to cover pet rent, making it a priority in your budgeting.
Leverage Credit Card Rewards or Cash Back – If you have a credit card that offers rewards or cash back, check your current points or cash back balance. You may be able to redeem them for a statement credit, which can free up cash to cover your pet rent. This is my favorite because it allows you to use resources you already have without adjusting your spending immediately.
NEGOTIATING PET RENT
Although pet rent is usually non-negotiable, there may be times where you can negotiate a lower fee. Here are a few tips to help you negotiate.
Highlight Your Dog’s Good Behavior – If your dog is well-behaved, house-trained, and has a history of causing no damage to previous properties, use this to your advantage. Provide references from previous landlords or offer to introduce your dog to the landlord to demonstrate their temperament.
Offer to Pay a Higher Deposit – Some landlords might be willing to reduce or waive pet rent in exchange for a higher security deposit. This gives them added security while lowering your monthly expenses.
Agree to Regular Inspections – Suggest regular property inspections to reassure your landlord that your dog isn’t causing damage. This can build trust and potentially lead to a reduction in pet rent.
Consider Signing a Longer Lease – If you’re comfortable with a longer lease term, offer this in exchange for lower pet rent. Landlords often prefer longer leases as they provide more stability.
OTHER RENTAL CONSIDERATIONS WITH PETS
When creating your financial plan, it’s important to look at all the costs that may impact the rent you’re currently or will be paying as a dog mom.
Budget for Initial Pet Setup Costs – In addition to pet rent, you’ll need to account for the upfront costs of getting a dog. This includes essentials like food bowls, bedding, leashes, crates, and toys. These can add up quickly, so it’s important to budget for these one-time purchases. Also, check if there’s a one-time non-refundable pet deposit or a refundable deposit for potential damages.
Vet Visits and Healthcare – Whether you’re moving or not, owning a dog adds regular costs for vet visits, vaccinations, and preventative care (flea, tick, and heartworm medications). These are essential for maintaining your dog’s health and should be planned for alongside pet rent.
Increased Utility Costs – If you’re spending more time at home or adjusting the temperature to keep your dog comfortable, you may see a slight increase in your utility bills. This could be due to running the air conditioner or heating more frequently.
Damage and Repair Costs – Even in a pet-friendly apartment, your dog might cause damage such as chewing furniture, scratching floors, or having accidents. It’s wise to budget for potential repair costs or cleaning fees beyond the pet rent and deposit.
Pet-Friendly Apartment Rules – Some apartments have specific rules for pets, like breed restrictions, limits on the number of pets, or additional fees for certain amenities (e.g., access to a dog park). Make sure you fully understand the policies so you can budget accordingly.
Long-Term Apartment Considerations – If you anticipate staying in your apartment long-term, evaluate whether the pet rent is sustainable for your budget over time. Consider how the combined costs of pet rent, care, and maintenance may impact your future financial goals.
HOLIDAY CONSIDERATIONS FOR NEW DOG MOMS
Holiday season is a popular time for people to add a dog to their family. However, it’s crucial to think about the financial aspects of dog mommyhood before you bring a dog home. This will help you avoid financial strain thereby helping you avoid not being able to care for your new dog.
Budget for It in Advance – If you’re planning to add a dog to your family during the holidays, factor in pet rent as part of the cost of ownership. Ensure that the recipient is aware of this ongoing expense.
Plan for the Holidays – The holiday season can be an expensive time of year, and adding a new pet to your household can increase these costs. Be prepared to cover not just pet rent but also the initial expenses of pet ownership, such as pet deposits, supplies, and veterinary visits.
Wait Until Holidays are Over – To avoid financial stress, consider waiting until after the holidays to adopt a pet. This allows you to budget and plan for the additional expenses without the added pressure of holiday spending.
PET RENT IS REAL
So, it’s important to include it in your budget. By understanding what pet rent is, how much it costs, and how to budget for it, you can avoid financial stress and ensure that you and your dog have a happy and stable home. Whether you’re negotiating with your landlord, budgeting for the holidays, or simply looking for ways to save, this guide has you covered.
We’d love to hear your pupcake story. How do you plan for pet rent? Stay connected and share your pupcake stories with us @pupcakesugar.
Also, check out our pupcake eBook, Yappy Hour: Living in My Love Language with 15 Mocktail Inspired Pupcake Recipes for your Dog. This eBook includes the recipe for these Honey Bee Noir Pupcakes as well as 14 other mocktail inspired recipes you can try at home with your dog.
You’ll also get a chance to step into Sugar’s world. I love my dog, Sugar, and her daily shenanigans make me laugh. So, I created an illustrated character inspired by her and her love of pupcakes. Sugar’s character is a “pupcakepreneur” that owns and operates her own pupcakery called Pupcake Sugar. It’s a tongue twister, but it’s amazing what you can create when you let your imagination lead the way.
Also, sign up for the Pupcake Sugar mailing list to get Sugar’s favorite birthday pupcake recipe to try at home with your dog. It’s great for dog moms who are new to baking dog treats.
