Texas Ranks High for Pet-Friendly Rentals, Zillow Report Reveals

Finding a rental that welcomes furry companions can be a challenge for many Americans — but not in Texas. According to a new Zillow analysis of 11 million rental listings, three Texas cities top the list for most pet-friendly rental markets in the U.S.

Why It Matters

• Nearly 6 in 10 renters now have pets, up from 46% before the pandemic.
• Pet restrictions are a major factor in rental decisions, with nearly half of pet owners having skipped a listing that didn’t allow animals.
• For landlords, allowing pets can increase listing views and reduce time on the market.

Key Findings

• Nationwide, 57% of rental listings were marked as pet-friendly last year.
• Austin (80%), Dallas (79%), and San Antonio (78%) had the highest percentage of pet-friendly listings among major U.S. metros.
• Houston stood out as a notable exception, ranking last among major cities with just 38% of listings allowing pets.

Top 10 Cities for Pet-Friendly Rentals on Zillow in 2024

1. Austin, Texas – 80%
2. Dallas, Texas – 79%
3. San Antonio, Texas – 78%
4. Denver, Colorado – 77%
5. Nashville, Tennessee – 77%
6. Kansas City, Missouri – 76%
7. Oklahoma City, Oklahoma – 72%
8. Charlotte, North Carolina – 72%
9. Raleigh, North Carolina – 72%
10. Jacksonville, Florida and Tampa, Florida – 70% each

Cities with the Lowest Share of Pet-Friendly Listings

• Houston, Texas – 38%
• Providence, Rhode Island – 43%
• Hartford, Connecticut – 43%
• San Jose, California – 44%

Rental Speed Advantage in Pet-Friendly Markets

• In New York City, pet-friendly listings rented 26 days faster on average than non-pet listings — the biggest margin nationwide.
• Other cities with notable speed gaps:
  • Tampa, Florida – 16 days faster
  • Columbus, Ohio – 12 days faster
  • Phoenix, Arizona – 11 days faster

Expert Insight

“In a market where renters have more options, allowing pets can make the difference in finding a tenant quickly,” said Emily McDonald, Zillow rental trends expert.

Conclusion

As more Americans adopt pets and prioritize pet-friendly housing, landlords and property managers may find greater success by accommodating animal owners — particularly in competitive markets where speed and exposure matter.