Your Ultimate Guide to Finding a Pet-Friendly Apartment

Welcome, pet parents!

If you're on the hunt for a new apartment that welcomes both you and your pet with open arms, you've come to the right place. As a pet owner, you understand that your pet isn't just a pet—they're family. That's why finding a pet-friendly and pet-inclusive place is key for your whole family to thrive. In this guide, we walk you through everything you need to know to ensure you and your furry family member find the perfect place to call home!

Find a Pet-Friendly Neighborhood

When it comes to choosing a pet-friendly apartment, location is so important. Look for neighborhoods with plenty of green spaces, parks, and walking trails where you and your pet can stretch your legs and enjoy the outdoors together. It's also important to consider the location of pet-friendly places such as stores, restaurant patios, or breweries so your furry friend's can explore the community with you!

Embrace First-Floor Living

For pet owners, first-floor living offers convenience and accessibility. No more lugging heavy bags of pet food up flights of stairs! Raising a puppy? That 3 AM potty break won't be half as bad when you can both just walk out the patio door! Plus, it's easier for older or disabled pets who may have trouble tackling stairs every day.

Live Where There Are Pet Amenities

When searching for your next home, look for buildings that cater to your pet's needs with on-site pet parks, wash/grooming stations, and pet waste disposal. These amenities make life easier for you and ensure your pet feels right at home.

Know the Pet Policies, Rent, and Fees

Before signing a lease, make sure you understand the apartment's pet policies and any associated fees. Does the apartment have breed or weight restrictions? What about for multiple pets? Make sure you get this information up front, as well as any additional deposits or monthly pet rent you need to be aware of.

Look at Apartment Layout and Features

Consider the layout of the apartment from your pet's perspective. If you can, choose an apartment with pet-friendly flooring that's easy to clean. Make sure there's enough space for your pet to move around freely, and if you have a balcony or patio, ensure it's safe and secure for your furry family member.

Research Nearby Vet Care

Having access to quality veterinary care nearby is essential for pet owners. Research veterinary clinics or emergency pet hospitals near the apartments you're looking at, and consider factors such as reputation, reviews, and the availability of pet insurance options.

Choosing a pet-friendly apartment is an important decision that requires thoughtful consideration. By using this guide, you can find a home where your pet can thrive alongside you. Happy apartment hunting!

Collective offers a variety of pet-friendly apartments in all our communities. Click here to take a look !

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Meet Sydney Schultz: Turning Experience Into Opportunity

By - - • February 4, 2026

For Sydney Schultz, no two days in property management ever look the same. That’s exactly how she likes it. “Every day is different. It’s full of surprises,” she says. “The best part is the direct contact with residents. That’s how you build relationships and build real community.” Sydney joined Collective in May 2021 and has steadily grown within the company through hands-on experience, curiosity, and a commitment to learning. Sydney’s path to property management began at NDSU, where she studied management communication with a minor in tourism and hospitality. While still a student, she launched her career in the industry as a community assistant in student housing at The Bridges. That early role sharpened her interpersonal communication skills and confirmed she thrives in fast-moving, people-centered environments. Since August 2025, Sydney has helped co-manage Dakota Park Apartments in South Fargo. As one of the largest communities in the portfolio, communication and organization are everything. “This position fits how I like to operate,” she says. “I’m detail-oriented and organized. I care about standards and doing things the right way. Every experience is an opportunity to learn something.” Sydney’s mindset proved to be exactly what was needed during a recent two-week re-keying project at Dakota Park . With 419 units, common areas, garages, and entrances, the project was a massive logistical effort that required tight coordination with residents and vendors. “I was seeing keys in my dreams,” she laughs. “But seeing everything come together was incredibly rewarding.” Even on mornings that start with water leaks, sewer gas concerns, or unexpected maintenance issues, Sydney keeps her focus on what matters most: residents. She’s especially proud of creating personalized move-in gifts that help residents feel at home from day one. Small details, she says, make a big difference. “I genuinely care about resident retention. I want people to love where they live and stay with us as long as possible.” Sydney believes great teams are what make difficult days manageable. “A strong team is vital in this job. I think of myself as a mentor more than a manager. When people support each other, we’re able to create better experiences for residents.” That team-first mindset is one reason she’s stepping into her next chapter at Collective as an Operations Support Specialist. Sydney sees the transition as another opportunity to grow. “I’m excited to keep learning,” she says. “Especially working with our other regions and pursuing certifications in Montana and South Dakota. I want to become fully certified in property management.” Outside of work, travel is Sydney’s reset button. She and her husband, Austin, make it a point to take an annual trip together, often returning to places that shaped her early life growing up in the Mountain West. Her favorite trips include spots like Glacier National Park and Yellowstone. Yellowstone is particularly special as it’s where her husband proposed. In the end, the culture is what keeps her here at Collective. “A good team makes even a bad day here better than a good day anywhere else.”