Austin is one of the most dog-loving cities in the country, but finding a rental that works for both you and your pet isn't always easy. Size limits, a lack of outdoor space and cramped layouts can make many rentals a tough fit for pet owners.

Here's what to look for in a pet-friendly rental, plus a few tips for keeping your dog happy and healthy in Austin.

What to Look for in a Pet-Friendly Rental

A Private Yard

Shared dog runs are nice, but nothing beats being able to open the back door and let your dog out. A private fenced yard makes early-morning and late-night potty breaks easier and gives your dog a safe place to play.

Every home at The Anderson Townhomes includes a private fenced backyard, which is one of the reasons pet owners love living here.

Room to Move Inside

Dogs (and cats) do better with space. A larger layout gives your pet room for a crate, bed and toys without taking over your living room. Hard-surface flooring is also a plus, since it's easier to clean than carpet.

A Clear Pet Policy

The Anderson Townhomes is a pet-friendly community. We welcome up to 3 pets per household. Pets must weigh 60 lbs. or less at full growth. No aggressive breeds or breed mixes are permitted, as outlined by PetScreening.com. There is a $200 non-refundable pet deposit per pet and a $20 monthly pet fee per pet. All pets must be registered through PetScreening.com prior to move-in.

Tips for Keeping Your Dog Safe in the Austin Heat

Austin summers are no joke, and hot weather can be dangerous for pets. A few simple habits go a long way.

Walk early or late. Schedule walks for early morning or after sunset, when temperatures and pavement are cooler.

Check the pavement. If the ground is too hot for the back of your hand after about seven seconds, it's too hot for your dog's paws.

Provide shade and water. If your dog spends time in the backyard, make sure there's shade and fresh water available at all times. Mature trees help, but a shade canopy or covered patio area adds extra protection.

Never leave pets in the car. Even with the windows cracked, temperatures inside a parked car can become dangerous within minutes.

Know the signs of overheating. Heavy panting, drooling, weakness and vomiting can signal heat stress. Move your pet somewhere cool and call your vet if you notice these signs.

Make Your Pet's New Home Feel Familiar

Moving can be stressful for pets. To help them settle in:

• Set up their bed, bowls and toys first so they have a familiar space
• Keep their feeding and walking schedule as consistent as possible
• Explore the backyard with them on a leash the first few times
• Update their microchip and ID tag with your new address

Find a Pet-Friendly Townhome in Northwest Austin

At The Anderson Townhomes, you and your pet get the space you both need, including a private fenced backyard, a one-car garage and a spacious 2-bedroom layout, all in a quiet, tree-lined Northwest Austin community.

View our amenities or contact our leasing team to learn more about our pet policy and schedule a tour.