Moving to Houston With a Pet: What to Know Before You Book!

💡 Key Takeaway

• Verifying the pet policies in Houston apartments is imperative before moving. 
• Checking nearby pet-friendly spaces and amenities helps before moving to Houston. 
• Look up any breed/size restrictions that apartments may have in Houston. 
• Serviced apartments may offer spacious, flexible and pet-friendly options in Houston. 

Before moving to Houston with a pet, it is important to verify the Texas entry rules and confirm the pet policies for the housing accommodation that you choose.

It is also crucial to prepare for extreme local heat and procure an updated rabies vaccination certificate signed by a licensed veterinarian. 

Making a list of pet-friendly public spaces and restaurants helps, along with narrowing down approved pet-friendly transportation. Here is an extensive guide on what to know before the shift. 

Understanding Houston's Pet-Friendly Landscape

Before moving to Houston with a pet, it is important to understand the city’s pet-friendly landscape in more detail. Houston has a mid-tier reputation when it comes to pet-friendliness among US cities. It has ample shelters and vets, while offering more affordable pet care options. However, it lags in walkability and outdoor accessibility, mainly due to climate/infrastructure limitations. 

Pet owners have access to several green spaces, along with a growing network of pet boutiques and dog-friendly restaurant patios. Almost 54% of Houston households have at least one pet, with 73% of them owning dogs and 41% owning cats. 58% are homeowners, while 42% are renters. 40% of these pet households have children under 18, while 15% of owners live alone. 

Finding Pet-Friendly Accommodations in Houston

Finding pet-friendly housing in Houston is challenging due to these reasons: 

• Strict breed/weight limits at most apartment buildings. 
• Extra pet deposits ($200-500) and monthly pet rent, which add up swiftly. 
• Limited availability of pet-inclusive rentals, which often have long waitlists.

The Importance of Verifying Policies and Fees: 

• Check exact pet count limits and banned breed lists before booking accommodation. 
• Clarify whether deposits are refundable and confirm monthly pet charges. 
• Ensure pet inclusion is a part of your signed property lease.

Pet-Friendly Apartments from TheSquare!

We offer pet-friendly serviced apartments in Houston that are located in prime areas with inclusive and high-end spaces. Most properties in this category feature nearby dog parks, green spaces and pet spas/boutiques. 

Serviced apartments also offer flexible leases and convenient move-in terms for those coming with their pets. They can also be more cost-effective with self-catering, in-unit laundry and all-inclusive weekly/monthly rates.

Key Considerations before Booking!

Here are some key considerations before booking pet-friendly apartments in Houston. These include: 
 

Understanding Pet Deposits, Fees, and Rent

• Upfront deposits usually range from $200 to $500; some parts may be one-time pet fees or non-refundable. 
• Monthly pet rents may add $25-75 to baseline rentals. 
• Most multi-family communities restrict units to a maximum of two pets. 

Breed and Size Restrictions in Various Properties

• Standard apartment complexes mandate 50-75 lb in total weight limits (per pet), while high-rises may be more accommodating. 
• Commonly restricted breeds include Dobermans, Pit Bulls, Rottweilers, and German Shepherds. 
• Ask property providers/platforms for exact written pet criteria before paying application fees. 

Availability of Pet Amenities

• On-site features: Newer and luxury apartment communities may have fenced dog runs, indoor pet spas and automated washing stations. 
• Local features: Check proximity to public spaces, neighborhood dog runs (Market Square Park and others), and grooming/veterinary facilities. 

Preparing Your Pet for the Move!

Here are some Houston pet relocation tips that may help: 

Tips to Reduce Pet Stress during Relocation 

• Visit the vet a few weeks before moving. 
• Get a health certificate if needed.  
• Keep the pet’s routine normal. 
• Use a secure crate for the journey. 
• Spray calming scents in the crate/vehicle. 
• Pack familiar blankets and toys. 

Health Records and Vaccinations

• Update the pet’s microchip with the new phone number. 
• Get proof of current rabies and distemper vaccinations. 
• Ask your previous vet for a copy of medical files. 
• Refill all the daily pet medicines for the shift. 

Finding Vets and Pet Services in Houston

• Look for local pet hospitals and vets near your accommodation in Houston. 
• Find a nearby dog park for exercise upon arrival. 
• Register your pet with a local pet sitter/groomer. 
• Check city rules for pet licenses and leash regulations.

Exploring Houston with Your Pet

Moving to Houston with a pet gives you ample scope to explore the following:  
 

Pet-Friendly Parks and Recreational Areas:

• Buffalo Bayou Park: Johnny Steele Dog Park with a pond. 
• Levy Park: Modern dog park with food trucks. 
• Ervan Chew Park: The first local off-leash dog zone in Houston. 
• Congressman Bill Archer Dog Park: Separate small and big dog areas with a bone-shaped pool. 

Local Pet Events and Communities

• Puppies for Breakfast: Annual festival celebrating dogs with contests and markets. 
• Local Meetups: Local groups frequently have pet social hours and charity walks in areas like Montrose. 
• Adoption Fairs: Regularly held at local breweries and parks. 

Pet-Friendly Dining and Shopping Options 

• Lazy Dog Restaurant & Bar: Patio seating and dedicated dog menu. 
• The Pit Room: Shaded outdoor patio for pets. 
• The Dog Bar: Pup-friendly treats and craft beverages. 
• Uptown Park: Open-air shopping with multiple pet-friendly retailers and restaurants. 
   

Conclusion

Moving to Houston with a pet can be easy, provided you choose the right pet-friendly accommodation and verify building rules and weight/size restrictions carefully. Making a note of nearby pet-friendly amenities and veterinarians/hospitals also helps. Budgeting for extra pet charges and deposits is also necessary. 

It is always important to plan ahead for a smooth relocation process with your pet. Filter pet-friendly apartments and compare them in advance, carefully verifying the location and amenities nearby. Advance planning/booking will help you stay prepared for a smooth shift to Houston. 

In this context, you can explore the wide range of pet-friendly serviced apartments at TheSquare.

There are several apartments in prime areas near pet-friendly parks, dog runs and boutiques/eateries. Compare properties, enjoy flexible lease terms and get attractive discounts for longer/extended stays. Make sure you submit your enquiry in advance at TheSquare for your chosen property to avoid the last-minute rush or long waitlists.