By Judy Bellack, Industry Principal, The Pet-Inclusive Housing Initiative
For the third year running, the Michelson Found Animals Foundation is pleased to present the Pets and Housing Awards – the premier pet awards opportunity for rental housing operators – as part of its Pet-Inclusive Housing Initiative.
Third Annual Pets and Housing Awards
This is the premier opportunity for rental housing operators to showcase their pet-inclusive communities and initiatives. The award categories recognize a variety of accomplishments, particularly those embracing pets without size or breed restrictions. Previous award-winners have included The Management Group, Oculus Realty, Fidus Pet Concierge Communities, J.C. Hart, Gables Residential, Greystar and others who are leading the way and enjoying the many benefits of welcoming more pets.
Importance of Pet-Inclusive Properties
With 2 out of 3 households experiencing the joy of a pet family member, pet-inclusivity is a powerful differentiator for all stakeholders. Rental housing operators benefit from renters who tend to stay longer, impacting bottom lines through lower turnover costs and vacancy loss. The relationship-building potential of pet owners also connects people and builds community. And renters benefit from more housing available to accommodate their pets, especially larger or typically breed-restricted dogs.
Awards Categories
NEW THIS YEAR! Best Leap Forward
Your property or company may have eased or lifted your pet restrictions in the past year, or have begun to implement a plan for becoming more pet-inclusive. We’d love to hear about the ‘why’ behind this decision as well as the goals, and the process for managing more pets on-site. Be sure to tell us about your specific pet policies, including any pet fees; what resources have been devoted/planned for pet amenities and spaces; how you help all residents feel comfortable with the pet population; and any data or goals you can share on marketing lift, enhanced resident retention and sense of community.
NEW THIS YEAR! Most Pet-Inclusive Property
For the first time, we’ll be using the Pet-Inclusive Score to recognize the Most Pet-Inclusive Property! To be considered for this award, you will need to complete your property’s scorecard here. The PI score determines finalists for this award category.
NEW THIS YEAR! The Vanguard Award
Are you a company that has been leading the charge to open up access to rental housing for people with pets? Is pet-inclusive housing old hat for your company? If so, this award may be calling you! The Vanguard Award is intended to recognize sustained excellence in the area of pet-inclusive rental housing. Be sure to tell us about your journey toward pet-inclusivity, including when you began, what you have learned, and what is next. Companies must own or manage at least five properties to qualify for The Vanguard Award.
More Categories
Most Creative Pet-Centered Event
It’s time to brag about your unique pet event that created participation and engagement among your pet residents and their owners. How many residents/pets attended? How did you market the event to residents? Did you utilize and partner with pet companies? Bonus points if you also engaged your non-pet-owning residents for the event!
Most Impactful Adoption or Foster Event or Program
Tell us about your on-site or community/company-sponsored adoption program or event that assisted local shelter(s) in finding furever homes among your residents. Spill all the details about attendance and pets adopted. Did you offer any financial support to residents (like lower pet fees) or shelters (contributions)?
Most Innovative Pet Amenity or Amenity Group
Have a cool new pet amenity (or group of amenities) that has your residents buzzing? Tell us all about it and how the ideas came about. What do your residents say about it? Has it impacted resident satisfaction, retention, and/or the ability to attract new residents?
Most Innovative Pet Marketing Campaign
Has your company or property embraced pets as a key strategy to attract and keep residents? Tell us about how pet marketing is part of your overall marketing strategy. What are your key messages? Have you been able to impact traffic, revenue, profitability, occupancy, and retention?
Outstanding Pet Citizen
We have the stories in multifamily! Tell us about a time that a pet resident made a difference in your community, did something really remarkable, or simply added joy or calm with their presence.