Top 10 Pet-Friendly Apartments for Rent in California: Where to Live with Your Furry Friend

California is a dream destination, but let’s be honest—it comes with a hefty price tag. The average cost of living here hovers around $53,000 a year, which explains why so many people choose to rent instead of buy. In fact, nearly half of all households in California (44%) are rentals, a number that’s only topped by New York. 

But here’s the catch: renting often comes with a long list of rules, especially for pet owners. So where can you and your furry friend call home? We’ve rounded up 10 pet-friendly spots that welcome both you and your four-legged roommate!

What to Look for in Pet-Friendly Apartments

Just because an apartment claims to be “pet-friendly” doesn’t mean it’s truly rolling out the red carpet for your furry roommate. Some places use the term loosely, only to hit you with breed restrictions, weight limits, or pet fees that make you question their definition of "friendly." Before signing that lease, pretend you are Fido and dig a little deeper.

Look for features that really will make life better for you and your pet—like on-site walking trails, fenced-in bark parks, or even agility courses (yes, some communities take pet perks seriously!). You may even find some spaces with grooming and bathing facilities right on site—how’s that for a win?

Check if there’s a limit on the number of pets you can have or if certain breeds are off-limits. Also, keep an eye out for pet-waste stations or nearby pet-friendly businesses—because having a dog-friendly café within walking distance is always a win. Doing a little research now means fewer surprises later and a happier home for you and your four-legged bestie!

And with that, let’s get into our list of 10 pet-friendly apartments for rent. 

Looking for Pet-Friendly Apartments to Rent?

When looking for apartments, it can be easy to cast too wide of a net. That’s why sites like Zillow, Apartments.com, and RentCafe can be so helpful. These sites give you the opportunity to add filters to help you find just what you are looking for. Select the number of bedrooms and bathrooms you want, whether or not you want an in-unit washer and dryer, and, of course, that you are interested in pet-friendly living. Then, voila! Your list of options will rise to the surface.

And as we said, not all pet-friendly apartments are created equal. To help you out, we’ve gathered a list of 10 properties across California that truly roll out the welcome mat for you and your four-legged companion.

sageLA: Modern Comfort for You and Your Pet

Los Angeles, CA | Website

Brand new and built with community in mind, sageLA offers more than just a place to live—it’s a space where pets are part of the lifestyle. With pet-friendly courtyards and lush landscaped paths, your pup has room to explore while you enjoy modern amenities. Plus, you’re just minutes from LA’s top dog parks and pet-friendly cafes. Trust us, this place needs to be at the top of your list when looking for pet-friendly apartments in Los Angeles.

Hi Point Townhomes: Spacious Living 

Los Angeles, CA | Website

If you’re looking for pet-friendly townhomes for rent, Hi Point Townhomes makes pet-friendly living happen. These multi-level residences give you and your pets plenty of room to roam, with private outdoor areas and pet-friendly streets nearby. Whether you have a playful pup or a laid-back cat, they’ll have a cozy place to call home.

Zen Hollywood: A Tranquil Spot for You and Your Pup

Hollywood, CA | Website

If city living with a side of serenity sounds like your thing, Zen Hollywood is worth a look. This sleek apartment community features outdoor courtyards where your pet can stretch their legs and a convenient location near Runyon Canyon—one of LA’s most beloved hiking spots for dogs and their humans.

Villas Fashion Island: Make the Most of Coastal Living 

Newport Beach, CA | Website

At Villas Fashion Island, your pet-friendly lifestyle gets an upgrade with ocean breezes and spacious outdoor areas. Many units have private patios or balconies, giving your pet a place to relax in the fresh air. You’ll also love being close to dog-friendly beaches and parks, making weekend adventures super fun and super easy.

Aquatera: Resort-Style Amenities with Pet Perks

San Diego, CA | Website

San Diego’s Aquatera is more than just a luxury apartment—it’s a pet-friendly paradise. This community goes beyond basic pet acceptance, offering a spacious bark park and beautifully maintained green spaces. Plus, with Mission Valley’s pet-friendly hiking trails just minutes away, your pup will never be short on adventure. Remember, outdoor adventures are an excellent way to get exercise and destress for both you and your pet.

The Nash: North Park’s Pet-Loving Hotspot (with plenty of noshes nearby)

San Diego, CA | Website

The Nash is located in one of San Diego’s most walkable neighborhoods and is a great pick for pet owners who love an active lifestyle. North Park is full of pet-friendly patios, coffee shops, and parks, making it easy to bring your pup along for the fun. The community itself welcomes pets with open arms, offering cozy outdoor spaces for those afternoon sunbaths.

399 Fremont: Sophistication and all the Finest

San Francisco, CA | Website

Finding a pet-friendly apartment in San Francisco isn’t always easy, but 399 Fremont makes it worth the search. While this Fremont Street isn’t quite the same as the famous strip in Las Vegas, we promise that this is an excellent address for pet lovers who want some of the finer things in life. This high-rise offers modern pet-friendly perks, including a pet spa for post-walk cleanups and nearby parks for outdoor playtime. Plus, the floor-to-ceiling windows mean your pet gets prime city views—just like you!

Harlow: Pet-Friendly Living with Style

Culver City, CA | Website

Modern and effortlessly cool, Harlow brings upscale apartment living to Culver City—without leaving your pet behind. The community is just minutes from some of LA’s best dog parks, and with walkable streets and nearby trails, your pup will have plenty of opportunities to stretch their legs. Plus, pet-friendly patios mean they can enjoy the sunshine right alongside you.

Villas at Playa Vista - Montecito: A Beachy Retreat

Playa Vista, CA | Website

Located in the laid-back Playa Vista neighborhood, the Montecito Villas offer a pet-friendly escape near the coast. Spacious floor plans and private outdoor spaces make it easy to share your home with a four-legged roommate. And who knows how many other pet-loving residents you’ll meet? Plus, with local pet-friendly shops, walking trails, and even a dog park nearby, it’s a dream for any pet lover.

The Braydon Apartments: Wine Country Living

Napa, CA | Website

If you’ve ever dreamed of living in wine country without giving up city conveniences—or pet-friendly perks—The Braydon is a solid choice. With spacious green spaces and easy access to Napa’s pet-friendly walking trails, it’s a great spot for both you and your furry friend. Plus, after a long walk, you can unwind at one of the many dog-friendly wineries nearby. Just remember, the wine is for you, not your pet.

Looking for Pet-Friendly Houses for Rent?

If you’ve decided that apartment or town-home living just isn’t for you and your furry companion, but buying your own home is not in the cards, then why not look into a house for rent? To find the best pet-friendly houses for rent, simply open your favorite browser and type in that very search term. You’ll be returned with plenty of options from sites like Zillow, Realtor.com, Redfin, and Homes.com. 

Just as you would when looking for apartments or pet-friendly townhomes for rent, be sure to head right to that filter to make your selections. In many cases, you’ll have the option of choosing dog-friendly or cat-friendly options and you’ll likely be pleasantly surprised by what you find.

The same philosophy holds true when looking for pet-friendly short-term rentals. Whether you are looking to head to California on vacation with your pet or need a temporary housing solution, there are plenty of property owners out there who love pets as much as you do and want to offer you a great pet-friendly solution. 

Want More Great Tips from Crown & Paw?

At Crown & Paw, we absolutely love pets. That’s why we’re in the business of custom pet portraits to help you celebrate and commemorate your pet in just about any way possible. But portraits aren’t all that we have to offer—in just a few clicks through our website, you’ll find keychains, mugs, and even that custom dog sweatshirt you’ve always wanted. 

So, if you want more pet-friendly tips or just want to spend some time shopping in honor of your pet, we’ve got what you’re looking for.