On a recent search for apartments that take large dogs (50lbs and up) I hunted through areas from Playa Vista on out to Studio City and everywhere in between. Owning a large dog can be difficult if you are looking for a place to live. I found that depending on your budget really determines on how much you will find that is dog friendly at all. Of course the higher priced units, mostly $4000 and up seemed to be much more dog friendly than lesser priced units. I focused on clients looking for 1 – 2 bedroom units under $2500 per month and it is not easy. Craigslist is the best web source for finding things, though the way to find the really great places is to drive or walk around neighborhoods you like. The signs are up on the buildings everywhere. Just give them a call.
1. The Grove/West Hollywood/Hollywood – Many smaller historic buildings with tons of charm. Some willing to negotiate on terms and prices. The best I found were buildings managed by EZ Properties. This area is #1 on my list.
2. Studio City – “Studio 4041″ Right at Ventura and Laurel Canyon. Brand new buildings. Apartments have gourmet kitchens and laundry in the unit. The sales office even has a water bowl and cookies for your pooch.
3. Brentwood – Across from Brentwood Dog Park is Brentwood Villas and they are a little pricey yet nice. Over by the 405 and N. of Sunset are several older buildings from the 60s and may lack some charm but have great access to the freeway.
4. Venice – Harder to find a place but can be done. Some small buildings or duplexes are willing to negotiate with an extra deposit or fee.
5. Mar Vista – You may get lucky and find a guest house here that will allow dogs. If you are on a real budget and looking for something under $1500 per month there is one part of Mar Vista between Venice Blvd. and Washington Blvd. just West of Centinella with a fair amount of apartment buildings that allow dogs. You may want to check out this area for safety concerns, as well as with any place you move to.
I also looked in Santa Monica, Marina Del Rey, Playa Vista, West L.A., Beverly Hills, Sherman Oaks, Woodland Hills, Encino, Hollywood Hills, & Los Feliz. All those areas have some units that allow small dogs (20lb. and under) though nothing for larger dogs that I could find. Just one hitch though even with a big dog, these days many buildings have breed restrictions so if your dog is mixed with anything, please state so when talking with the leasing manager. If you don’t have a dog yet, please adopt a mutt, as they are much easier to find an apartment with. The best place to adopt is at Forte Animal Rescue – www.FaRescue.org
Best of luck finding your next home and if you have any questions or need more help please call me (Charlotte) at 310.339.7772
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Hi. I am a long time reader. I wanted to say that I like your blog and the layout.
Peter Quinn
Thanks for the tip Charlotte! I have 2 dogs and was thinking about moving to Los Angeles – now I have a better idea where to look. Do you help people find apartments?
Of course Nancy, with all my resources and contacts I can help you find a great apartment. Just let me know what you are looking for, what area, etc. Please call me at 310.754.8128 or you can e-mail me at westside.re@gmail.com
Please let me know how I can help? Charlotte Rose
Hi. I’m moving down to LA for school this summer and I’m glad to have found this article on dog friendly areas. There’s been 5+ dogs in my home (100+ Acres up in WA state) since I was a little girl, and the thought of leaving my dog with my mom while I go to college is heart-wrenching. I was planning on leaving her at home until I got settled in, and bringing her back down after visiting my family for Winter Holiday. Is there any other advice you would give to someone moving down there for the first time? Areas you’d suggest, avoid, etc?
Hi Jordan,
I know exactly where you are coming from. I too grew up in the country and had to leave my dogs and cats when I went to college. It’s the hardest thing to leave the ones you love, especially the animals, because they don’t understand why you are leaving. One concern is to think of your dog and where they would be happiest. Right now, your dog is part of a pack with 4 others living on a huge property, lots of outdoors, fresh air and having a perfect life. If you take your doggy with you to L.A., will your dog be happy?
You will be in school most of the day while your dog is at home alone. Most apartments here don’t even have a patio for dogs. Will you be able to come home a couple times a day to walk your dog? I know that when I was in college, I would not have had time for my pets and I could not neglect them. I chose to leave my pets with my family and visit as often as possible, which really can be the best thing for them.
Maybe your situation is different and cannot leave your dog. If you do decide to bring your dog, again Craigslist.com is the best source for finding apartments. Finding a place depends on what school you are going to. If you are going to UCLA, you might want to look in Brentwood, because there is a dog park there as well and it’s 10 minutes to UCLA. L.A. has very few dog parks, so it is a big plus to live near one. You can call me or e-mail with any questions. Best of luck, Charlotte cr@housetheory.com 310-339-7772
Great dog friendly home for rent in Topanga. click on the link below:
http://www.postlets.com/rts/3332730