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- calendar_today November 12, 2026
Surge in Cat-Friendly Apartment Searches in Juneau
Juneau has seen a notable shift in its rental market, with recent data showing that apartment hunters are increasingly seeking cat-friendly apartments. During the second quarter of 2026, 46% of pet-filtered rental searches in Alaska’s capital were for cat-friendly units, a steep increase from 35% in the same period the previous year, according to data from Apartments.com.
Cats Take the Lead Over Dogs
This 11-percentage-point rise was the largest among 210 U.S. rental markets examined in the study, as reported by public relations firm Siege Media. In contrast, dog-friendly apartment searches in Juneau dropped from 49% to 38% year-over-year, resulting in cats overtaking dogs by an eight-point margin for the first time in recent data.
Comparisons With Other Alaska Cities
The preference for cats in apartment searches appears unique to Juneau when compared to other Alaskan cities. In Anchorage, searches for dog-friendly rentals comprised 48% of pet-filtered searches versus 33% for cats. Fairbanks renters showed an even greater inclination toward dogs, with 51% of searches favoring canine companions and only 33% for cats.
Juneau Mirrors a National Shift
Juneau’s sharp reversal reflects a broader national trend but stands out for its intensity. Across all 210 markets surveyed, cat-friendly apartment searches grew from an average of 30% in the second quarter of 2025 to 33% in 2026. Dog-friendly searches in the same period fell nationally from 53% to 49%. Juneau joins a small group of cities — including Portland, Minneapolis-St. Paul, and Pittsburgh — where cat-friendly housing searches now outnumber dog-friendly ones.
How the Data Was Collected
It’s important to note that the findings from Apartments.com are based on pet-related search filters, not an actual count of animals living in rentals or an analysis of landlords' willingness to accept pets. Each search that specified cats, dogs, or both was counted once, with national averages calculated across all markets — not weighted by the search volume per city.
The Cost of Pet-Friendly Rentals in Juneau
Securing an apartment that welcomes pets in Juneau remains challenging. The city’s rental vacancy rate stood at 4.1% in 2026, according to the Alaska Department of Labor and Workforce Development. Out of 934 surveyed rental units, only 38 were vacant. Average monthly contract rent climbed to $1,623 from $1,504 the year before, making affordability an ongoing concern, especially when factoring in additional costs associated with owning a pet.
Pet Fees and Rent in Juneau Rentals
At buildings like Mendenhall Tower in downtown Juneau, tenants can keep up to two cats or dogs but must pay a $500 nonrefundable fee per animal plus $50 per month in pet rent. Notably, some dog breeds are prohibited, while cats face no breed restrictions. For renters, this could amount to as much as $1,100 in the first year for a single cat, excluding food, supplies, or any damages.
Rent and Pet Fees: Juneau and National Figures
Nationally, the cost difference between renting with a cat or a dog is minor. Average cat-friendly apartments were listed at $1,825 monthly, while dog-friendly units averaged $1,836, as per Apartments.com data from September. Monthly pet rent averaged $30.57 for cats and $32.97 for dogs. Listings may appear in both categories when units allow either pet type.
Trends Among Young Renters
Younger renters in Juneau showed a stronger tendency toward cats. Among those aged 18 to 24, 41% of pet-policy searches were for cat-friendly rentals, compared to just 27% for dogs. Older renters continued to show a preference for dogs.
Temporary Solutions for Pet Owners in Transition
For renters needing temporary care for their pets, Juneau Animal Rescue provides a safe-keeping program. Given the tight housing availability and pet restrictions, this option may be especially valuable during periods of transition between rentals.
Conclusion
Juneau’s rental market has seen a marked shift, with cat-friendly apartments now surpassing dog-friendly units in search popularity. However, finding any pet-friendly space — whether for a feline or canine companion — remains a significant hurdle for many Juneau residents.
Source: juneauempire.com.
