The Complete Guide to Pet-Friendly Apartments in
Bringing a pet along for the move is a big part of what makes a new place feel like home. That’s why finding pet friendly apartments in Lawrence means looking past a simple “pets welcome” listing and finding a community that’s actually set up to support life with an animal — clear pet policies, manageable fees, and easy access to the outdoors.
Lawrence is a genuinely good fit for pet owners. The city is dotted with dog parks and river trails, and its walkable, small-town feel makes it easy to build a routine around daily walks, weekend outings, or a quick trip to the vet.
At Orchard Corners, we welcome cats and dogs and try to keep our pet policy straightforward, so you know exactly what to expect before you move in. Below, we’ll cover what to look for in pet friendly apartments in Lawrence, KS, walk through our own pet policy and fees, and round up the best nearby parks, pet stores, groomers, and vets.
What “Pet-friendly” Really Means (And Why It Matters)
“Pet-friendly” shows up on almost every rental listing these days, but it can mean very different things depending on the property. Before you sign a lease, it’s worth digging into the details.
- Clear pet policies: Look for specifics on breed restrictions, pet limits per apartment, and any upfront fees or monthly pet rent. A community that spells this out clearly saves you from surprises down the road.
- Pet-focused amenities: Nearby green space and easy outdoor access make day-to-day routines with a pet much easier to manage.
- Space and layout: Pets need room to settle in and move around comfortably, especially larger or more active dogs.
- Location and surroundings: Being close to parks, trails, and pet services means less time driving around town and more time actually enjoying life with your pet.
At the end of the day, a genuinely pet-friendly apartment for rent in Lawrence, KS is one where the policy is clear, the fees are known upfront, and the location actually supports your day-to-day routine — not just one that lets pets in the door.
Enjoy Pet-friendly Living at Property
Orchard Corners welcomes both cats and dogs, and we’ve tried to keep our pet policy simple and upfront so there are no surprises once you’ve moved in.
- Two pets per apartment. This limit applies per apartment, not per bedroom — so in a 4-bedroom unit, for example, only two residents total can have a pet between them, not one per roommate.
- No stereotypically aggressive breeds. Certain breeds commonly associated with aggression aren’t permitted. Reach out to our leasing team to confirm whether your pet’s breed qualifies.
- A $300 upfront cost, split two ways. Of that $300, $150 is a refundable deposit and $150 is a one-time, non-refundable fee.
- $25 per month in pet rent, billed alongside your regular rent.
If you have questions about whether your pet qualifies, or how the two-pet limit works for your specific apartment, our leasing team is happy to walk you through the details before you sign.
Nearby Dog Parks & Trails
Lawrence has more outdoor space than you’d expect from a city its size, and several parks and trails nearby make it easy to keep your
dog active without much of a drive.
Mutt Run Off-Leash Dog Park
Address: 1330 E 902 Rd, Lawrence, KS, 66044
5.5 miles from Orchard Corners
Opened in 2001 below the Clinton Lake Dam, this 30-plus-acre off-leash park is one of Lawrence’s most popular spots for dog owners. Mowed paths wind through open fields and wooded areas, and dogs can even cool off in a nearby swimming spot — just know Mutt Run isn’t fully fenced throughout, so it’s best suited for dogs with solid recall.
Riverfront Park
Address: 1594 N 3rd St, Lawrence, KS 66044
5.2 miles from Orchard Corners
This off-leash dog park sits inside the larger Riverfront Park along the Kansas River, with a fenced enclosure, agility equipment, and a separate area for small dogs. The surrounding park also offers miles of trails, a disc golf course, and river access, making it easy to turn a quick dog park visit into a longer outing.
Lawrence River Trail
Lawrence, KS 66044
4.6 miles from Orchard Corners
The Lawrence River Trail is 9-mile loop of hard-packed dirt singletrack winding through riparian forest along the Kansas River, maintained largely by the Lawrence Mountain Bike Club. It’s popular with runners and mountain bikers year-round, with separate marked entrances for bikes and pedestrians — a great option if you and your dog like a longer, more scenic walk or jog on leash.
Lawrence Nature Park
S Folks Rd, Lawrence, KS 66049
2.7 miles from Orchard Corners
Tucked into 100 acres of restored woodland and prairie, Lawrence Nature Park features several miles of natural-surface trails through oak-hickory forest, limestone outcroppings, and native grasses. It’s a good pick if you’re after a more secluded walk with your pet, though the terrain can get uneven and muddy after rain.
Buford M. Watson Jr. Park
727 Kentucky St, Lawrence, KS 66044
2.9 miles from Orchard Corners
Known locally as “Train Park” for the historic locomotive on its grounds, Buford M. Watson, Jr. Park is a seven-acre park in Old West Lawrence offers open green space, a playground, basketball courts, and shaded picnic areas — a nice, low-key spot for a walk or to let your dog stretch its legs on leash close to downtown.
Pet Services Near Property
Living in Lawrence means you’re never far from food, grooming, or vet care for your pet. Here’s what’s nearby.
Pet Stores
- Pet World Experience — A Lawrence institution since 1988, this locally owned, full-line pet store has won "Best of Lawrence" honors for years running and carries everything from fish and reptiles to everyday dog and cat supplies.
- PetSmart — A full-service national retailer for everyday pet food, supplies, and accessories.
- Petco — Another national chain offering a wide range of pet food, supplies, and accessories under one roof.
- Earthwise Pet Supply & Grooming — A locally owned neighborhood pet shop specializing in natural and holistic food and supplies, with staff trained in pet nutrition.
- Lucky Dog Pet Grocery & Bakery — A quirky, locally owned downtown shop known for its all-natural pet food and an in-house bakery that makes fresh dog treats and custom pet birthday cakes.
Pet Grooming and Dog Daycare
- Absolute Pawfection Pet Salon — A calm, personalized grooming salon known for using natural, non-toxic products and giving anxious or sensitive pets extra space between appointments.
- Platinum Paws — A small, appointment-based grooming studio where pets are seen one at a time, popular with owners of anxious or harder-to-handle dogs.
- PetSmart Grooming — An in-store grooming salon offering baths, cuts, and routine grooming appointments.
- Petco Grooming — Full-service grooming available alongside Petco's retail store.
- Woof's Play & Stay — A well-reviewed dog daycare and boarding facility with indoor and outdoor play areas and live webcams so you can check in on your dog during the day.
- Home Sweet Home Dog Resort — A dog boarding and daycare facility known for friendly, experienced staff and reasonable pricing.
Veterinary Care
- Lewis Veterinary Clinic — A long-standing general practice offering surgery, vaccinations, and routine pet care, with walk-ins welcome.
- Gentle Care Animal Hospital — Founded in 1986, this full-service hospital is known locally for treating not just cats and dogs but exotic pets like reptiles and birds as well.
- Lawrence Veterinary Hospital — A well-reviewed general veterinary hospital known for a caring, family-style approach to routine and ongoing pet care.
- Clinton Parkway Animal Hospital — A full-service hospital specializing in small animal medicine, in operation since 1974.
Finding the Right Fit for You and Your Pet
Choosing among pet friendly apartments for rent in Lawrence, KS isn’t just about finding a place that allows pets — it’s about finding one where the policy, the fees, and the location actually fit how you and your pet live day to day.
Before you commit, it’s worth asking yourself:
- Does your pet meet the community’s breed guidelines?
- If you have roommates, would more than one of you want a pet — and does the property’s per-apartment pet limit work for your situation?
- Are you clear on the total upfront and monthly pet costs you’ll be responsible for?
- Do you want quick access to a dog park or trail as part of your regular routine?
At Orchard Corners, we’ve aimed to make our pet policy clear and our pricing predictable, so you can focus on settling in rather than untangling fine print. With several parks and pet service providers just a short drive away, it’s easy to build a routine that works for both you and your pet.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many pets can I have at Orchard Corners?
Up to two pets are allowed per apartment. This limit is per apartment, not per bedroom — so even in a larger, multi-bedroom unit, only two pets total are permitted regardless of how many roommates live there.
Are there breed restrictions?
Yes. Orchard Corners doesn’t allow breeds that are stereotypically considered aggressive. Contact our leasing team to confirm whether your specific pet qualifies.
What fees are involved in bringing a pet?
There’s a $300 upfront cost, split into a $150 refundable deposit and a $150 one-time, non-refundable fee. On top of that, pet rent is $25 per month, billed with your regular rent.
Is the pet deposit refundable?
Half of it is. Of the $300 due upfront, $150 is a refundable deposit and the other $150 is a non-refundable fee.
What if I have roommates — can more than one of us have a pet?
It depends on the total pet count for the apartment, not the number of roommates. Since the limit is two pets per apartment, two different roommates could each have one pet, but the total can’t exceed two, even in a larger unit with more bedrooms.
