Finding a rental in Edmonton is one challenge. Finding one that accepts your dog or cat is a different challenge entirely. Many landlords restrict pets outright. Others allow them but with breed restrictions, weight limits, or fees that make it impractical.
If you have a pet and want a townhouse — not an apartment — this guide covers what is actually available in Edmonton in 2026, what the real costs look like, and which communities are genuinely pet-friendly versus “pet-friendly with an asterisk.”
Why a Townhouse Is Better for Pets Than an Apartment
More Space
A townhome gives your pet room to move between floors, settle in different areas, and not be underfoot in a 600 sq ft apartment. For dogs especially, the difference between 600 sq ft and 1,500 sq ft of living space is the difference between a stressed animal and a comfortable one.
Direct Outdoor Access
Townhouses typically have ground-floor entry, often through a garage or front door that opens to a yard or green space. No elevators, no hallways, no waiting for other tenants. When your dog needs to go out at 6 AM in January, this matters.
Fewer Noise Complaints
Townhomes share fewer walls than apartments, and most have no upstairs or downstairs neighbours. A dog that barks at the doorbell or runs across hardwood floors is less likely to generate complaints.
Private Outdoor Space
Some townhomes include a balcony, patio, or yard. Even a small private outdoor space gives cats fresh air and gives dogs a quick break without a full walk.
Pet Policies: What to Watch For
Every “pet-friendly” rental has different rules. Read the fine print before you get attached to a listing.
Common Restrictions
- Breed restrictions: Many Edmonton rentals ban specific breeds (pit bulls, rottweilers, German shepherds, etc.) regardless of the individual animal
- Weight limits: 20-25 lbs is a common cap, which excludes most medium and large dogs
- Species limits: Some allow cats only, no dogs
- Number limits: Often one pet maximum
Common Costs
- Pet deposit: $200-$500 one-time (refundable or non-refundable varies)
- Monthly pet fee: $25-$75/month per pet
- Damage deposit increase: Some landlords increase the standard damage deposit for pet owners
Questions to Ask Every Landlord
- Which breeds and species are allowed?
- Is there a weight limit?
- What is the monthly pet fee?
- Is the pet deposit refundable?
- Are there restricted areas (patios, common spaces)?
- What happens if your pet causes damage beyond normal wear?
Best Edmonton Neighbourhoods for Renting with Pets
The Orchards (Southeast Edmonton)
The Orchards was designed with extensive green space, walking trails, and open areas throughout the community. With 98 acres of parks, dog owners have no shortage of places to walk. The trails connect through the neighbourhood so you can do a different loop every day.
Cherry Hills at The Orchards welcomes both dogs and cats with approval. The community’s proximity to green space, trails, and a walking-friendly layout makes it one of the better setups for pet owners in the Edmonton rental market.
Summerside
Lake-centred community with good walking paths. Some pet-friendly rentals available but townhouse inventory is limited.
Terwillegar and Riverbend
Proximity to the river valley trail system. Excellent for dog owners who want off-leash access. Townhouse rentals exist but tend to be older.
Pet-Friendly Townhouse Rentals at Cherry Hills
Cherry Hills in The Orchards welcomes pets with a straightforward policy:
- Dogs and cats welcome upon approval
- Monthly pet fee: $50/month
- No breed-specific bans based on appearance alone
- 98 acres of park space right outside your door
- Walking trails throughout The Orchards
The townhomes themselves are designed for comfortable pet ownership:
- 1,544 sq ft across multiple levels — space for pets to roam
- Double attached garage — no hauling a muddy dog through apartment hallways
- Ground-floor den — works well as a pet area or mudroom setup
- Private balcony — supervised outdoor time for cats, fresh air for everyone
Starting from $2,125/month with 1 month free on a 13-month lease.
The Real Cost of Renting with a Pet in Edmonton
Here is a realistic monthly budget for a pet-owning renter in a townhome:
| Cost | Range |
|---|---|
| Base rent (3 bed townhouse) | $1,800 - $2,500 |
| Monthly pet fee | $25 - $75 |
| Pet insurance | $30 - $60 |
| Food and supplies | $50 - $150 |
| Vet visits (averaged monthly) | $30 - $80 |
The pet fee is a small fraction of total pet ownership costs. A genuinely pet-friendly community with good outdoor access is worth more than saving $25/month on a pet fee at a place where your dog has nowhere to walk.
Find a Townhome That Welcomes Your Pet
If you are tired of reading “no pets” on every listing, book a tour at Cherry Hills and bring your pet questions. You can also reach us at (587) 409-9635 or [email protected].
For more details on Edmonton’s rental pet landscape, see our complete pet-friendly rental guide.
Ready to See Cherry Hills?
Experience our spacious 3-bedroom townhomes in Edmonton's Orchards neighbourhood.
