Topic: What do you think about having a dog or cat in the community office for a mascot?

I’m consulting on this lease up in Indiana, and this cool cat is there mascot. Everyone knows Oscar.
This property is 700 unit’s and a block from the beach (super cool)
What do you think about having a dog or cat in the office/property for a mascot.
The office is a stand alone building!
* ps: Oscar is pretty cool and when awake looks like grumpy cat LOL

Love the idea

I think it should be an option for all properties. The benefits are worth it

www.aaha.org/pet_owner/lifestyle/the-man...n-the-workplace.aspx

Not all people are pet people...may not be embraced by everyone

I had a cat in the office. It startled a customer and the next thing you know I'm having conversations with attorneys!
Put up a sign that says Attack Cat on duty
Then, people can choose to be in the same room as a cat

In Ohio, our community had an outdoor cat named George. Everyone loved him. I would love an office pet! However, there are a lot of people with allergies so I’d definitely place a sign that there is a cat present.

Love it

This was Tom, our office Cat. This guy got us more leases...greeted everyone and all the residents knew him.

My hearts desire although there are alot of people who are not as carzy about cats as I am.

We had a “community cat” that everyone out of 400 units loved... except ONE person. Sad day when the kitty had to go.

Cool but might be a problem with a prospect who has allergies or doesn’t like cats.

It’s great except that if someone has a severe allergic reaction to cats, like my nephew, then it’s a huge liability.

There are a lot of people who are allergic to cats; probably not a good idea

I love it when I walk into a place of business and see a kitty. I am allergic but ok for a short time around them if I don’t pet them. If I do I just need to wash my hands. So ok for allergies.

Just a thought, what about people with allergies?

I have dog treats in my office and it is so funny when residents are walking their dog they lead the owner to my office. Opens so many dialogues

I love it, but I am severely allergic so it could be a problem. A dog may be better.

Some people are terrified of cats and/or dogs. Some are allergic. It's cute but unprofessional.

Just the thought gives me anxiety

Love the idea! More like home and shows your community is pet friendly.

I think it’s wonderful and to offer a “forever home” to a little one in need is over the top wonderful!!

I love it! Most families have some kind of pet! Shows your community is pet friendly. However; for those who are not pet lovers, I would have him/her in a place where they couldn’t run/jump on the potential resident.

I think it's a great idea. But, as has been pointed out, could have drawbacks. But it is fun to meet various "business" pets!!

I have a dog that has been on sites with me for over 6 years.. He does night walks for security with me and does meet and greet pets with random residents when we are out in the evenings. I have residents that request to see him at which we will bring him out :) He is a big dog, nothing like the little ones in most units as he is 200#'s Here is Loki The pup greeter ( okay not a pup anymore as he is almost 7)

I want my company to implement this! Animals bring such Joy and calmness, hard to yell at someone holding a cute dog/cat

I start my new PM job at a new property tomorrow and have been considering how crazy they’d think I was if I pitched having an office cat since it’s a separate building & I’ll be the only employee. Ha

My personal take...two communities...exact same amenities, rent, etc. Both great locations. Both equal in every way. Adoring staff, everything. One had an office pet, one did not. I personally would pick the one with the office pet/mascot. It tells me they love animals. There is no denying I love animals. I see first hand the impact of having them and how they immediately bond humans. As outgoing as I am, I truly am an introvert. Put me around furbabies and you will have to kick me out! Sure, some may be allergic. One cat or one dog, especially in an office environment that is hopefully cleaned daily that should not be an issue. And for those that don't like animals, which for the life of me I dont get, (animals are beyond precious), if you are a pet friendly community perhaps they will not be the right fit anyway? Just my two cents. One of my Furbabies is a service dog. He goes with me everywhere. I cannot tell you how many places I go that he attracts business! I have been to gift shows,where the booths have no patrons. I visit and the salespeople literally get swamped. They literally want me to stay. A lot to be said about that. ❤

We had a dog as the mascot and when we changed management (and the dog went away) he got the most going away cards and reviews.

In my opinion having a community animal is no worse than someone bathed in purfume , body spray, patchulie oils, essence, etc... Someone is always going to have a reaction to something... Pollen... Dust... Even environmental allergens. We can't keep everyone safe as we can't all travel in bubbles

Love this idea!! Huge supporter

My residents stopped complaining about my enforcement of the dog poop rule when my son got a puppy. I would have to bring the puppy to work. The residents saw me follow my rule and now I don't have a poop problem.

I bet when people are looking back on the tours they took, your site is more memorable. I can hear prospects way, Oh yea. Love that place with the cat.

We had a community pet, aka our "AmbassaDog", at our lease up and people loved him... but he'd get so excited that he'd pee on our prospects

Had a cool cat at a property that the client agreed on, I left the company, subsequently the manager left, within months the new manager and RPM opted to get rid of the cat. Fortunately the previous manager heard and asked to take him

We adopted an older cat, The Duke of Montecito, or Duke for short. I often referred to him as our fair housing kitty, as he loved everyone equally. He came when called to greet our residents and prospects. Residents came in just to see him and would sit for hours with him in their lap. People who claimed they did not like cats, made an exception for Duke. The issue came when I left the property, and the new manager was not a cat person. Duke now lives with me and has retired from property management.

Anything to add some fun!

We have a beautiful black female cat named Willows which is also the name of our community. She was once a feral but is now a peaceful, loving and very much an attention getting asset to our community. She sleeps all day in the office on a rug close to the entrance. Goes out at night.

She is an ice breaker and gives prospects a very positive feeling about our community. She no doubt is responsible for many leases. She helps make our community seem like a real home and not just a place to hang your hat.

This isn't multifamily, but I found a great post about getting the community involved with a "community pet".

Personally I am allergic but if office is thoroughly cleaned daily it shouldn't be an issue with visitors.
Recently I was consulting in Dallas where they had one, again, everyone knew it so we set up his own Instagram account!