Pets
Pet-Friendly Living at Athens Reserve
Athens Reserve welcomes approved animals and offers a community designed to support both residents and their furry companions. Please review the pet policy, required deposits, monthly charges, DNA registration requirements, and the service animal request process below.
Service Animal Policy Update
Federal Assistance Animal Guidance Has Changed
Effective May 22, 2026, HUD/FHEO updated its federal enforcement position regarding assistance animal accommodation requests. Under this updated enforcement guidance, animal accommodation requests are reviewed with greater focus on whether the animal is trained to perform a specific disability-related task or service.
- Trained service animals are working animals, not pets.
- The animal must be trained to perform work or tasks directly related to the person’s disability.
- Animals whose sole function is comfort, companionship, therapy, or emotional support may not qualify under the updated federal enforcement standard.
- A service animal request must be submitted, reviewed, and approved before the animal is brought onto the property.
- Approved service animals are not charged standard pet deposits or monthly pet fees, but residents remain responsible for any damage caused by the animal.
Fees & Programs
Deposits, Monthly Charges, and DNA Registration
All animals require prior written approval before being brought onto the property. Approval requires a completed application, current vaccination records, required deposits and charges, DNA registration for dogs, and a signed animal addendum or approved service animal request, as applicable.
Refundable Pet Deposit
$150 per animal, with a maximum refundable pet deposit of $300.
Pet Perks Program
Pet Perks is a required monthly charge for approved pets and is $25 per month for 1 animal or $40 per month for 2 animals.
Dog DNA Registration
A $60 DNA registration is required for all approved dogs in accordance with community requirements.
Pet Perks
More Than Standard Pet Rent
Our mandatory Pet Perks Program was created to offer more value than traditional pet rent. Residents enrolled in Pet Perks receive added benefits designed to support convenient pet ownership.
Monthly Goodies
Receive monthly pet goodies and toys through the Pet Perks Program.
CircleStar Pet Resort Discounts
Residents receive special discounts through our partnership with CircleStar Pet Resort.
Weekly Daycare Shuttle
Wednesday daycare shuttle service is available with pickup at 8:00 AM and return at 5:00 PM.
Convenient Return Home
A property staff member can collect your dog and return them home after daycare, helping residents avoid interruptions to their workday.
Approval Requirements
What Is Required for Pet Approval
Pets are not permitted under any circumstance until the application has been approved by management and all required documentation and charges have been completed.
Application Required
A completed animal application must be submitted for each animal.
Current Photo
A current photo of the animal must be provided with the application.
Veterinary Records
Complete and current veterinary records must be submitted.
Vaccination Records
Animals must be properly vaccinated in accordance with applicable state laws.
DNA Registration for Dogs
All approved dogs must complete DNA registration before approval is finalized.
Signed Addendum
A signed animal addendum is required for approved non-service animals.
Restrictions
Breed and Approval Restrictions
Pets are considered subject to community guidelines, insurance requirements, and management approval.
- Maximum of 2 pets per apartment.
- Approved dogs, cats, small caged animals, and fish aquariums up to 20 gallons may be accepted with approval.
- Management reserves the right to deny any pet deemed potentially aggressive.
- Restricted dog breeds generally include, but are not limited to: German Shepherd, Chow Chow, Rottweiler, Doberman Pinscher, American Staffordshire Terrier/Pit Bull Terrier, Bull Mastiff, Siberian Husky, and Akita.
Important Reminder
No Animals Without Approval
Animals may not be brought onto the property until approval is complete. This applies to pets and service animal requests. Submitting a request does not mean the animal has been approved.
Service Animals
Application and Documentation Requirements
Athens Reserve reviews service animal accommodation requests in accordance with applicable housing requirements and the current Wright-Way service animal request process. Standard pet deposits and monthly pet fees do not apply to approved service animals, but residents must complete the request process and comply with community animal rules.
Service Animal Request Form
A completed Resident Request for Assistance Animal form must be submitted for review.
Disability-Related Need
The request must identify whether the animal is required because of a disability.
Trained Task or Work
The request must identify the work or task the animal has been trained to perform.
Current Vet Records
Current and up-to-date veterinary and vaccination records are required.
Damage Responsibility
Residents are responsible for any damages caused by the animal, even when standard pet fees do not apply.
Community Rules Still Apply
Approved service animals must follow community animal rules, including sanitation, control, and conduct requirements.
Pet-Friendly Living
Community Features for Pet Owners
Athens Reserve offers pet-friendly features designed to make living with your pet more convenient, including access to the on-site dog park and partnership perks through CircleStar Pet Resort.