How pet-friendly are management companies these days?

The answer is very. Newer, Class A properties are rolling out the red carpet for pet owners with features like enclosed dog runs, as well as potty-bag stations placed throughout the properties. Class B units have retrofitted somewhat but their biggest changes have occurred in the area of policy. Properties built in the 1980's often originally had no pet policy or one that favored small pets only. Many of them have revised their rules to allow for a wider variety of animals. There are also a few properties that have dropped pet weight limits, although these are few and far between.

Keep in mind that there's a guideline that still applies almost universally to Austin area apartment communities, and that is the limit of two pets per unit. Most individually-owned units have the same rule as well, so if you can't limit yourself to two furry friends, you should consider home ownership.