How to Ask if Pets Are Allowed in Spanish (Rental Housing)
Learn to ask 'Are pets allowed?' in Spanish and understand common pet restrictions when renting an apartment or house in Latin America.
By SofiaGetting around · Yapr Learn
When you rent a home in a Spanish-speaking country, one of the first questions you'll need to ask is whether pets are allowed. In this lesson, you'll learn how to ask that question clearly and politely, and how to understand the answer, including common restrictions like size, number, and type of pet. We'll focus on broadly useful Latin American Spanish, with notes on regional differences. By the end, you'll be able to handle this conversation with confidence.
By the end, you can…
- ask if pets are allowed in a rental property.
- understand and respond to common pet restrictions.
Listen once. Try it slowly. Then say it without looking.
Checking available voices…
¿Se permiten mascotas?
Are pets allowed?
seh peh-RMEH-tehn mas-KOH-tahs
The most direct and common way to ask. Use it in any Spanish-speaking country.
¿Aceptan mascotas?
Do you accept pets?
ah-SEHP-tahn mas-KOH-tahs
Very common in Latin America, especially when speaking to a landlord or agency.
Tengo un perro.
I have a dog.
TEHN-goh oon PEH-rroh
Use this to specify what kind of pet you have. For a cat, say 'Tengo un gato.'
¿Hay algún problema con mascotas?
Is there any problem with pets?
eye ahl-GOON proh-BLEH-mah kohn mas-KOH-tahs
A softer way to ask, useful if you're unsure about the policy.
¿Cuánto es el depósito por mascota?
How much is the pet deposit?
KWAHN-toh ehs ehl deh-POH-see-toh pohr mas-KOH-tah
Ask this if pets are allowed but there might be an extra fee.
Pronunciation guides are approximate. Slow playback keeps the original pitch.
Make it make sense
Useful pattern
To ask if something is allowed, use '¿Se permite...?' or '¿Se permiten...?' for plural. For example: '¿Se permite un gato?' (Is a cat allowed?) or '¿Se permiten dos perros?' (Are two dogs allowed?). You can also use '¿Aceptan...?' which means 'Do you accept...?' and is very common in business contexts. For example: '¿Aceptan mascotas pequeñas?' (Do you accept small pets?). Note that 'mascota' is the general word for pet in Latin American Spanish. In some regions, 'mascota' can also mean a mascot, but context makes it clear.
When to use it
Use these questions when you're interested in renting a place and want to know the pet policy. It's best to ask early, before you visit the property or sign anything. If you're speaking to a landlord directly, you can start with 'Disculpe, ¿se permiten mascotas?' (Excuse me, are pets allowed?). If you're communicating in writing, like in an email or message, you can use the same phrases. In some countries, like Mexico, '¿Aceptan mascotas?' is very common. In Argentina, you might hear '¿Se aceptan mascotas?' as well. Always be prepared to describe your pet: 'Es un perro pequeño y tranquilo' (It's a small, calm dog).
Listen to each line, then take one part and reply out loud.
Buenas tardes, estoy interesado en el departamento. ¿Se permiten mascotas?
Good afternoon, I'm interested in the apartment. Are pets allowed?BWEH-nahs TAR-dehs, ehs-TOY een-teh-reh-SAH-doh ehn ehl deh-pahr-tah-MEHN-toh. seh peh-RMEH-tehn mas-KOH-tahs?Sí, se permiten, pero solo mascotas pequeñas. ¿Qué tipo de mascota tiene?
Yes, they are allowed, but only small pets. What type of pet do you have?see, seh peh-RMEH-tehn, PEH-roh SOH-loh mas-KOH-tahs peh-KEH-nyahs. keh TEE-poh deh mas-KOH-tah TYEH-neh?Tengo un gato. Es tranquilo y no hace ruido.
I have a cat. It's calm and doesn't make noise.TEHN-goh oon GAH-toh. ehs trahn-KEE-loh ee noh AH-seh RWEE-doh.Perfecto. Solo hay un depósito adicional de 100 dólares por mascota.
Perfect. There's just an additional deposit of 100 dollars per pet.pehr-FEHK-toh. SOH-loh eye oon deh-POH-see-toh ah-dee-see-oh-NAHL deh see-EHN doh-lah-rehs pohr mas-KOH-tahA little context goes a long way
In many Latin American countries, pet policies can be more flexible than in the U.S. or Europe, especially for small pets. However, it's always best to ask directly and get permission in writing if possible. In Mexico and Colombia, 'mascota' is the standard term; in Argentina and Uruguay, 'mascota' is also standard, though 'animalito' is sometimes used affectionately. Be aware that some landlords may ask for a pet deposit or charge extra rent. Always clarify the terms to avoid misunderstandings.
One thing to watch for
Using '¿Tienes mascotas?' to ask if pets are allowed.
Try this instead: '¿Tienes mascotas?' means 'Do you have pets?' and asks about the other person's pets, not about permission. To ask if pets are allowed, say '¿Se permiten mascotas?' or '¿Aceptan mascotas?'
Your turn
Try answering out loud before checking a possible answer.
1How would you ask 'Are pets allowed?' in Spanish?
Show a sample answer
¿Se permiten mascotas?
This is the most direct and common way. You could also say '¿Aceptan mascotas?' which is equally correct in many contexts.
2You have a small dog. How do you say 'I have a small dog' in Spanish?
Show a sample answer
Tengo un perro pequeño.
This uses 'tengo' (I have), 'un perro' (a dog), and 'pequeño' (small). If you have a female dog, you can say 'Tengo una perra pequeña,' but 'perro' is often used generically.
3The landlord says 'Solo se permiten mascotas pequeñas.' What does that mean?
Show a sample answer
Only small pets are allowed.
'Solo' means only, 'se permiten' means are allowed, and 'mascotas pequeñas' means small pets. This is a common restriction.
Always ask '¿Se permiten mascotas?' or '¿Aceptan mascotas?' before renting. Be ready to describe your pet and ask about deposits. Clear communication avoids problems later.
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