The Austonian caters to residents' every need, including those pertaining to their pets -- particularly four-legged ones. In fact, pet owners were a primary consideration during the development phase of the luxury condo. Five-star urban living needed to lend itself to owning pets, be it dogs, cats, fish or aquarium animals. Homeowners needed to feel confident that they could provide their animals a lifestyle that surpassed what they'd grown accustomed to in larger suburban homes. In response, The Austonian created a number of building amenities and services geared towards pets.

Because leaving the building to walk a four-legged friend isn't always the most convenient option for homeowners, a secured 600-square-foot dog park (complete with a Synlawn synthetic grass surface with a draining system) is available on The Lawn, a 10th-floor outdoor amenity area. Adjacent to the dog park is an indoor grooming room complete with raised bathing areas. Here, residents can wash and groom their pets or employ Dirty Dog, a preferred Austonian service provider, which offers in-house grooming services to the building.

Additional pet service providers include Lofty Dog, which offers pet food delivery and personal shopping; and Austin Urban Vet Center, which provides veterinary, medical, diagnostic and surgical services, as well as pet boarding for dogs and cats. Austonian concierges can arrange for appointments and transportation for pets if necessary. Both businesses are located just blocks from The Austonian in downtown Austin. These services and amenities are complimented by Austonian Assistants, who are on hand around the clock to, for example, walk a resident's dog if the homeowner is out longer than expected. Austonian Assistants have even watched a family's collection of pet frogs while they were away on vacation.

For active residents and pooches who want to stretch their legs, the Hike and Bike Trail at Lady Bird Lake, with areas to run, walk, swim and play leash-free, is just two blocks away.

Living downtown with a pet is easy because Austin has a dog-friendly culture. Many nearby restaurants and shops, including Jo's Coffee and Taverna, welcome pets on their patios and offer treats to four-legged passersby.

The Austonian has been recognized in several publications for its pet amenities and services, including Austin Monthly (http://theaustonianblog.typepad.com/theaustonian/2010/07/austins-petfriendly-culture-is-reflected-in-this-months-austin-monthly-magazine-.html) and Doggie Aficionado (http://theaustonianblog.typepad.com/theaustonian/2011/01/pet-services-the-austonian-featured-in-doggie-aficionado-magazine.html).