How Property Managers Can Prepare for Amazon Pet Day’s Package Onslaught

When Amazon puts on a sale, it’s time to pay attention…and plan. As the controller of nearly 38% of US eCommerce spending, Amazon is the most powerful retailer in the world.¹ With Amazon Pet Day returning Tuesday, May 13 through Wednesday, May 14, expect an onslaught of resident packages, especially with fast and free delivery on most items. “Customers love fast delivery, and the faster we deliver, the more often customers come back,” said Sarah Mathew, Vice President for Delivery Experience at Amazon.²

This sale is significant because it entices all pet owners – not just Prime members – to open their wallets for special prices on pet food, toys, treats, grooming supplies, collars, and other pet gear. Pet owners usually jump at the opportunity: sales the week of last year’s event jumped 4.8% over the same week in 2023.³

More Pet Owners = More Purchases & Packages

The number of multifamily residents with furry friends has grown dramatically in recent years: 58% of residents report having a pet, up from 46% in 2018 according to research from Zillow. In fact, more residents have pets (58%) than children (33%).⁴

Millennials, sometimes known as “the generation of renters,” represent the largest demographic of pet owners in the market today.⁵ This generation not only owns the highest percentage of pets but also spends more on their animal companions than any other age group. Gen X follows as the second largest pet-owning demographic, with Baby Boomers ranking third in both ownership rates and spending.

Gen Z is also an important demographic to watch, currently comprising 25% of all U.S. renters, according to Zillow. As of 2023, there were 9.1 million Gen Z renter households. Emily McDonald, Zillow’s rental-trends expert, says three in five Gen Z residents are pet owners. “Gen Z is now the dominant force in the rental market, and they are redefining what renting looks like,” she adds.⁶

Preparing for the Pet Day Influx

Here are a few ways that pet-friendly properties can set themselves up for success during peak delivery periods, like Pet Day:

• Optimize Your Package System: Before Pet Day purchases start arriving, review and strengthen your package management process. Consider implementing smart lockers to reduce staff workload while providing residents with convenient 24/7 delivery access. Plan for accommodations for oversized items and inform residents when packages may require assistance for retrieval.
• Communicate Clearly with Residents: Send proactive notifications about package retrieval procedures, including identification requirements. For communities using Parcel Pending lockers, remind residents about potential late fees, how to activate Vacation Mode, and protocols for handling oversized deliveries.
• Staff Strategically for Peak Periods: Prepare for higher package volumes by considering additional staffing during high-volume delivery periods. Implement a strict “no-grace period” pickup policy immediately following major sales events to prevent package accumulation.

Smart Parcel Lockers: A Permanent Solution for Package Management

Whether it’s planning for Pet Day or other peak delivery periods, implementing smart parcel lockers from Parcel Pending by Quadient offers multifamily properties significant advantages in both resident satisfaction and operational efficiency.

1. Enhanced Package Security

The threat of package theft creates ongoing concerns for multifamily communities. Smart parcel lockers provide a robust solution, including photo (and optional video) documentation of each pickup. When packages arrive, residents receive immediate text, email, and/or mobile app notifications, allowing them to retrieve deliveries securely and at their convenience. This comprehensive solution effectively eliminates the risk of theft, providing residents with valuable peace of mind.

2. Unmatched Convenience

With 24/7/365 access, smart parcel lockers remove the typical frustrations associated with package delivery. Residents no longer need to rush home or rearrange schedules to secure their deliveries. This around-the-clock accessibility isn’t just an added amenity; it’s becoming an expected standard in today’s competitive multifamily housing market.

3. Significant Staff Time Savings

Traditional package management often consumes substantial staff resources. Smart parcel lockers automate the entire process from acceptance through storage to retrieval, freeing up property personnel to focus on higher-value resident services and property management tasks. Communities implementing these systems report saving approximately 24 hours weekly in staff time, demonstrating measurable operational cost reduction.⁷

4. Improved Lease Renewal Rates

Perhaps the most compelling return on investment comes through increased lease renewals. The direct correlation between resident satisfaction and renewal decisions is well-documented, and the security and convenience of parcel lockers significantly enhance the resident experience. Some properties have experienced up to 40% higher renewal rates after installing parcel lockers, making this technology a strategic investment in long-term property success.⁸

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With the rise of online shopping and same-day delivery, the package management problem isn’t fading away. Investing now in smart lockers is the sure-fire strategy for lifting resident retention and satisfaction rates.

Ready to lock in your property’s package management solution? Contact a Parcel Pending representative today.

Sources:

1. Statista Research Department. Market share of leading retail e-commerce companies in the United States in 2023. www.statista.com. April 22, 2025. https://www.statista.com/statistics/274255/market-share-of-the-leading-retailers-in-us-e-commerce/
2. Holman, Jordyn. You Want That Gift to Arrive Today? This Is What It Takes. www.nytimes.com. December 3, 2024. https://www.nytimes.com/2024/12/03/business/amazon-same-day-delivery.html
3. Berthiaume, Dan. Amazon Pet Day returns in May. chainstoreage.com. April 11, 2025. https://chainstoreage.com/amazon-pet-day-returns-may
4. Zillow. Rentals Consumer Housing Trends Report 2025. www.zillow.com. November 27, 2024. https://www.zillow.com/rental-manager/resources/your-guide-to-2025-zillow-rentals-consumer-housing-trends-report/
5. Shahbandeh, M. Share of pet ownership in the United States in 2024, by generation. www.statista.com. March 14, 2025. https://www.statista.com/statistics/1130651/pet-ownership-by-generation-us/
6. Flint, Jessica. What Do Gen Z Renters Want? Amenities, Aesthetics and Their Own Mini Universe. www.wsj.com. May 1, 2025. https://www.wsj.com/real-estate/luxury-homes/gen-z-renters-8f411113
7. Based on customer results; your results may vary.
8. Ibid.