More and more apartment buildings are allowing tenants to own pets, but just because that's the case doesn't mean it's a slam dunk in terms of making your living situation ideal for both you and your animals. Once you actually have approval to sign a lease and keep a pet, there's are some important things you can do to optimize the situation. We're not talking about hamsters, goldfish or geckos but mostly cats and dogs that don't exactly living within the confines of a cage or a bowl that sits on a table. Keep in mind that you may also need to provide an additional security deposit with your landlord in case your pet damages the rental property. Here are the best ways to make living with a pet a safe and positive environment.
Can Your Pet Thrive in an Apartment?
Think about what your pet is like in terms of habits, personality, activity level, and size. First of all, is it a cat or is it a dog because those are two very different animals with different needs. Cats tend to be easier and quieter, in general. But their litter can be malodorous and can present a problem to your neighbors. If you have a dog, that doesn't necessarily mean they're going to be noisier. If you have a large dog, it might actually be more laid back and relaxed than a tiny dog with a lot of energy. You have to consider all the factors when it comes to your pet. If you don't think an apartment is a good place, and you want to keep your pet, then you may want to consider living elsewhere.
How Much Space Does Your Pet Need?
If you have a high-energy pet that needs a lot of space, you can make things work in an apartment as long as there's adjacent outdoor space where it can stretch its legs and get some fresh air. If your apartment complex has a large grassy area, or if there's a dog park nearby, it might just make things much easier for both of you. It's cruel to keep a dog in your apartment with no exposure to wide-open spaces. Also, if you have the ability to afford a dog walker, that can make life easier for you and your pooch. Don't try to make your pet fit into your apartment. Consider whether or not it will be okay living in a generally smaller space than a single-family home.
Will You Be Able To Potty Train Them?
We don't mean using the toilet but rather establishing routines for your dog. This is a no-brainer for cats, of course, unless you have a totally crazy one. But dogs need to either learn or routine or have a designated spot in the apartment where they can relieve themselves. The best option, of course, is to have them trained to go when you walk them in the morning and when you return from work. Figure out what they can handle in terms of hours. Some more sedentary dogs also do very well in their own crate, but you have to teach them to see it as their own safe space and not some doggie prison, and they either need to learn to hold it or have a designated spot (outside the crate) where they can go to the bathroom. It takes months of training, but it could very well be worth it.
Do Your Neighbors Have Pets?
If most of your neighbors don't own pets, you could be a pariah in your apartment building, and you might even get some dirty looks. You don't want to be in that kind of living situation when you feel like you're on pins and needles with everyone. But if your neighbors also have pets, there's some real camaraderie there, and you can forge some good relationships with those who live in your building. You can also help each other out when it comes to pet sitting when each of you goes on vacation. This way, you don't have to pay for a kennel if you have a dog, and you don't have to worry about your cats or dogs getting fed. It's really a win-win situation.
