Whether you're a long-time pet owner or a potential owner planning ahead, you want to make sure your apartment is pet-friendly. With just a little extra attention you can make sure both you and your pets will be happy in your new home.
The right place for your pet
As pet ownership has become more popular, many apartments have relaxed their formerly strict rules on pet ownership. Some apartment communities now often include dog walking paths, sometimes even offering clean-up stations with complementary plastic bags. During your apartment search, be sure to take a walk around the grounds and think about your daily pet-care routines.
Some dogs have trouble with stairs, especially the hard concrete stairs found outside most apartments. A ground floor location might be a good move. While hardwood floors are definitely more stylish, carpets or rugs are more comfortable for canine feet. If you have a larger dog or an especially active small dog, this also keeps your pet's footsteps from annoying downstairs neighbors.
Most cats enjoy watching the world go by through a sunny window. If you're a cat owner, keep an eye out for a good view of a nearby tree. Consider adding a bird feeder to your balcony -- the feline equivalent of a plasma TV.
The cost of keeping a pet
Even in the most pet-friendly communities, it is customary for the lease to require pet owners to pay an additional deposit. Make sure to include that in your budget. Keeping pets in secret is a bad idea -- maintenance workers need to know if there is a danger of letting pets out when they come to perform repairs.
Pet food is less expensive in large packages, but nobody wants to haul a fifty pound bag of kibble up three flights of stairs. Remember to consider every aspect of your pet's care when evaluating possible residences. The difference between two units in the same community could mean a lot in the long run.
The right pet for your place
For prospective pet owners, exotic pets may solve the problem of expensive deposits. Caged animals are often exempt from deposits, and your gerbil or iguana won't care how many stairs you have to walk up when you come home to feed it. A wide variety of rodents and reptiles live happily in small spaces, and the sounds of a tropical fish aquarium can be a soothing distraction after a long day at work.
While songbirds are beautiful to look at and listen to, they may not keep the same sleep schedule you do. Sound carries fast in a small apartment so be sure to research your choices ahead of time.
In some ways, cats make ideal apartment pets. They are generally very independent so they don't mind if you stay out late, and they don't require walking. On the other hand, cats also love to climb and jump, so you may want to consider the wear and tear this may cause on your furniture and look for out-of-the-way locations for delicate items that cats can knock to the ground.
If you have your heart set on a dog, there are more options than you might realize. Researching the personalities and habits of a variety of breeds can help you choose the right dog for the space you have to work with.
Whether you are a confirmed cat lover or dog devotee, your pet can be perfectly content living with you in your apartment. It may take a little extra planning and effort, but, as any pet owner will tell you, the rewards are worth it.
See also: Keeping a Dog in Your Apartment