We’ve written lately about how to find the right place for you, as well as commenting on how to get your pet into the apartment. This is good information to have but what if you have an apartment and want to get a pet? My Mom’s rule was that I could have a dog when I moved out of her house, so when that happened I started looking.
However, just like when moving into an apartment there are a lot of things to keep in mind.
1. Does your apartment allow pets?
2. Will there be an extra cost to the landlord? Pet deposit/fee/rent?
3. Can your budget handle the extra expense of a pet? Food, vet bills etc.
Once you’ve decided you can handle a pet you need to consider what type of pet to get.
Do you want a dog? What breed/size?
Maybe a cat is more condusive to you lifestyle?
Consider these things in making your choice…
1. Your Space:
-How big is the apartment 1, 2, 3 bedrooms, and how many people live there? Are you already tripping over each other? Do you have a lot of valuable breakable things? Dogs don’t always recognize their tails are hitting something and cats will jump onto shelves and tables to check things out. If you have a small cramped apartment a large high energy dog is probably not the right fit.
2. Lifestyle:
-Do you work long hours or have a long commute? Can you take time over lunch to take the dog for a walk?
-Do you have the time and energy to train the dog properly so that it is not only house broken but also is not barking while you are away and disrupting other people’s lives.
-Do you travel a lot? Can you take the puppy with you? Being gone a lot can cause its own troubles for pets. Cats can be left for a few days at a time with proper food and water and box but a dog needs daily walks and attention and will need to be kenneled or watched by a neighbor.
-Maybe you entertain and often have people coming and going from the apartment. Is the dog going to bark at everyone, trying to protect you, or are your friends and guests allergic? You may need to consider a hypo allergenic breed.
-When you are home are you active or do you hang out on the couch? This too comes into play because if you have a high energy dog but you want to sit and read a book you will become annoyed by the pet, but if you are out running and going to parks than you may want a pet that will keep up with you.
When you are looking for a new friend do your research. Look at breeds and how big they get and what sort of energy level they often have. Each pet will have it’s on personality but breed will give you some indication of what to expect. Also go and spend time with the pet before you bring it home (and real time not a few minutes but an hour here and there to get the full idea of the animals personality). It is better to know ahead of time if it will work than to have to return a pet to the shelter.
Before you go fall in love with a new pet consider your lifestyle and space and your general ability to take care of a pet. Large energetic dogs in small apartments can be trouble, and work dogs that love to run need extra attention, so know what you can handle and choose accordingly. In this way everyone can live happily.
Tell us about your pets, how does it work in the apartment? Do you have tips or tricks for keeping everyone happy and healthy?
Also check out our other Tips for Renters for more on pets as well as safety and other great topics!
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