8 Tips for Apartment Living with Pets

You’ve spent a lot of time finding the perfect place for you. You’ve scoured through apartment listings and finally found the one.

But, if you live in a big city like New York or a smaller city like Minneapolis, where rent prices are on the rise, how do you make sure you’ve found the best place for your pets without sacrificing your needs in an apartment?

First, we have to back up a little, because the most important step in creating a pet-friendly residence is to make sure you and the landlord are on the same page. A place with many pet restrictions is not preferable, so do locate an apartment that welcomes animals

Diligence

Next, read the lease carefully. Even though the leasing agent represents a property as very pet-friendly, your lease may contain restrictions like “no pets in the stairwell.” Also make sure that you understand all additional pet security deposits and the types of damage you may be responsible for.

Your Turn

Once you have found a suitable place, it’s now time to make sure you have a suitable pet. A big golden retriever may not do well in a downtown high-rise. Make sure your pet is a good match for an apartment lifestyle. Of course, we’re thinking cats and small dogs.

Clean it Up

Pet owners may sympathize, but non-pet owners can easily become furious after they have stepped in it. Keep your surroundings pet-friendly by diligently cleaning up after your pet.

Monitor the Decibel Level

A constantly barking dog can even infuriate animal shelter workers since everyone needs some quiet time. If you have a barker, find a way to control it. Sometimes leaving your pet alone for long periods of time will contribute to this behavior.

Apartment Broken

A new pet plus a new apartment can be a recipe for disaster unless you have already taken care of the house-breaking duties. Urine and feces stains can be difficult to remove, can promote more of the same activity, can violate your lease, and/or cost you a lot of money.

Crate Training

Some pet owners view crates as jail-time for pets, but pet-lovers know that the opposite is true. A crate-trained pet will consider the cage to be their safe spot and will willingly go to it in times of stress. It also makes things a lot easier when strangers like repairmen—and landlords—come to visit.

Furthermore, crates are invaluable when travelling with pets, so make sure your animal is at home in the cage. You can find a ton of other items to keep your pet happy, too.

Show Some Light

Do avoid putting a blanket over the cage and forcing your pet to sleep when you are away. Pets, like humans, enjoy a nice view, and your dog may really like just looking out of the window. If you are using a cage, put it in the appropriate place.

Health

A healthy pet will be a quieter and well-adjusted pet. Don’t skip vet visits and keep all vaccinations up-to-date. Besides, a nice jaunt to the vet’s office will be welcomed by your dog. You may have to carry your cat, but even the most dedicated house cats may like to get out occasionally.

Yes, country living might be easier for pets as you can let them roam, but with some planning and foresight, you can make the urban pet lifestyle work.