Apartment Living With Pets is Possible With These Seven Tips
You can’t imagine apartment living without your pet. We understand. For all pet lovers out there, the decision to rent an apartment can present some unique challenges. While many apartment communities have a strict no-pets rule, those that allow them have certain restrictions and rules you must follow.
If living without your loyal companion is unthinkable, read the following tips to make sure you are a good neighbor and a compliant member of the rules in your apartment community.
Tip #1: Research your apartment options
Research carefully to find an apartment community that will allow the type of pet you have or want to adopt. Some communities allow small pets, such as a gerbil, hamster or a cat, while others will let you have small dogs, but might restrict the breed. So if you have an energetic Labrador retriever, or you’ve always wanted a Great Dane, you might have to look a little harder to find an option.
Tip #2: Live on the first floor if possible
If you own a dog, it may be more convenient for you to live on the first floor. Walking right outside from your front door is faster and less messy than doing your best to maneuver through the hallways and down the steps with a dog who’s been waiting all day to be let out.
Tip #3: Consider your pet’s personality
Cats can be independent and low maintenance, while guinea pigs and hamsters are confined to a cage, yet require a bit more work. Be aware that certain breeds of dogs are high energy, and may be chew if they are bored. Dogs prone to incessant barking — at other dogs, people they see out the window, noises like the furnace or air conditioning kicking on — is disruptive, even to your dog-loving neighbors. So if you have your heart set on a dog, consider a small breed known for its calm disposition. Set realistic expectations, and understand that some pets just aren’t cut out for apartment living.
Tip #4: Keep your pets up to date on parasite preventions and vaccinations
This is important anyway, but especially when you are living in an apartment community close to people and other pets.
Tip #5: Give your pet plenty of exercise
Most dogs need lots of exercise. Choose an apartment community that has a good place for you and your dog to walk, whether it’s on the grounds or on sidewalks that lead to other neighborhoods. Some apartment communities have their own private dog park for their members to use. Or you could investigate public dog parts that are close to where you live. Socialization with other dogs is an important part of your dog’s development, and will help them burn off excess energy. Wherever you choose to exercise your pet, be a good neighbor and clean up after them.
Tip #6: Keep your pet entertained
For indoor pets, make sure they have plenty of stimulation and toys to play with. Cats love to hang out in high places, so having a cat tower in your apartment can provide hours of entertainment. If you have a dog, consider the possibility of hiring a pet sitter or dog walker that can provide some interaction during the day.
Tip #7: Get renter’s insurance.
Your apartment community may require it anyway, but it’s a good idea to have. Even the best-trained dogs aren’t perfect. Renter’s insurance will help you financially if your pet damages something.
Edwards Communities knows how important furry friends can be to our members, so many of our communities do allow pets. Walking trails, pet-friendly grounds, and even a dog park at The Charleston and Arlington Park in Columbus provides your dog with the outdoor recreation and socialization it needs.
For more information about the many amenities Edwards Communities provides, visit our website at http://edwardscommunities.com, or contact us at info@edwardscommunities.com.