7 Things to Consider When Choosing a Pet for Your Apartment

By Brittany Loeffler on September 14, 2018

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Everyone wants to come home to a loving pet after a long day of school or work. Snuggling up with your pet can relieve any stress you may have and make you feel loved and appreciated. Not only are pets great for good company, but they also teach you responsibility.

Unfortunately, you may run into some trouble when choosing a pet when you live in an apartment. Since you do not own the property, there may be some restrictions from the landlord. You also have to consider the size and temperament of your potential pet. Here are some things to consider when choosing a pet for your apartment.

choosing a pet for your apartment

via Pixabay

Talk to the Landlord

Before choosing a pet for your apartment, talk to your landlord to see if they even allow pets in the apartment. Some landlords do not allow pets because of noise complaints or damage to the apartment. Other landlords require a nonrefundable pet deposit. It’s also common for landlords to have restrictions on what type of pet or the size of it.

Take a look at your lease before calling the landlord for permission. It may explain everything right there!

Outdoor Space

Do you have any outdoor space in your apartment? A common pet people choose is a dog. Dogs are loyal and fun to play with, but they require a lot of movement and outdoor space. Consider how much outdoor space you have and if it is okay for a dog to do its business there. If it is a common area, then you probably don’t want your dog to roam around out there.

If you don’t have an outdoor space, then you have to realize that if you get a dog you’ll have to take it out for walks more often. Or you can go with another pet that doesn’t require outdoor space like a cat, fish, or hamster.

Neighborhood

If you do not have any outdoor space but are still insistent on getting a dog as a pet, then you will have to take it out on a walk multiple times a day. That means walking through your neighborhood early in the morning and late at night in the cold and the heat. Consider the neighborhood you live in. Do you feel safe walking around late at night by yourself? If not, then a dog may not be the right pet for your apartment.

choosing a pet for your apartment

via Pixabay

Space Matters

Apartments come in all shapes and sizes. If you live in a studio apartment, consider how much space a pet will take up. Are you willing to share that space with them? Maybe you live in a spacious multi-bedroom apartment with an outdoor space, then that will affect which type of pet you choose.

It wouldn’t be a smart idea to get a German shepherd if you lived in a studio apartment. A cat would be a better choice. Consider how much space you would need to make a certain pet happy.

Temperament

Cats are generally very independent and calm pets to have in an apartment. Dogs are more rambunctious and need a lot more care and attention. Fish swim happily in their fishbowls quietly. Guinea pigs and hamsters run around in their cage for the most part and are pretty calm creatures. Consider the animal’s temperament when choosing a pet for your apartment. This will affect how much space you need and how much time you can dedicate to your pet.

Time Management

Will you have time for a pet? This is a huge factor to consider when choosing a pet for your apartment. It’s important to be realistic about how much time you can dedicate to taking care of your pet. Certain pets need more attention than others. Dogs, for example, need the most care out of any pet. While cats can be left alone for a day or two with a bowl of food and a clean litter box.

choosing a pet for your apartment

via Pixabay

Roommates

If you have roommates, it’s important to consult them before choosing a pet for your apartment. Make sure they are not allergic to any pets. Talk about the expectations of having a pet in the apartment. Is everyone sharing responsibility or does the pet belong to just one person? Does your roommate even want a pet in the apartment? It’s hard to believe, but some people don’t like pets. These are important conversations to have with your roommates before choosing a pet for your apartment.

Choosing a Pet for Your Apartment

Before choosing a pet for your apartment, there are a few things to consider. How much space do you have to share with your pet? Do you have outdoor space for a pet to run around? Will your pet disturb your neighbors or get annoying due to its temperament? Most importantly, check with your landlord to see if they allow pets and talk to your roommates about what pet you’re thinking of getting.

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