Apartments and pets can go together, with the right considerations. Cats and dogs are often very happy living with their family in an apartment. Cats, for the most part, are very content with apartment living. But dog lovers don’t need to despair. Many dogs are suitable for apartments as well. The Dog Breed Info Center recommends looking at the dog’s energy level rather than breed. The higher the energy level, the more exercise they need daily. Selecting a lower-energy dog is a good choice for apartments.
Think about the location of your new home and how well it will fit your pet’s needs, as well as yours. Forbes offers a top-ten list of the best cities to live in for pet owners. Included on the list is Colorado Springs, Portland, and Denver. By doing some research on a site like ForRent’s Denver apartments, you can find information on the city as well as places to rent. Selecting a pet-friendly city and apartment can help ensure a happy home for pets and their owners.
Some of the things you may want to research are:
Outdoor space – Outdoor space is really important to dogs that live in apartments. Daily walks, runs, trips to the park, and outside time means your dog will probably be inside the apartment. Some things to check into:
- Local leash laws
- Dog breed bans in the area
- Neighborhood park dog rules
- Muzzle laws
- Local exercise areas and dog parks
Indoor space – The amount of space inside the apartment does have some impact on both cats and dogs. Cats are particular about the placement of their food and litter box. Petco experts recommend that you avoid putting food and water dishes near their litter box. Dogs also will avoid going to the bathroom near their food dishes.
Talk to your landlord – Many apartments don’t allow pets, especially dogs. Some may charge a pet deposit and/or a monthly fee. They may have size or breed restrictions. Clearing it ahead of time with your landlord can save a lot of heartache on your side and ours by.
Prepare yourself – Make sure your apartment is ready before you bring your pet home, especially if you are bringing home a puppy or kitten. They will chew anything and get into everything. So make sure everything is safe, the food and water is in a healthy place, and there is access to the litter box.
After we are home – Pets may need extra attention at first while settling in. But even after, they need to be kept active and given attention. They are part of the family and want to be included. Each is different, so take time to figure out their likes and dislikes and help them fit in. If you take that time, they will reward you with all their love, affection, and good-behavior.
