Things You Need to Know About Living in an Apartment With A Pet
You’ve made the first step, you’re out on your own for the first time. You’ve had to listen to all the reasons why you couldn’t have a pet your entire life, now it’s your time and you’re going to do what you want to do! You’re finally going to get that puppy you’ve always wanted or that kitty that your sibling was allergic to. You’re going to go to the nearest pet store and find your forever friend. You’re going to hug ‘em and kiss ‘em and buy lots of pet toys and…
STOP RIGHT THERE!
Before you charge full steam ahead, there are many things to think about before you get that pet. Too many animals end up homeless and in shelters because their purchase was not thoroughly thought out…
Part 1 – Things You Need to Know about Living in an Apartment with a Pet
If you’ve already moved into your apartment, before you get an animal, any kind of animal, talk to your landlord. There are many pet friendly apartments, but equally as many that frown upon any type of animal at all. If you have your heart set on getting a pet, make sure that before you sign your lease, you let management know what you’re planning to do. It would be a terrible thing to have to choose between your new best friend and the costs associated with breaking a lease. Just make sure to communicate your plans in advance.
If you haven’t selected an apartment yet, searching for a building that allows pets is easy on Apartments.com. When you’re searching apartments, simply select the type of pet that you have, or that you’re planning to get, and you’ll be able to find buildings that will allow cats, small dogs or even large dogs.
Some apartment properties charge an additional deposit for renters with dogs, or may even ask for a monthly fee for rent for your pet. When you’re visiting your potential new place, make sure to ask if this is the case and how much those fees will be. Also find out if the deposit is refundable or non-refundable.
Ask your potential landlord if there are any size or weight limitations on animals. Some buildings may even prohibit specific breeds. You’ll have a much easier time finding a place that will allow cats, small dogs or other animals versus a large dog. (See our article “Selecting an Animal” for some helpful tips on finding the right kind of pet for you.)
When you’re signing your lease, make sure you read it thoroughly. Some properties may even list your pet as a “tenant” on the lease and there may be clauses to prevent you from getting additional animals.
Regardless what kind of pet you have, as the pet “parent” you are responsible for the health and safety of the pet and you must insure that other tenants, visitors and neighborhood residents are protected from your animal (and sometimes vice versa). This means you must take proper health precautions for your animal including spaying/neutering and vaccinations.
If you haven’t figured it out yet, owning a pet is more like being a parent than like buying a new car. There are emotional, time and financial commitments needed in this “relationship”. You’ll need to clean up an occasional mess, be prepared to lose at least one pair of shoes and you won’t be able to stay away from home for long periods of time without a “babysitter”. There will be significant changes in your daily routine. But, even with all these drawbacks, owning an animal can be one of the most rewarding experiences. There’s no other feeling than the unconditional love of an animal greeting you at home after a long day of work. And animals don’t grow up to talk back, get tattoos or come home drunk. If you’re fully aware and ready for this type of obligation, read on for tips on selecting the right kind of animal for you!
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