So you’ve already done some of the legwork and found the perfect pet-friendly apartment for rent. You and your furry friend have moved in and are getting settled in your new place. Now is the perfect time to think about how to make the most of your space for both you and your four-legged friend. Here are 6 painless ways to create pet-friendly apartments.
1. Create space specifically for your pet
Sharing your apartment with your pet can create some space issues. Do you let your pup sleep in your bed? Does your cat scratch at your expensive sofa while you’re trying to binge watch some television? Make a designated play area and sleeping space for your pet so you don’t have any problems.
For cats, pick up a few scratching posts and cat condos for your furry friend to play with instead of letting them using your nice furniture. Put them in a designated corner of the room so your cat knows where to go for entertainment. Buy a dog bed you know your pooch will like so you can share your bed with them if and when you want to, while giving them a nice alternative if you decide you want some space for yourself.
2. Add a doggy door
If you’re lucky enough to have a small patio or backyard at your apartment, consider installing a doggy door. Your cat or dog can go in and out when they please, giving them more room to roam even if you’re not home. With more space to move around, you won’t feel as guilty leaving your pet home while you’re at work all day. Plus, you can also keep your litter box outside and train your dog to go to the bathroom outside if a doggy door is available. Your apartment will stay cleaner and your pet will have ample room to play and do their business.
3. Keep cleaning supplies on hand
Shedding fur can be a frustrating part of having a pet, but there is a simple solution that can make clean up easier. Start by having a few pairs of rubber cleaning gloves on hand. When you’re ready to clean up your pet’s fur, wet the rubber gloves and start picking it up. The rubber material combined with water will create a sticky surface that makes it easy to pick up all those small hairs. Your apartment will be clean in no time!
You should also keep carpet and upholstery cleaner handy to cleanup any messes from your pet. Likewise, you may want to invest in a heavy duty vacuum to keep your space fur free. Keep your cats litter box tidy and smell free to avoid any complaints from the neighbors and to keep your cat clean and healthy. Taking extra steps to clean up after your pet can keep your space smelling clean, and can ensure that you get your security deposit back when you move out.
4. Keep a consistent potty schedule
One of the best ways to keep your pet (specifically your dog) happy is to keep the on a consistent bathroom schedule. If you don’t have a doggy door or don’t want to install them, having a structured, consistent potty schedule is going to make both of your lives easier. Your pup will know when it’s time to go, and you won’t have to worry about cleaning up any accidents or waking up at night to your dog needing to go outside.
5. Put toys in dedicated basket
It’s important to have enough toys to keep your pet occupied and engaged while you’re away from your apartment to avoid coming home to chewed up furniture, trash strewn about the apartment, or electrical cords shredded up. In the same vein, you probably also want to keep those toys in a nice and tidy space. Head to a home goods store and pick up a few baskets or bins that fit your apartment aesthetic. Get a few different sizes so you can fit all your pet’s toys in them. When you feel like you need a little order in your apartment, simply throw all the toys in these baskets and your place will feel picked up in no time.
6. Keep your pet active
While this isn’t necessarily an apartment hack, it’s crucial that your dog gets taken out on plenty of walks. Even if you’re not in one of the most pet-friendly cities, you can still find a few blocks to take your pooch out on for a walk. Think of it as an essential element to living in an apartment with a dog. The more frequent the walks are, the less likely your pooch will be to bark, become anxious from being cooped up indoors, or get bored and start acting out. Bring your four-legged friend out for a few 20-minute walks a day or one hour-long walk once a day. Cats are easier to accommodate on this front, but be sure to spend some time playing with them once in a while!
What to look for in a pet-friendly apartment
Finding an apartment that fits the needs of both you and your pet is a top priority for pet friendly. Here are 3 things to look for during your apartment search for pet-friendly apartments.
1. Space
A primary consideration when looking for a pet-friendly apartment is space. Depending on the size and activity level of your pet, the size and layout are important. When looking at space, be sure to take into account any private outdoor space as well the community areas.
If your pet needs a lot of room to move around and play, you will want to look at the availability of a safe, open space, whether it’s a private patio or a community dog run. If that’s not an option, you may want to look into doggie day care, especially if your dog is home alone for long hours.
Barking is one of the top complaints of neighbors in apartments. Most dogs bark occasionally, some much more often. If your dog is a barker, be sure the particular apartment is away from common areas that may trigger barking. Windows facing a sidewalk or walkway, proximity to an entrance/exit stairway or elevator may all trigger barking.
If you keep your dog in a gated area when at work, such as a kitchen, will there be a suitable place in the new apartment? If you kennel your dog while you’re away or at night, is there an appropriate space to put the kennel.
Stairs may be a consideration if your dog is older or has trouble going up and down stairs. Where the stairs are is also a factor. How many times will your dog need to go up and down the stairs every day?
2. Location and community
Additionally, look at the apartment community and the surrounding neighborhood. Are there ample, dog- friendly community and neighborhood amenities? Is there a place to take your pup to quickly “do his business” when you’re in a rush, or will you have to walk a bit to get to an acceptable spot? Where will you be walking your dog on a daily basis? Is the area safe to walk your dog at night?
It’s helpful if you’re able to talk with other pet owners in the complex or building. They may be able to give you a sense that this apartment is or is not the place for you and your pet.
3. Pet policies
Of the top 3 things to look for in a pet-friendly apartment, the building’s pet policies are the most important. It’s important to know what the policies are for dogs, specifically. Some information may be volunteered by the property manager, but it’s important to ask the right questions to be certain the policies regarding dogs are clear and can be followed.
Frequently asked questions about pet-friendly apartments
Many apartment leases ask for a separate pet deposit; some communities also charge a monthly pet fee.
Although it may be unfair, many pet-friendly apartment communities have a list of dog restrictions. Some restrictions pertain to breed. There may also be a size limit for dogs based on weight.
In order to ensure the comfort and safety of everyone on the property, apartment managers often have a list of rules for pet owners to follow. When you are comfortable with all the pet rules, be sure to get it in writing.
Once you have been given permission by the landlord or apartment manager to have your pet in the apartment, be sure to get it in writing. If any exceptions are made to the rules, make sure they are included as well. If you’re unsure about anything, ask.
If your lease has a no-pets clause, for example, and the manager is making an exception for you, a verbal approval isn’t enough. The no-pets clause should be removed from the lease before you sign it. Be sure it has been removed from the manager’s copy, as well.
Yes. Temporary dog doors are an apartment friendly solution for pet owners. We recommend a screen door attachment that will allow you to add a temporary structure to your existing door frame so that your pet can access the outdoor space with minimal to no damage to your rental.
If you’re getting ready to live in a new place with your furry friend, these are some easy ways to create a pet-friendly apartment. Keep in mind your pet’s specific needs, and alter your apartment to accommodate both you and your four-legged roommate. Still looking for that new place? Check out our pet-friendly apartments for rent and find one that works for you.
Related content
