Apartment living can be the perfect setup for many individuals and families. While homeownership does have many advantages, renting allows for flexibility and less responsibility, as you won’t be responsible for the upkeep and maintenance.
However, one of the downsides of renting is balancing the situation with pet ownership. Many property management companies and landlords have restrictions on pets and even those that allow pets often require pet rent or deposits.
On top of this, apartments and other rentals are often smaller than houses, and they usually don’t have much outdoor space. So, making your apartment a great place for your pet can take planning and creativity.
Luckily, these tips will help ensure your rental is ideal for your beloved pet.
Tip 1: Ensure You Know The Pet Policies
The best way to ensure you can keep your pet and give it the best life possible is to check the conditions of your lease before bringing an animal into the space. If you can’t find or understand the pet policy, reach out to your property management company or landlord for clarification.
It’s better to know for sure than to risk eviction or having to rehome your pet.
Tip 2: Schedule Physical Activity For Your Pet Daily
If you don’t have a yard, it can be more challenging to ensure your pet gets the necessary exercise, especially if you have a dog. Still, even for cats, it can be difficult to ensure their exercise requirements are met in a smaller indoor space, as they may not have as many areas to explore.
Don’t worry, though. You can still give your furry friend an excellent life where they get physical activity and exercise. If you have a dog, take them on a walk nearly every day. If you have a higher-energy breed, you may need to take them outside more often.
For cats and other species, make time to play with them each day. Some species and individuals are more curious or active than others, but always schedule this physical enrichment time.
Tip 3: Prioritize Mental Stimulation
Physical activity is vital for most pets and so is mental stimulation. The good news is that things like taking your dog on a walk or engaging your cat with a toy are also mentally beneficial for them.
Still, you’ll want to find ways to engage their mind. While routines are often crucial for pets, they will benefit from new things in their environment. Try new toys, healthy treats, or even new sounds to help make their daily life more exciting.
Of course, each pet has their own unique personality, so you’ll want to find what they enjoy. Then, ensure they have ample time to do these activities, as long as they are safe and manageable.
Tip 4: Ask Your Vet For Recommendations
Taking your pet to the vet on a regular basis keeps your pet in good health. Your vet can also be a good resource for behavioral questions and concerns. Since they work with pets and pet owners all the time, they may have ideas on ensuring your pet gets enough physical and mental stimulation.
Tip 5: Get Creative With Rental-Friendly Enrichment
Many pet owners want to make their living spaces more appealing to pets, but this can be a bit harder in a rental. If you own your home, you can add as many cat ledges to the walls as you want. On the other hand, you may have to get more creative in an apartment.
Consider buying or making cat trees or scratch mats. For dogs, you can install gates that keep your dog out of certain areas.
Overall, you can make your apartment and lifestyle more suited to your pet by considering their needs and adapting over time.
