Adopting a pet is a great way to enrich your life and has a plethora of benefits. Pets offer unconditional love and companionship and bring joy into their owners’ lives. You can experience pet ownership while living in an apartment, but it’s a little different than living in a house. Since you don’t own the property, you’ll have to make some accommodations and follow the apartment community rules to ensure that your new furry, feathered, or finned friend is a welcome addition and not a nuisance. And before you adopt a pet, make sure your lifestyle will accommodate one. If you travel frequently or work long hours, a pet might not be such a good idea if it has to be alone at home all day or boarded while you’re out of town.
Check with your property manager and review your lease.
Most apartment communities allow pets, but there may be size/weight, and breed restrictions. If you live on an upper floor and plan to install a massive aquarium, you may need to discuss it with your landlord. In some instances, you may be required to pay a pet deposit and pay a small additional monthly pet rental fee. Your lease may have clauses about pet ownership and your liability if pet damage is found during a post-move-out inspection if you leave.
Consider a more mature pet.
No question, puppies and kittens are adorable, but they are very active and potentially destructive. They need a lot of attention to make sure they are safe and not tearing up the place. A shelter pet that’s a couple of years old will be better behaved, house- or litterbox-trained, and socialized.
Choose a veterinarian.
Pets need annual exams and vaccinations, and a caregiver should they become ill or injured. Ask your friends, neighbors, and colleagues for recommendations. Make an introductory appointment for your new pet to ensure a clean bill of health and to get acquainted with your new veterinary care team.
Pet-proof your apartment.
Dogs and cats like to scratch and chew. Cats will love a catnip-scented scratching post and dogs will go nuts over chew toys. Keep soft furnishings, pillows, shoes, etc., out of the reach of curious noses and paws until you get to know your pet and its habits.
Stock up on essentials.
Pets need food and dogs and cats that go outdoors will benefit from topical flea and tick treatments that you will need to have on hand. A dog may prefer to have a crate to hang out in and a cat will need litter and a litterbox and scoop. Offer your pet a pet bed, but they may prefer to sleep with you! Dogs and cats need collars and of course, a dog will need a leash for walking. Also, it’s lots of fun shopping for adorable pet toys!
Once you bring your new pet home, it will take time for it to get acclimated to its new surroundings. Some pets will adjust very quickly but sometimes, pets, especially cats, will hide out for a few days while they get their bearings. Just be patient. A pet is also great for socializing. Take your dog to your apartment community’s dog park and get to know your human and canine neighbors. With a little planning and a lot of love, your new pet will be a welcome addition to your home.
Explore a Vision Community Apartment
At Vision Communities, our goal is to provide you with the space where you and your pet can enjoy not only the comforts of home, but a number of amenities. Our floor plans are spacious and bedrooms come with spacious closet space. Our property management teams work hard to create living spaces that are headache-free and places you’ll want to come home to. We have floor plans that provide your personal space and spacious common areas for you to hang out with your roommate and friends. Our spacious, studio, 1 bedroom, 2 bedroom, and 3 bedroom apartment layouts provide cozy space. Check out our luxurious apartment floorplans in one of our communities and enjoy life at the VC.
Schedule a tour today and see why Vision Communities is a great place to live.