The “Dos” and “Don’ts” of Pets in Apartments
We all love our furry family members. As a renter, consider a few simple ground rules for being a respectable tenant and pet owner.
DO choose the right pet- Dogs, cats, snakes, guinea pigs, and fish are all great choices. Some communities/landlords are required to enforce breed restrictions for dogs. Do your research before adopting or moving!
DO pet-proof your apartment- Check for wires, certain houseplants, open windows, etc. to prevent any accidents from occurring.
DO give them adequate exercise- All animals can get bored being inside all day (depending on their type/size/personality) so make sure to keep them entertained and allow them to burn off some energy.
DO establish a “potty” routine- This is helpful in order to keep your floors/carpet looking and smelling fresh, along with having a higher chance of receiving your security deposit back.
DO groom your pet regularly- As humans, we feel good when we are clean. This is the same for animals and goes along with keeping a clean living space!
DON’T lie to your landlord/property manager- If you enjoy being evicted, then go ahead and sneak your pet in. Otherwise, save the trouble by notifying your landlord/property manager about your pet.
DON’T neglect your pet- Make sure your pet gets all of the love and attention it deserves. Animals have the ability to become depressed when left alone for too long or too often, especially when being in a small space such as an apartment.
DON’T encourage your pet to make unnecessary noise- Be considerate of your neighbors. Not everyone around you enjoys hearing your pet bark constantly in the middle of the night!
DON’T let your pet “potty” all over the property and not clean it up- Again, be considerate of your neighbors. If your pet goes #2, clean it up. No one likes to step in poo!
DON’T allow your pet to roam freely and unsupervised on the property- AGAIN, be considerate of your neighbors! Some residents do not appreciate being approached by a random animal, whether it is friendly or not. Leashing your pet can prevent any accidental altercations or unwanted fees!