A Guide to Apartment Pet Ownership: Everything You Need to Know
It is one of the most exciting phrases that can possibly be included on an apartment listing: "We are pet-friendly!"
When you read this, you know that you can bring your furry friend into your living space as long as the pet meets the requirements laid out in your rental agreement. If this is your first time having a pet in an apartment space with you, then you need to know what to expect and what you need to do to make it work. Remember, these are general guidelines. You should always read your entire lease carefully to ensure that you understand every detail of what you are looking at. Here at Village Woods, Milan, Illinois favorite pet-friendly apartment community, we love to help residents navigate all the ins and outs of pet ownership. Thats why weve put together this handy guide.
What is Pet Rent?
This is the first question right out of the gate that you are likely to have when thinking about bringing your pet into your apartment to live with you. There is a good chance that you will see a line somewhere in the rental agreement that mentions "pet rent". Avail.co explains what this is:
Pet rent is a monthly fee for pets in addition to regular rent. It's an increasingly popular option for pet-friendly apartments. Essentially, this is a small additional amount of money that an apartment complex may charge tenants for the privilege of having their pets stay with them. The purpose is to cover additional wear and tear that may occur.
Always read over your lease in full to completely understand the potential pet rent policy and how much you may owe each month to have your pet stay with you.
Selecting a Pet That Makes Sense for Apartment Living
If you have read over your lease in full and agree to the pet rent policy, then your next step is to select a pet that is suitable for apartment living. Not all pets fit this description, but there are some who do great in this environment. Examples of pets that can make sense for apartment living include:
● Dogs - Quiet or non-barking dogs who have low to medium energy levels. These breeds are unlikely to disturb your neighbors and will likely adapt well to living in an apartment with you.
● Cats - Most cats are excellent for apartment living, but you need to be mindful that they can potentially do damage with their claws, particularly if they are lonely or under stimulated.
● Fish, Reptiles, Hamsters, and Rabbits - These critters can be ideal for apartment living because they don't require nearly as much space as some other potential pet choices. Pets such as these, which can easily fit into a tank or cage will generally not require a pet deposit or pet rent. Just make sure you know how to care for creatures like this before deciding to move forward with getting one.
These are generally the best options for apartment living. You might find that there is some additional flexibility depending on the apartment complex, but you should try to stay within the lines of this list for the most part.
Maintaining a Reasonable and Predictable Routine
Your pets will do best if you create a predictable routine that they can adapt to. This helps to keep them calm and decreases the chances that they will be in any way destructive within the apartment. Some of the things that you ought to focus on include taking any dogs out for regular walks and potty breaks. You should also try to work in some play time with your pets regardless of what kind you ultimately choose to have. Doing so will help them get extra energy out and have a more peaceful existence overall.
It is also true that pets should be kept on a regular feeding schedule. This helps them to understand the time of day that they can expect to receive their food. Keeping routines like this simply works best because your pets deserve to incorporate themselves into the life that you have worked to create for them.
Create a Checklist of Supplies That Your Pet Will Need
It will serve you well to have a checklist of items that your pet will need to have a happy and fulfilled life. Among the things that you will need if you choose to have a cat or dog include:
● Food and water bowls
● Toys
● Bed
● Treats
● Collar/ID tag
● Grooming kit
● and more
These items will come in handy far more than you probably realize. Your pet will need them on a regular basis, so you might as well stock up on these selections all at once. Keep them nearby and handy so that your pet can receive the care and attention that they need whenever they need it.
A Pet-Friendly Apartment Complex You Can Rely On
Are you looking for your next pet-friendly apartment in the quad cities area? If so, then visit us at Village Woods Apartments. We have an enclosed dog park where you can let your pet play off-leash for exercise and socialization. It’s the type of thing that is hard to put a price tag on. Schedule your tour today and discover your home among the woods.