Humans love their animals and they quickly become considered way more than just pets – they’re part of the family. Not surprisingly, many folks want to rent in a dog-friendly dwelling, and take into mind considerations for their loyal pet as they would any human family member.
A dog-friendly apartment locator is a great shortcut when screening for a suitable new place for you and your canine companion to rent. This tool helps pet lovers cut through the clutter of available rentals and starts your search off on the right foot (or paw, as the case may be).
1. Compile Your Shortlist
Once you gather options of apartments that A) accept dogs and B) meet your geographic-and-budget requirements, what else should you look for when screening potential apartment rentals? There are many considerations for responsible pet owners.
The right rental amenities are of chief importance when you want the new place to feel like home from the get-go. Of course, one big decision is getting a rental with the miscellaneous human amenities you prefer – the number of bedrooms, appliances, layout, and so on. But what about other amenities specific to your furry friend? The same amenity considerations apply to your beloved dog.
Pets also need to be comfortable in the space you’ll share. For example, it might make sense to find rental apartments that boast at least some hard flooring, such as tiled, vinyl, linoleum, or laminate in common areas, a much easier surface to clean up in case of canine accidents or shed fur.
Pet-friendly flooring is more resilient and stain-resistant thereby mitigating any potential floor damage without leaving a trace of your pet. While it’s possible to mix pets with carpet, carpets aren’t necessarily stain-or-odor friendly choices, especially in the case of urine accidents.
Once you have your big-picture must-haves whittled down, it’s time to take a closer look and tour specific rental options. Ponder the following guidelines.
2. Explore the Surrounding Community
Dogs need room to run and play and merely enjoy the great outdoors. So, be sure to take a close look at the neighborhood green spaces surrounding the building. Is the apartment close to walking trails, parks, or other open outdoor spaces so your dog can get nearby exercise and feel sunshine on his fur?
Depending on your dog’s size, age, and level of activity, an off-leash dog park that’s geographically desirable might be of key importance. Some off-leash parks even include water features to play in and hydration stations for dogs to enjoy.
If you’d need to stroll a bit to get to a suitable space for Fido’s walks or bathroom trips, research to see whether the area is generally considered to be safe and whether it’s well-lit at night. Maybe talk to other dog owners in the building for a bit and ask questions about their experience. Finding a pet-oriented community surrounding your apartment is a big plus for a happy pet.
Does the rental property offer extra onsite perks like canine runs, refuse bags, pet spas, or dog-washing stations? These special conveniences are great ways to keep pets (and their owners!) happy residents.
3. Know Your Dog’s Behavior
Keep in mind your dog’s barking patterns and personality. While an occasional bark is to be expected, excessive barking could quickly lead to neighbor complaints. If your dog is especially reactive to outside noises – such as from delivery vehicles, elevated activity in common yard areas, unfamiliar people, or children playing – consider a suitable apartment unit.
For instance, selecting a potential unit with windows that don’t overlook a busy sidewalk or common areas, particularly if you plan to leave your windows open, might make your animal a more comfortable, and quiet, resident.
It pays to remember that pets can get evicted too. So dogs that growl, snap at neighbor children, or chew on the apartment’s cabinetry might need extra obedience training or redirection to be a good tenant. Take time to correct any known canine behavior issues before you move in.
4. PAWSitively Understand the Rules
Each rental company will have its own set of rules to keep a four-legged tenant in your rental home. It pays to learn the specific building rules in your preliminary meetings so there are no unexpected complications. During your initial walkthrough, ask about the extra security deposit for pets and a summary of all associated rules and expectations.
Some rental properties have separate agreements for pet-owning tenants. Additionally, check on any extra fines that could be imposed for canine misbehavior, digging a deep hole on the carefully tended grounds, for instance. You’ll undoubtedly need to deliver documentation that Rover’s immunizations are up-to-date before getting approval to move in.
Restrictions about particular breeds, weight limits, or the maximum number of canines (many buildings have a two-dog maximum per home) are other typical parts of standard landlord stipulations. So are terms about spaying or neutering of resident pets.
Find out about the rules about where dogs can take bathroom breaks on the apartment complex’s immediate grounds – and which areas must be avoided. Tour the designated communal areas where dogs can “go.” Finally, check to make certain that all property rules and restrictions are clearly spelled out on your lease before you sign and call a place “home.”
5. Will the Neighbor Dogs Mix With Yours?
Even if your pet is well-behaved with a history of getting along great with people, Lassie might not behave the very best around other canines. You’re the most qualified judge about whether your dog is socialized to get along with other canines, so ask about whether other pets reside in the building and their breeds.
One concern might be whether a dog barking from one apartment will trigger an echo response from dogs in surrounding units – and invite the drama of neighbor complaints. On the other hand, learning the potential new neighbors have dogs similar to your own might be a fun way for you to quickly meet new human and canine neighbors.
Conclusion:
Owning and housing a fuzzy family member can take time and commitment. Apartment hunting for you and your furry friend might be time-consuming but with the right tools and research, you’re certain to find a rental apartment that will make you want to say, “Stay.”
