4 Tips for Having a Pet in an Apartment

Is “must allow pets” the first item on your list of apartment requirements? Although finding pet-friendly housing wasn’t always so easy in the past, more and more rental communities in Central New Jersey now allow pets. Living in an apartment does involve a few compromises, but can be very rewarding for you and your pet if you follow these four tips.

Read Your Lease Carefully

Your lease explains exactly what you can expect as a pet owner. In most cases, you’ll pay a higher deposit than other tenants and also pay more in monthly rent. Your lease may list certain rules that you’re expected to follow if you have a pet. For example, you may be expected to clean up after your dog and keep birds and reptiles in cages. Your lease may also provide information regarding the number of pets allowed and any breed or weight restrictions.

Make Potty Plans

Pet waste disposal may seem like a little detail when you’re reviewing apartment options, but it can have a significant impact on the quality of your life. That third-floor walk-up might sound like a good option until you actually you actually have to trudge up and down the steps for potty runs. Quick access to the outdoors is always a positive when you’re a pet owner. Although a first-floor apartment may be ideal, higher floors can be a good choice if you live in a building with elevators.

Many apartment communities restrict potty areas for pets. You won’t endear yourself to your neighbors or your landlord or if you let your pet fertilize the shrubbery or the lawn. Since you never know when your dog will need to make a potty stop, it’s a good idea to grab a few plastic bags before you start your walk. Failing to clean up after your dog can result in a bad neighbor label, or worse, a fine.

If you have a cat, make sure that the apartment’s bathroom is large enough to accommodate a litter pan. Keep odor under control by scooping at least once a day. Hooded litter boxes can decrease odor and keep litter corralled in the box, but not all cats like the hoods. If your pet doesn’t enjoy a hooded box, it may resort to eliminating outside the box.

No matter what type of box you use, remove all litter and wash the box with mild soap and water once a week to prevent lingering odors. Cages for birds, rabbits, gerbils, hamsters, guinea pigs also require weekly cleaning to reduce odors.

Think About Your Pet’s Needs When Apartment Shopping

Apartment size matters when you’re living with a pet. Cramped quarters may cause your pet to become frustrated and bored. Unfortunately, your pet can’t tell you it’s unhappy and may resort to chewing the carpeting or scratching the walls.

Consider the floor plan carefully when you tour apartments. Apartments that offer clear pathways between rooms and large room sizes will give your pets plenty of room to roam and play. It’s also important to keep in mind your pet’s activity level, as dogs that have plenty of energy may not adapt well to living in small spaces. If you have a high-energy dog and aren’t home during the day, you may want to consider hiring a dog walker or enrolling your pet in doggy daycare.

Consider Exercise Options

Exercise keeps your dog in good shape and also helps burn off excess energy. Unfortunately, if your apartment complex doesn’t offer ample room for running or playing, you may spend more time than you anticipated driving to local parks. On-site dog parks offered by some luxury rental communities make it easy for your dog to get a little exercise and also give you the opportunity to get to know your pet-loving neighbors.

Fairway 28, a Country Classics Rental Community in Bridgewater, NJ, welcomes pets, with some limitations, and offers a convenient on-site dog park. The luxury one- and two-bedroom apartments feature tiled kitchens and bathrooms, Silestone kitchen counters, private balconies, walk-in closets and other amenities. If you’d like to become a Fairway 28 resident, contact us for information about apartment availability.