Apartment Living Guide for the Pet Owner

If you’re a pet owner, your responsibilities may be greater than that of your neighbor and beware…your neighbor may be watching you to make sure you are taking those responsibilities seriously.  In addition, living in any confined area such as an apartment with your pet, may be altogether different than a house or private location that has wide open spaces and reasonable privacy.

Be Considerate of Your Neighbors

Whether your a new pet owner or have lived with animals your entire life, the rules for living with them in your apartment require some added attention on your part. The fact that your neighbors may not be pet owners and may not even like pets should put into perspective that you must respect the privacy of your neighbors.  Noise, smell, and potential nuisance caused by your pet can quickly interfere with the lifestyle of those around you and may very well violate rules within the community. 

Make sure you’re well aware of all community rules before renting.  And, make extra effort that any issues like barking, scratching, or escaping do not cause your neighbor undue problems. Opening a dialogue with your neighbors before getting a pet will give you a good sense of what issues may come up should your pet be too playful once they move into your home.

Obey Community Rules

If you’ve chosen to keep your pet(s) limited to one goldfish in a mason jar, then you’re probably not in danger of rule breaking or noise issues. However, dogs, cats, birds, snakes, or any other pet that can easily become mobile, or must be taken outdoors for exercise, must also follow pet rules. A resident who neglects to pick up waste after their pet will quickly be reported to the office manager and cause great inconvenience and potential illness for his neighbors. Also, many communities restrict pets to only certain areas within the property and may charge fines or fees for pet owners who do not pick up after pets. In addition, digging, barking, or just coming too close to another resident who may be fearful of your pet should be considered whenever going outside. Even indoor pets like birds can cause noise pollution outdoors while singing or talking through open windows if you’re away.

Administer Proper Care to Your Pet

Being considerate and responsible toward your pet will only help to further a good relationship between you both, and to live comfortably even in an apartment community with many pet rules. Caring for your pet is also the responsibility you have chosen to undertake when bringing your pet into your home. Especially if you are a new pet owner, training, exercise, and attention to your animal are the basis for establishing good manners for your pet, and for getting him used to living in a confined space. 

If you do not have access to an area for walking or going outdoors, or if your climate forces you to stay indoors most of the year, you must find indoor solutions to keep your pet healthy and happy.