Your best friend deserves the best place to live, which means an apartment that fits their needs.
When you’re looking for an apartment that will work and be a good fit for both you and your canine companion, you don’t want to go barking up the wrong tree.
Finding a good apartment that fits your budget and lifestyle is already stressful enough without realizing, too late after move-in, it’s not a great fit for your dog. Maybe it’s too small and your dog has no space to run or wander around without getting bored. Or you have a new puppy that keeps tearing up the carpet. Or worst of all: You realize after signing the lease and handing over your security deposit that dogs aren’t actually allowed.
To avoid these mishaps and mistakes, be on the lookout for these seven key features of a dog-friendly apartment. That way, your dog can really have their day.
7 important features of a dog-friendly apartment
While apartment-hunting with your pooch, keep these features in mind so that both you and your dog will be happy in your new home.
1. Dogs are actually allowed
The most important thing is making sure that the apartment complex and unit actually allow dogs. You can use search tools and filters like those on Rent. to look for apartments that allow dogs or ask the landlord directly via email or during a tour.
Even if the landlord permits pets, some apartments or complexes may have breed restrictions or they may want to know more about your dog before approving them. Ask about this as well. You may also have to pay an additional pet deposit or monthly pet rent, which you should be aware of.
2. Plenty of space
Big or small, dogs should have plenty of space. Space to play, space to wander around, space to have their signature zoomies after going to the bathroom. A studio or one-bedroom apartment may not be big enough for your dog, especially if they’re a high-energy breed.
Even if you’re home a lot to take them out for walks or play with them, there will be times they’re left home alone. They’re less likely to become destructive or make a mess if they have more space to let off some steam.
The main exception to this could be if you have an older dog or a calm, laidback breed that doesn’t have a ton of energy or need lots of exercise. But in general, the more space for your dog, the better.
3. Hard flooring like wood or linoleum
When you have a dog, life gets messy. For puppies, older dogs or dogs that sometimes struggle with being fully house-broken, sometimes it’s a matter of the occasional “accident” inside the house.
But it’s not just about bathroom issues. Dogs dribble water, drool, track in mud, shed fur and sometimes, just generally, make a mess. Hey, we still love them. But you still need to clean up after them.
While carpets are all well and good, it can be difficult to clean them properly and maintain them. Dogs may also sometimes chew or dig at the carpet, which means goodbye safety deposit.
That’s why having hard floors is the way to go when looking for a dog-friendly apartment. Hardwood or hard floorings like vinyl and linoleum is easier and faster to clean up, saving you time and energy. Just be sure to clip your dog’s toenails so they don’t leave scratches.
4. Easy access to outdoors
If you’re looking at apartments with a dog in tow, an apartment with a dedicated backyard or front yard for the unit is the dream. But if you can’t find that, easy access to the outdoors is the next best thing.
As nice as a unit on the top floor can be, that elevator ride or walk to the bottom feels like an eternity for your dog when they need to go to the bathroom. If you live in the heart of a city, you don’t want to live too far from a good place for them to exercise or relieve themselves. Making it fast and easy to take your dog outside when they need it makes both your and your dog’s life easier.
5. Proximity to a dog park
If the apartment and complex don’t have outdoor areas or their own doggy areas, living close to a dog park is essential. But it’s not just so your dog has a place to go to the bathroom or run around for exercise.
There are many more benefits to taking your dog to a dog park. If you only have one dog, taking your dog to the dog park gives them valuable socialization time. They can make friends and play. If you’re new to the area, it also gives you the opportunity to meet new people in the neighborhood and potentially make new friends.
6. Friendly neighbors
As hard as it may be to believe, not everyone likes dogs or wants to be around them. Some people have allergies, while others simply aren’t dog-people. Whatever the reason, a neighbor who doesn’t like your dog can cause you a lot of grief. They can file noise complaints if your dog barks, complain to your landlord and create an unpleasant living situation.
It can be hard to get a good sense of your potential neighbors just by looking at units and apartment complexes. But you can see if the complex is pet-friendly in other ways. While coming and going, you can see if you notice other residents walking about with dogs. If it’s a large apartment complex with communal outdoor areas, you can check for a dog park or designated bathroom areas. There can always be exceptions, but most residents in pet-friendly apartments enjoy having and being around pets.
7. A stimulating environment
If your apartment only has walls and practically no windows, the lack of visual stimulation may cause your dog to start bouncing off the walls with too much pent-up energy. Having a window they can look out of makes for a more interesting and stimulating home environment.
However, if your dog is prone to barking, a window that doesn’t have an exciting view may be best to prevent inciting a barking episode. Does your dog hate the mailman? Maybe don’t pick an apartment where the mailman can be seen going about his business.
Does your dog bark at other dogs? A window looking out onto the street may not be best. You know your dog and its personality best, so make the right decision based on their needs.
Find the right apartment for you and your dog
Don’t get put in the doghouse by not doing proper research or asking the right questions to find a good dog-friendly apartment. It’s about more than comfort or convenience in finding the right place for you and your best friend, but safety as well.
Bad references, lost money or your dog accidentally harming themselves are all things that can happen when the apartment doesn’t fit their and your needs. But with some research and foresight, you’ll both be like a dog with two tails: living happily in your new apartment.
To start your search, head to Rent. and be sure to filter results to look for dog-friendly apartments.
Source: rent.com