Adopting a Pet While Renting an Apartment – Everything You Need to Know

Adopting a pet is one of the absolute best things you can do for both the animal and yourself. In fact, since the pandemic began, the ASPCA estimates that more than 23 million American households have adopted pets.

However, taking on a new furry friend is a great responsibility — and, when you’re renting an apartment, it can become even trickier.

For this reason, we put together a quick guide on the most important steps that you have to take and the things that you need to consider when adopting a new pet as a renter.

Find the Ideal Pet-Friendly Apartment

If you’re on the lookout for a pet-friendly apartment or are considering moving out of your current place in order to adopt a friend, make sure to thoroughly research your options before you land on the right one. For instance, although many property managers are becoming more accepting of pets, it’s best to go straight for the pet-friendly properties to know exactly what you’re in for.

Also, when submitting an application for a rental, make sure to share your intentions of adopting a furry roommate and your plan for taking good care of it, while also keeping the apartment nice and clean.

Check with the Landlord First & Foremost

 

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Perhaps you have your mind set on a certain rental, but the pet policy is unclear. Or, maybe you want to continue living in your current apartment and adopt a pet, but the landlord isn’t known for their pet-friendly inclinations. In both of these situations, the number one rule is: don’t adopt the pet and hide it! Doing so will not only get you into trouble, but it will also break the trust between you and the landlord.

Rather, the best option is to test the waters and see if you can change the landlord or property manager’s mind. More precisely, make your intentions clear; pitch the idea and the benefits of owning a pet, take accountability for all of the extra costs and tasks that come with it and, why not, consider even creating a short pet résumé. This will help the landlord get acquainted with the pet and possibly even melt their heart. However, if the answer is still no, let the matter go. Then, if your mind is truly set on adopting a pet, keep browsing for a new rental.

Know Your Rights

If you’re lucky enough to get a positive response, amazing! But, don’t settle for a verbal agreement. Like any other house rule or condition, this, too, must go into the lease. Make sure to talk it through with your landlord — with as many details as possible — and ask for an additional clause to be added to your contract, to specify everything that you both agreed to. This way, you’ll ensure that your rights and your responsibilities are noted.

Even if you’re good friends with your landlord, having a contract in place ensures that you’ll never have to deal with unpleasant surprises and that you’re both clear on the matter of renting with a pet.

Be Ready to Spend Extra Money

 

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Owning a pet comes with extra costs and, even if you’re adopting instead of buying, there will probably still be an adoption fee. The good part about getting your dog or cat from a shelter is that they usually have already had all of their vaccinations and are most likely spayed or neutered — which will save you money.

However, you also have to consider the long-term costs of having a pet. These include not only its food, but also any recurring vaccines, deworming, toys, bowls, leashes and unexpected sicknesses. Also, be aware that renting an apartment with a pet means that you’ll probably have to pay an extra deposit and, in some cases, your monthly rent may be higher, as well.

Find the Right Pet for You

 

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This applies to any type of pet you get, whether you buy or adopt. In order to have a great relationship with your furry friend — and also be able to keep the apartment clean and “unharmed” — you need to find a pet that suits your needs and living conditions.

Fortunately, the great thing about adopted pets is that they’re usually already house-trained. Plus, their unique personalities are already developed and advertised by the shelter or non-profit that’s coordinating the adoption. Granted, puppies or kittens may be more desirable. But, before you take on the responsibility of raising a “baby”, ask yourself the following questions: “Do I have time to train a puppy/kitten?”. “Do I have the patience?”. “Am I going to get in trouble if they ruin furniture or curtains or if they do their business inside?”. Keep in mind that an older pet is more likely to be calmer, less active and already accustomed to the everyday adventure that is involved in living inside.

Accommodate Your Pet

If everything goes well and you score a pet-friendly apartment and the ideal fluffer, it’s time for the fun to begin! When you bring your pet home, make sure you have all of its information. An adopted dog or cat might have had an entirely different life before coming to live with you and they might have specific needs or preferences. It’s important to be patient and give them time to get used to the place, explore all the nooks and crannies and make themselves at home. For both cats and dogs, make sure that you create a safe space where they can go to unwind, something like a small bed placed under a table or in a hidden corner. Also, there’s no harm in spoiling them just a little by getting them some interactive toys, a comfortable bed, a cat tree or anything else that you think they might like.

Take Time to Train Your Pet

 

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Sometimes, loving your pet is not enough. Certain animals — especially the younger ones — have plenty of energy to spare and, in some cases, that energy spills over and causes house accidents. So, establish clear rules from the beginning and give your adopted pet the proper training. Sure, dogs might be easier to train than cats, but it’s important to invest some time into this aspect of your lives together.

Plus, pets are often able to understand what you feel about their action simply by your tone of voice. For example, if they executed a command or did a good thing, make sure to congratulate them and use a calm, happy voice. When they mess something up, use a firm tone to make them understand that you’re not happy. Remember, regardless of how well-behaved they are, pets (like kids) will eventually make a little mischief.

There are many training resources and helpful videos online. In any case, just make sure that you’re armed with patience and lots of love. Then, you’ll surely build a lifetime friendship between you and your adopted pet.

Check out our blog section on renting with pets for more useful tips on finding the right apartment, the ideal dog breeds that don’t bark or don’t shed, tips on how to avoid cat-astrophies or easy DIY pet toys.