{"id":94555,"date":"2019-11-20T02:43:30","date_gmt":"2019-11-20T10:43:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/blog\/?p=94555"},"modified":"2026-04-14T01:01:05","modified_gmt":"2026-04-14T08:01:05","slug":"prepare-apartment-new-pet","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/blog\/daily-living\/prepare-apartment-new-pet\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Prepare Your Apartment for a New Pet"},"content":{"rendered":"

Getting a new pet is an exciting event that brings joy to adults and children alike. When considering which kind of pet to get\u2014dogs, cats, hamsters, etc.\u2014you must take into consideration how big your living space is, how much care the animal needs, and how much free time everyone in the family has to devote to the new pet.<\/p>\n

One of the most important steps in getting a new pet is to make sure pets are allowed in your rental apartment<\/a>. If you own your home, you can get as many pets as you want. However, many pets end up abandoned in shelters due to pet restrictions in leases<\/a>. Once you\u2019ve gotten your landlord\u2019s approval in writing and decided on what kind of pet to get, there is still more work to be done to acclimate both the pet and the humans.<\/p>\n

Welcoming Your New Pet into Your Apartment<\/h2>\n

Some pets require extra preparation before bringing them home. However, even a pet that will spend most of its time contained in a tank, such as a snake, needs certain items to thrive and be content.<\/p>\n

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The type of animal you choose as a pet will greatly determine how much time and money you\u2019ll need to spend to care for their safety and wellbeing. However, there are a few essential steps that can be applied to any type of pet moving<\/a> into your family\u2019s apartment.<\/p>\n

Pet-Proofing Your Apartment<\/h2>\n

Pets\u2014even the ones in tanks\u2014are curious, nimble, and adventurous. They can get in and out of places you\u2019d never imagine. If your new pet is a puppy or a kitten, the countertop is an oasis that they will never stop trying to reach. It\u2019s best to remove anything remotely edible from the counters or tables and safely secure in cupboards or drawers.<\/p>\n

Dogs, especially puppies, love to chew anything they can get their mouths on. Remote controls, glasses, and even retainers are never safe if left out in the open with an unattended pup. Cats are less destructive than dogs, but they can still wreak havoc on walls and anywhere else they can sink their claws into.<\/p>\n

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Pet-proofing your apartment is a trial-and-error situation. Even when you think you\u2019ve put everything up on high ground, every day comes with a chance of coming home to something destroyed or chewed up. It\u2019s one of the perils of bringing a pet into your home. Training and supervision are the best ways to prevent destruction from happening, especially with puppies. Remember\u2014dogs live in the moment and won\u2019t understand why they are being punished after the fact. As the saying goes, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.<\/p>\n

Create a Space for Your New Pet<\/h2>\n

Animals can get just as stressed and anxious as humans. Dogs are particularly prone to both general and separation anxiety. You can help ease your new pet into your home<\/a> by creating a safe space where the animal can go to relax and get away from stress factors. For dogs, a crate can awaken their primal instincts of finding safety in a den.<\/p>\n

Cats are notoriously independent and a bit anti-social. The back of a favorite chair or a cat tree can give them an escape from socialization. Even caged pets such as ferrets prefer hammocks in their living spaces to burrow into.<\/p>\n

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This space doesn\u2019t have to be an elaborate structure built into the stairs. It can be as simple as a designated area in the corner of the room. Your new puppy might enjoy a selection from the best dog beds to pamper your pooch<\/a>, and your cat might love a tree to climb upon or a cat cave<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Purchase Must-Haves Before Bringing the Pet Home<\/h2>\n

Once you have a pet in your home, you will likely be buying them new toys and treats every time you go to a store with a pet aisle. But there are a few essential items that need to be in your home before the pet arrives. These items can help you to begin training your pet or simply make them more comfortable.<\/p>\n