What kinds of pets are Apartment Friendly?

When looking into getting a pet, there are many factors to consider, especially when you live in a rented apartment or smaller house. As a general rule, the smaller the animal is, the less space it needs — which makes smaller animals ideal for smaller living spaces.

You also have to keep in mind the cleanliness of the animal, the general temperament, and the care needed if you choose to leave for vacation. Here are some of the most common apartment pets, and why they work well for small spaces.

Fish

Fish are small, pretty to look at, and easy to care for – depending on the kind of fish you get. A solo fish like a beta fish is a great starter pet for anyone looking to learn how to look after an animal without having to worry about the social difficulties you can encounter with a full tank.

They do require daily feeding and regular tank cleanings, so they cannot be left fully unattended for more than a day, but you can easily have someone come feed them once a day and clean the tank as necessary – no interaction required.

Birds

Birds are more social creatures than fish and hamsters, and require a little bit more maintenance in the “love” department, but they do give that love right back. They will spend a lot of time in their cage, but many owners choose to let them roam the apartment a little bit each day. To do that, many owners recommend getting their wings clipped so they cannot fly away – but make sure to take them to a professional to do it!

Small Dogs

Dogs are called man’s best friend for a reason – they are incredibly social creatures. And while that is a wonderful, fulfilling thing, it does mean a lot more work if you do choose to leave them behind to go on vacation.

Since they typically have full reign of the apartment and no easily accessible yard, potty training a dog can be a lot of work in an apartment, and puppies like to chew on things when they are teething or have separation anxiety. Be prepared to invest in some training classes to give you and your dog the best chance at a great apartment life.

Station A is ideally set up for your 4-legged friend. Our off-leash dog park has room to run, obstacles to climb over, and plenty of watering stations. With over 2 miles of walking paths stocked with doggie stations, we’re sure your dog will love Station A just as much as you do!

Cats

Cats tend to be more independent animals than dogs, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that they can be left all alone for days on end. They often require regular feeding, and if the litter box is not clean enough it can spell disaster for other soft surfaces in your home.

Depending on the size and breed of your cat, there can be other considerations to keep in mind as well. Some cat breeds, like Bengals, are high energy and require a lot of care and attention, including exercise. When their needs are not met, they can resort to destructive outlets like clawing furniture or inappropriate elimination, which can be overwhelming and hard to deal with in small living spaces.

Providing adequate play time and access to clean litter boxes is essential to successful cat ownership, and that includes while you are away for vacation. Leaving them to their own devices could lead to stress and therefore inappropriate behavior. It is always best to secure overnight care for your cat while away.

Have questions about what kinds of pets our residents like to have? Contact us!