Pet Care in Condos and Apartments

Pets are a common and beloved addition to most American households whether they’re houses, apartments, or condos. Because condos and apartments come with space restrictions, it’s best for pet owners to put careful thought into choosing the right type of pet to suit their lifestyle and living space.

Caring for Dogs in Condos and Apartments

Most dogs require play time and physical activity to keep them healthy and happy, which is something that people should consider when choosing a dog as a companion. Many dogs may become lonely and bored when they are left alone in places that offer limited space.

When choosing a dog for a condo, typical characteristics of a breed should be taken into consideration. Some breeds, for example, are more prone to barking than others, making them a poor fit for apartment living. Other breeds are high in energy or may demand more attention from their owners. A dog that barks at every sound can quickly become a nuisance to neighbors, and an animal with an excess amount of energy may find destructive activities to keep itself occupied, such as chewing on shoes, clothing, or furniture.

Whichever breed you choose, be sure that it has plenty of toys to choose from when it’s alone and give it plenty of love and attention when you’re home. Generally, dogs should be given regular walks outdoors to meet their physical and mental needs.

Caring for Cats in Condos and Apartments

In general, cats are more independent than dogs, and as a result, they tend to do well in apartments. Even though cats sleep for a good portion of the day, they become increasingly active during the evening hours, so a condo can mean limited play space for cats.

In order to increase a cat’s play options, arrange the furniture in a way that allows cats to use it for jumping and playing. One thing to be mindful of in a high rise, though, is height. There is a risk of falling if cats are allowed out on balconies or windows are left open. To prevent these types of accidents, it’s best to keep cats indoors at all times and ensure that any open windows have a secure safety screen in place. Perches that attach to the window are a popular solution that allows indoor cats to observe and enjoy the outside world.

Beyond Fluffy and Fido: Other small pets

Small animals that are housed in cages and aquariums naturally make good pets for apartments. Animals such as birds, guinea pigs, rats, rabbits, and mice require well-maintained cages as well as toys that they can play with. Rats are highly intelligent animals that require attention, but no special changes are necessary to accommodate them when it comes to apartment size. Fish are also great pets for people living in condos or apartment buildings.

Additional Resources

Want to learn more about living small with pets? Here are a few handy guides to help:

• 6 Tips for Apartment Living With Pets
• 13 Steps to Finding Pet-Friendly Housing
• Apartment Dogs: Tips for Apartment Living
• Living Small With a Furry Friend: Best Pets for Apartment Dwellers
• Can a Large Dog Breed Live Happily in a Small Apartment?
• Pet-iquette 101: Apartment and Condo Living
• Dogs and Apartments: How to Make it Work
• Can a Dog Live Happily in a High Rise?
• Tips for Living in a Small Space With Pets
• Ten Tips to Keep Your Cat Happy Indoors
• Keeping a Dog in an Apartment
• The Top Cat Breeds for Apartments
• What Is the Best Pet for a Small Space?
• The 5 Best Dogs for a Small Home
• Fire Safety Tips for Pets and Apartment Living
• Do Lovebirds Make Good Apartment Pets?
• The Best Pets for Apartments
• Apartment Living Can Be Dog's Best Friend
• Tips for Canine Apartment Life
• How to Keep Your Indoor Cat Happy