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Finding a pet-friendly apartment can be really tough these days, and even if you finally sign with a location that allows them, like ours at Habitat, many people aren’t familiar with the needs of pet ownership when it comes to apartment living. Because of the close quarters nature of these types of communities, it’s more important than ever to be cognizant of your neighbors’ needs and boundaries when it comes to how you raise your furry friend. Following a few easy rules can help cut down on potential snags you may encounter as a result of pet ownership, and will help build lasting relationships with your fellow renters for years to come.
Always Leash Up
We can’t stress this one enough. When you’re taking Fido on a walk, no matter how well trained he may be, please make sure that he is leashed up and under control. Even the most well-behaved pets can have momentary lapses in judgement, so it’s key that you mitigate any potential risks by keeping a handle on your furry friends. There are two main reasons for this best practice. First, nothing is worse than a pet running away and getting hurt. It can leave owners heartbroken and powerless to help the situation. Second, for the safety of your fellow tenants, it’s important to acknowledge that not everyone is comfortable being around animals running around in public. Many individuals may have anxiety, or experiences in the past that shaped how they react to unfamiliar pets running up to them without an owner in sight. Take the reins into your own hands and get into the habit of always leashing up; it’ll give you some peace of mind, and show your neighbors that you respect their right to abstain from unwanted animal interactions.
Keep an Eye on Your Pets
One really important part of apartment living is being aware of your surroundings. There are countless stories of owners accidentally leaving the front door open and unattended for just a couple of minutes – the perfect window for a pet to sneak out. Whether you’ve got a crafty cat that likes to explore the town, or just an anxious dog that needs to say hi to everyone she sees, it’s good to have some level of supervision over your pets at all times, and to cut down on potentially irresponsible practices. One smart move that can save you from a lot of heartache down the road is to introduce your friendly companions to your immediate neighbors as early on as possible. This will help your pet stay calmer during scenarios that s/he would potentially misbehave in. The more familiar your furry buddy is with the surrounding renters, the more manageable s/he will be when situations arise that may test their ability to be obedient and grounded.
Always Clean Up
A top complaint in many pet-friendly apartment communities is when owners neglect to pick up after their pets. It’s really important to establish responsible practices that are sensitive to the experiences of your surrounding neighbors. Nobody likes stepping in a little ‘surprise’ just because someone didn’t feel obligated to clean up. When going for a walk, it’s a great idea to take a proactive approach and carry disposable waste bags for any accidents along the way. These are available for purchase at any local grocery store or specialty pet store, for minimal cost. Especially this time of year, with winter creeping in, it’s gradually becoming harder and harder for groundskeepers to clean up after individuals who neglected to do their part. Help us keep the community clean – and avoid finding any unexpected offenders when the snow recedes in the spring.
There you have it! By following these three simple rules, you’re well on your way to being a valued and integral part of your apartment community. Creating a welcoming environment based on courtesy can only improve your overall experience. Taking a few preventative steps will really pay off as you interact with neighbors and start to build your personal reputation in the area. We’re confident that sticking to our guidelines is the biggest key to making sure your pet is a positive addition to the complex.
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