Pet-Friendly Apartments

Your pet is a part of your family, and you need an apartment that will accept your pet. So what should you know about your next home?

Start your search by checking out websites and asking agents for only apartments that specifically allow pets.

After you narrow down your search to the areas and apartment communities in which you’re interested, consider the apartment's pet policies. Pets provide health and happiness to their owners, so it’s only fair to consider your pet's happiness and health as well.

Some apartment communities will require an additional deposit for a pet, as well as additional monthly rent for apartments with pets.

Some apartment communities only allow cats. Those that allow dogs may have weight and size restrictions, (ie: dogs under 30lbs), breed restrictions (no pitbulls), and or numbers of animals allowed in one apartment.

While some apartment communities cater to your pets needs with dog runs and pet spas, other have restrictions about where pets can or cannot go. Never move into a home and try to hide your pet from the landlord. Your pet, your landlord, and you will be miserable if any of you have to go.

Choose an apartment that is safe and convenient for your pet to take walks, etc. If your dog needs frequent bathroom breaks and lots of exercise during a day, living on the top floor of a 25 floor high-rise may not be the most logical choice for your new home.

Be sure your pet is up to date on all vaccinations, that you have the correct city and county animal permits, and don't forget to spay or neuter your pet.

Check out the following resources:

• Liberty Humane Society: http://libertyhumane.org/home.php


• The Humane Society: http://www.humanesociety.org


• The Anti-Cruelty Society: http://www.aspca.org


• Animal Legal Defense Fund: http://www.aldf.org