For many people, a house simply isn’t a home without a pet or two to keep you company. However, if you’re looking for an apartment for rent, you might want to give pet buying some serious thought. With the following do’s and don’ts, it’s easy to see how pet ownership could affect your apartment hunting and day-to-day experiences.

Do:

Choose the right pet.

While that studio apartment may be just enough space for you, many pets—especially dogs—need room to run and play. If you don’t want your pet going stir crazy or feeling depressed, stick to a cat or a small dog. Also, make sure you take your pooch out to exercise every day.

Pet-proof the space.

Whether you’re in the shower or at work, it only takes a few minutes for a furry friend to get into something they shouldn’t. Therefore, make sure all hazards—extension cords, outlets, strings, lit candles—are out of reach. Then, look up which plants and foods are poisonous to your pet, such as lilies or grapes, so you can avoid an emergency trip to the animal hospital.

Don’t:

Let your pets disturb the neighbors.

Apartments are small spaces, and you may not have much sound isolation from your neighbors. Therefore, it’s important to train your dog to avoid incessant barking during the day. If they’re making noise because they need to go to the bathroom, get up and take them out, and pick up their business right away. If your neighbors mention meowing or barking during the day, look into a pet daycare for your companion.

Lie to your landlord.

If your landlord doesn’t accept pets, there’s a simple solution—don’t get one! Sneaking a pet into your living space could violate your lease agreement, resulting in an eviction. If you talk to your landlord about your interest in buying a pet, they might be willing to budge for an additional fee. 

If you’re eager to find a pet-friendly apartment for rent, turn to Munson Realty, Inc. of La Crosse, WI. For over 25 years, they’ve been helping clients find the living spaces that meet their needs. In addition to apartment hunting, this family-owned and -operated company also leases homes and student housing options. To learn more about their offerings, visit the website or call (608) 785-7187 today to ask about apartments for rent.