There’s nothing quite like the joy of a new pet,
particularly when your family adds a new family member at the holidays. A new
dog or cat may be the gift highest on your family’s list but it’s important to
plan ahead when you are considering an adoption like this, especially when you
live in an apartment.
Your lease has very clear terms about pets in apartments
and rental homes. Before you bring home a new pet, consult your lease and be
sure you have arranged for any additional pet deposit fees. It may be a good
idea to let your neighbors know that you are planning to bring home a new pet.
When choosing a pet, spend some time researching the best
breed for your lifestyle. Every animal has a different personality, and there
are breeds that typically do better in apartments than others. It’s smart to
consider how often your animal will be alone at home and find a breed that will
suit your routine. When you are planning your pet adoption, check out where you
can exercise your dog and take them out for bathroom breaks.
Housetraining a dog in an apartment often requires more
planning because younger dogs may have to go outside a few times in the night
at first. Owners should be prepared for accidents. If you are adopting a cat or
smaller dog, your patio may be a great place for house training but you need to
be sure that this area is totally secure for their safety. You can purchase
security screens for their protection. You’ll also want to petproof your home
to protect your belongings from damage and to protect your pet from chemicals
or other harmful items.
Our local shelters around Arizona have thousands of
animals in need of forever homes and I encourage you to reach out to them to
see if you can find the right family member in this holiday season.