Preparing for new pet shouldn’t be ‘ruff’
Bringing a new pet into your family is always exciting. However, it’s important to get your ducks in a row before adding any animal to your home.
First, for those who live in an apartment home, it’s important that you check your lease before you rescue a furry friend. Speak to your apartment community’s management ahead of time to discuss potential fees that may be required for housing a pet.
After ensuring pets are allowed, it’s also imperative to review the very clear terms about the animals your community permits in their apartment homes.
Make sure that your new pet is within the lease guidelines.
As with most major additions to your home, make sure you spend some time doing your research on the best animal and breed for you and your lifestyle. Consider the space you have, your activity level and how long your pet will be home alone.
It’s also important to decide if you have the time and resources to properly train your pet – especially if it’s younger. Animals require proper training and ample attention to break into their new home.
Remember that a pet is a long-term commitment. Don’t just consider your current situation; decide if you’ll have the time and space for this animal in the future as well.
Keep in mind the proximity of your unit to the outdoors and where you plan to let your pet wander in your home. If you have carpeted rooms, you may want to wait until your pet is house trained before allowing it into the room.
If you plan on letting your pet go out on your balcony or patio, make sure it’s a safe place for them to adventure. Especially for smaller animals, it might be a good idea to purchase safety screens for your patio or balcony to keep your pet safe.
You may also want to go through and pet-proof your apartment to protect your belongings from being damaged. Make sure you keep any potentially harmful chemicals such as cleaning supplies or pest control chemicals far away from your pet. Some food items like chocolate that are enjoyable for humans can be dangerous for your pet to ingest.
As always, be mindful of your neighbors. Try to keep your animal properly entertained and trained to avoid excessive barking or other noises, and always clean up after the animal around your apartment community.
Contact your local shelters. They have thousands of animals that are looking for their forever home. Breed good habits so you can properly prepare to add a new pet into your apartment home.