Finding a pet friendly apartment that fits into your lifestyle and budget can sometimes be challenging. Here we are going to look at 4 pint-sized options to traditional pets that will provide wonderful companionship even if you reside in a “no large dogs allowed” community.
Rodents
Finding a rodent in your apartment living room isn’t necessarily a bad thing. In fact, some urban dwellers insist that housing a pocket pet like a mouse, guinea pig, rat, hamster or flying squirrel is the only way to go.
These are your typical rats, mice, gerbils and hamsters, along with the occasional flying squirrel. Many of these pets are capable of showing their owners affection. Some can even be trained to play with balls and ride along on the shoulders of their beloved owners. As an apartment renter, you should bear in mind the fact that rodents aren’t necessarily the cleanest animals to store within a tiny space. These pets are ideal for owners who are diligent cleaners and don’t mind getting their hands dirty in an animal’s cage. They could be the perfect pet for apartment dwellers who work the night shift, because the vast majority of rodents are nocturnal by nature. In an apartment situation, maintaining a nocturnal rodent could pose its own challenges, such as neighbors complaining of late-night noises, so opting for a quiet, reasonably peaceful rodent, like a gerbil, is probably your best bet.
Fish
While we don’t advise it, it is entirely possible to fit a fish in your pocket, and therefore these small nautical wonders qualify for our list. They make a great alternative to rodents for people who would rather purify and decorate an aquatic tank as opposed to cleaning and/or misting an animal cage. Fish are excellent additions to the home, and unlike rodents, they’re not likely to wake your neighbors or stink up your apartment. They’re also incredibly portable, so moving them out when your lease is up will be virtually a no-brainer. Here’s another unique plus to owning a fish that you might not have considered: allergies. People who are allergic to fish usually only have a bad reaction when they eat fish, meaning a tank full of fish would cause zero reactions. This makes fish ideal pets for first-time apartment renters and/or college students who might need to acquire a roommate sometime in the near future. The drawbacks? They’re less affectionate than the aforementioned and difficult to train.
Birds
Looking for something that flies but isn’t a squirrel? How about a tiny bird perched just above your windowsill? While talking birds like parrots are both beautiful and fun to own, renters are better off sticking with a quieter variation, like a sing-songy canary.
Tip: Invest in a protective plastic floor mat to place under the bird cage. Your security deposit will thank you later. Also, remember to do all your cleaning with bird-safe products like Poop-Off and vinegar in order to avoid taking unnecessary trips to the veterinarian. Of all the pets mentioned in this post, birds are the most sensitive to household cleaners.
Miniature Pooches
Renting poses unique challenges for dog owners. Puppies can be difficult to clean up after, and fully grown four-legged friends might take up a great deal of space. Those of you who are renting studio apartments understand that every square inch of an apartment is precious. With that being said, miniature pooches are an awesome alternative for avid space savers who still want someone to cuddle with. If you’re not keen on rodents, and birds and fish aren’t really your thing either, you might want to opt for a mini. Miniature pooches are tiny, but not all are apartment-ready. What you’ll want to shop for is a miniature pooch with a fair temperament that requires little upkeep and adapts easily to a wide variety of environments.
Here are some picks that fit this description:
-Miniature dachshund
-Japanese Chin
-Poodle
-Maltese
-Shih tzu
-Toy fox terrier
Now that you’ve selected your favorite mini from the list, it’s time to find the perfect pet-friendly apartment.