How to Make Your Pet-Friendly Apartment Even More Pet-Friendly
In an Apartments.com survey of more than 1,000 renters, “More than 80 percent of respondents said a pet-friendly policy played a major role in where they chose to live.” We know a pet-friendly apartment is so important to people, so we are grateful to be able to offer that to our renters! But a home is more than just four walls and a key to the door, and pets have their own needs that must be met.
Once you get into an apartment that allows pets, how can you make the most of it? You can start by making your entry practical, hiding pet supplies in convenient places, and giving your pet plenty of exercise. Read on to learn more!
Make Your Entryway Practical
Who doesn’t need more space? If you’re like many of us, you’ve spent time meticulously organizing your pet’s toys and supplies only to have your plan fall apart soon after when you realize you have a bit too much stuff to fit into the designated space (it’s just too tempting to buy them new toys every time you go to the store!). A cluttered counter ensues, and it’s back to square one.
If this sounds like you, consider using your entryway for a functional storage solution. The entryway often has unused space to which you can easily add peg racks, shelves, cubbies, or a hutch for leashes, treats, pet paperwork, and more. A little storage goes a long way to making your pet-friendly apartment an even better place for your four-legged friend.
Hide Pet Bowls and the Litter Box
Need a new solution for keeping your pet’s bowls or litter box out of the way? Here are a couple of ideas you could try:
- Use the inside of a chest/bench for a litter box (using a DIY cat door) or keep your pet’s bowls underneath a bench.
- Put the litter box in a wardrobe cabinet and install a cat door on the side.
- Drape fabric around an end table for either bowls or a litter box.
With these DIY solutions, it’s easy to create more space for you and your pet to be comfortable at home.
Give Them Plenty of Exercise
There’s nothing like coming home and relaxing on the couch after a long day. Working hard makes you appreciate relaxing all the more—and your pet probably feels the same way!
To help your pet love being in your pet-friendly apartment, be sure to exercise them regularly. This will help them stay healthy and happy. According to Fetch by Web MD , “Up to 50% of dogs in the U.S. weigh too much. Like people, overweight dogs are at risk for health problems, from arthritis to heart disease.”
With your dog, go on walks regularly and take them to a dog park to get their energy out and enjoy socializing with other dogs. When you can’t get out, obedience training exercises the body and brain, as do games like “ find the treat .”
With your cat, it can be harder to know how to get them that important active time. Make a commitment to play with them at least 10 minutes a day, and offer praise or a treat when playtime is over so they want to do it again. Try introducing some new toys, getting a cat tree, playing with a laser pointer, or even attaching a “tail” of yarn to one of your belt loops to give them something to chase as you move around the apartment.
Start making your apartment even more pet-friendly today! And if you don’t currently live in a pet-friendly apartment but would like to, consider moving to Countrywood Apartments. We have one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments in Redlands, California. Give us a call today to schedule a tour!
