If you are yearning to adopt a dog but live in an apartment, you may wonder whether it’s even possible to add a furry friend to your moderate amount of space. By checking some simple guidelines, you can determine whether a dog is a good fit for your place.
- Before you start looking for a dog, check your apartment lease agreement to see whether you are allowed to have a dog. You may be required to pay a one-time or monthly pet fee. Some apartments have a list of prohibited dog breeds because of perceived aggressiveness, and others limit dogs according to their full-grown weight. If you are permitted to have a dog in your apartment, ask for a clause to be added to your rental contract, specifying everything that you and management agreed to. Adding the clause will ensure that your rights and responsibilities are clear, and you won’t be stuck in a tricky situation if things change.
- What is your availability? Adult dogs need to be let out for bathroom purposes at least every four to five hours, and puppies need even more frequent time outdoors to become house-trained. In addition, dogs of any age typically need at least two walks every day for exercise, socialization, and fun. Dogs need exercise and attention, and that’s especially true for puppies, which take more time to train and require more frequent care. Dog walkers and doggie daycare offer solutions, but they can be costly. If you work long hours, you might consider adopting an older dog because they tend to sleep more than younger ones do.
- How much dog noise can you and your neighbors tolerate? Dogs bark for many reasons, whether they want attention, want to play, need to go out to potty, or are nervous, frightened, or anxious. Barking behavior can be changed through consistent training and positive reinforcement, but do you have the time and money for that training? If not, make sure that the dog you’re adopting is known to be quiet and not suffer from anxiety.
- Is your apartment well located for a dog’s needs? Ideally, you’ll live near a dog park for social activity or near a trail or large open space for long walks and on-leash running and playing. You don’t need the equivalent of a huge back yard, but you do need access to enough space for your dog to thrive.
- What will be your dog’s activity level? Since traits vary from dog to dog, the breed you adopt is less important than the characteristics you learn about your potential apartment mate. For a highly peppy dog, you can make the daily walks more energetic by encouraging your dog to run, jump, chase, climb, and otherwise tire themselves. At the same time, you can exercise your dog’s mind by stopping periodically to run them through sit, stay, lie down, wait, find, and any other commands you want to practice.
- Is your dog comfortable and calm around strangers and other dogs? If so, that’s great. If not, you should consider adopting another dog that is not reactive toward others. This will make life easier as you pass through narrow apartment hallways and share limited green space.
- Will other residents in your apartment building be welcoming to your new family member? Some people are allergic to dogs or might be afraid of them, no matter their size or breed. You can teach your dog the best manners possible so she will become an accepted member of the apartment community.
- Are you prepared for the many expenses that dog adoption requires? Besides paying for the adoption, you’ll need to stock pet food and treats and be prepared for the cost of vet visits, recurring vaccines, and parasite control. As mentioned previously, you may have a pet deposit to pay to your apartment complex. Other expenses include a comfortable bed, bowls, leashes, toys, and any dog grooming you want to have done. While there are several resources available for helping to manage these costs, your life will be less stressful if you’re aware of, and prepared for, the expenses.
Adopting a dog for your apartment means you will gain a loyal companion and friend. Just be sure to check these guidelines before you finalize the adoption. The Adoption Team at Atlanta Humane Society will be happy to help you find the right dog for your situation.
October 3, 2023