You and your dog had a great thing going at your home. There was a big, fenced in backyard, and your pet was really into the space and the daily rhythm of the routine. Now, you have been offered a great job in a bigger city, but this will mean apartment living.
You might be moving for college to an affordable apartment in Athens, Georgia with plenty of space for your pet to play; or you may be relocating for work to a tiny flat in London, either way, you may still worry about making your new digs very pet-friendly.
So, here are some things to consider.
Pet Experience
Be sure that your potential apartment is itself pet-friendly because you and the landlord or leasing company may have diametrically opposed ideas about what that phrase really means.
If your lease agreement does not even mention pets, don’t necessarily think that’s a good thing.
A ma and pa type landlord may not have dealt with pet issues before if no previous tenants had animals. Therefore, after your dog inadvertently causes a little initial yard damage, your landlord may get quite upset. It’s best to rent from a place that is used to having pets.
The Lease
While the lease is designed to protect both you and the landlord, make sure that it spells out that pets are welcomed.
An additional pet security deposit should not be a problem since that assures that the owner has acknowledged that you will have an animal on the premises.
Read the parts the pertain to the return of pet security deposits carefully, as some rules may be stringent.
Upper Floors
If you are going to live in a high-rise, you and your dog will probably be taking a sometimes-crowded elevator. It’s up to you to get your pet ready for this daily experience, knowing of course, that not everyone in your building will be a pet lover.
And contrary to popular belief, big dogs sometimes do OK on upper floors while little ones can get very hyper.
Room to Run
If your apartment is great but yard space is small, be ready to take a longer walk every day. You’re not just going to be able to let your pet out each morning into a fenced in yard; instead, you’ll have to take him or her somewhere else to exercise.
Routine
Pets love routines, and while your new one may be different, make sure that you have one. Walk at a certain time, feed at a designated time, and shut it down at a predetermined time Doing this as soon as you move in will help your pet acclimate to new surroundings.
Vet Services
Even if your pet is in great health, make sure you have pre-arranged for veterinary services just in case something happens. Moving is stressful for everyone, and if your dog gets sick, it’s a lot easier to take him or her to the vet if you are already set up with the provider.
Sure, you’ll be able to find A 24-hour emergency pet center, but that could cost you hundreds of dollars. Read your lease, communicate with your landlord and pre-arrange vet services.
By doing these things and maintaining your routine, you can have a great pet-friendly experience.
Also Read:
Detailed New Puppy Checklist
Moving Checklist
Last but not least; if you’re moving with your pet, here are a few things you must consider:
Before your move
- Research local pet regulations
- Find a great vet
- Get an updated health certificate
- Introduce your dog to a travel crate
- Reinforce obedience commands
- Research pet transportation options
- Bring your dog’s favorite toys
- Keep your dog in a secure location
- Don’t feed your dog before traveling
- Book a pet-friendly hotel for travel nights
- Keep a regular exercise schedule
- Make sure you have food close by for when your dog needs to eat
After the move
- Check your home for hazards
- Take regular walks with your dog
- Update contact info on your dog’s collar or microchip
- Replicate your previous environment at home
- Try to maintain a normal schedule for each week and each day
- Try to be at home for the first week to help your dog adjust to the new location and lifestyle
- Make sure you buy more durable furniture
- If you have a puppy, try working with chew toy diversions
- Check your house plants to make sure nothing is poisonous to dogs
- Find an alternative bathroom in case they can’t get outside during the day
For over a decade, Adrienne has been a freelance content writer and blogger who’s passion lies in anything related to dogs. Growing up, dogs were a very important part of family life in the Hardwick household. Now, Adrienne is the proud parent to two Swedish Vallhunds called Moose and Pumpkin.