Big dogs (like Emily's foster dog Nanai) don't mind small apartments!
I recently moved from a house to a two-bedroom apartment, which I now share with two adopted kittens. I'm learning how to live in a close-packed community with lots of other people and their pets. Here are some rules -- both unwritten and written -- that I've learned so far:
1. Understand your building's pet policy.
I was told that my new apartment complex was pet-friendly. Only after I'd moved in did I learn there was a weight limit for pets: 25 lbs. No way could I have my dogs I'd adopted with my ex-husband -- not even one of them -- in that apartment. (The HSUS has some great tips on finding a pet-friendly rental.)
2. Learn the rules of your apartment complex. After living in my new place for about a month, I discovered that there was a whole book of rules set up by the Home Owner's Association in my building. Because I'm a renter, I hadn't been given a copy. Beyond the size restrictions on pets, the book also contained specific rules about where you could take dogs to "do their business," and the regular, "DUH" kind of rules about picking up after your pets and such.
(To the right are some law-breaking dog owners enjoying the evening in an off-limits field as their charges wander about.They never stay long and always look nervous.)
3. Find other dog-people in your building and organize a dog-group. There is strength in unity. A group of dog owners can handle and mediate complaints about dog behavior better than individuals can. A group has more clout to lobby your HOA for more pet-friendly spaces and can encourage dog owners to be good public citizens and members of your community.
Plus, a sense of community grows when dog owners gather, letting their dogs play together. You might even find people who would pet-sit your dog in exchange for the same service when they have to go out of town.
What about you? Do you rent? How have you dealt with apartment rules about pets?
After searching diligently for several years, I've finally secured a unit in a rental property that allows 2 pets per unit, and has a dog weight limit of 75 lbs per animal. Yes, there are breed restrictions - the usual: pitties, chows, GSDs, dobies - but this property is geuninely pet-friendly. They even have a fenced-in dog play yard right on site, where dogs can run about off-leash.
Needless to say, this property has a long waiting list, but i've finally reached the top. I can't wait to 'reclaim' my Sammies who've been staying with my son out in the country since my job was transferred to the city!
Such places ARE out there, but you have to search diligently and ask the right questions. For example, this property doesn't ADVERTISE that they allow larger breed dogs, but if you ask them directly, they'll tell you they do.
I think the 'bug bomb' idea pre-move in is a good one. I negotiated a reduction on my pet deposit to pay for an exterminator to go over my new apartment before I move in. I had to agree to pay for the same service myself when I move out, but I think it's worth it for my peace of mind and my Sammies' well-being.
My biggest problem was with getting the property manager to allow me to accept pets--she was very negative and talked about all the damage a cat could do. So, of course I watch for every and any sign of fleas on my new kittens and I watch them all the time, making sure they NEVER damage anything like carpets or screens. So far--absolutely no sign of fleas or any damage to things other than my own property (drapes--used as vines to swing on; books in shelves--used as puzzles to be moved around; upholstered furniture--used as launch pads, scratching posts, and boxing ring; my legs, arms, and feet--used as launch pads and hors d'oeuvres).
What do you think of those flea bombs, Kat? Are they dangerous to animals that come back into the place that has been bombed? There is that powdery-kind of residue that worries me because I don't know what it is.
Woah, that is a great idea. I never would have thought of that.
I rent with pets and i cannot tell you enought that a few days before you move in, shampoo the carpet with flea stuff or even bomb the place. I have never had a problem with fleas untill i moved into this apartment. the previous people who lived here must have had a pet that had fleas and never treated them