Choosing a pet for your apartment

When living in an apartment, choosing a pet can be a daunting task – especially because you have to consider not only your own needs but your neighbors’ as well. Pets are a great way to bring happiness into your life, through companionship and unconditional love. It’s also a good way for children to learn responsibility and, if it’s an active pet, a great way for other family members to get exercise by playing outside.

When choosing a pet for your Des Moines, Iowa apartment, there are several factors you should consider:

Pet fees or deposit – Does your apartment community require you to pay a monthly fee or one-time deposit to keep certain types of pets, like a cat or dog? This can sometimes be a large investment that you’ll need to save up for. Also check with your property management company to review their policy on damages caused by pets. Some apartment communities have a weight limit on the size of dog you can have – you’ll want to check into this as well.

Roommate – If you have a roommate, make sure he or she is okay with the idea of a pet. Not only does a pet take patience and responsibility, but it may also cause allergies for others, which can be a great inconvenience.

Commitment – How much time do you have to devote to a pet? If you’re a student or working a full-time job, it’s not likely you’ll be able to spend time with him during the day. If this is the case, then a puppy probably the best option for you. Also keep in mind that most dogs will need to be let out during the day, so you’ll need to spend time over your lunch break doing so.

Living space – How much room do you have in your apartment? If you live in a small space, a large or hyper pet wouldn’t be the best choice because they’ll want to run around and won’t have the space to do so.

Exercise needs - Does your apartment community have a lot of outdoor space, or is it nearby a park? If not, you may want to consider a pet other than a dog, which many times need plenty of room to run around and get exercise.

Neighbors – Although it will be your pet, you should consider your neighbors as well – some dog breeds can be very vocal and may disturb your neighbors through barking, thus causing complaints. 

After considering these factors, if you decide a cat or dog isn’t right for you, there are plenty of other options. You may consider a rabbit, hamster, guinea pig, or bird for your Des Moines apartment, as they require much less time and attention.