| You and your roommate have successfully navigated the early days of sharing a household: who gets the larger room, who takes the first shower of the day, and how to correctly install the toilet paper roll (the great “over versus under” debate). You are now ready to add a new member to your household: a pet. But which one is right for you? Before you head to the local animal shelter or pet store, consider the following: |
- Your lease. Some landlords are very specific about which pets they allow (or refuse to accept) in their buildings. I once lived in an apartment where, according to our lease, we could only have one pet. Since my roommate and I each owned a dog, we had to hide one of our animals every time the manager came into the apartment. While I can’t say that it wasn’t worth it, I wouldn’t recommend this strategy. Don’t add extra stress to your new living arrangement. Read the fine print of your lease before adding a pet to your home. Don’t wait, as I did, until a family member wins a goldfish at the fair before learning that you have to get your landlord’s approval to set up a fish tank. (Fortunately, we have an understanding landlord and our goldfish is still living in the kitchen).
- Your roommate. You should choose a pet that fits with your roommate’s lifestyle as well as your own. Is your roommate allergic to any animals? Don’t pick a long-haired cat if your roommate can’t tolerate fur on her designer clothes. If your roommate studies late at night, keep in mind that the sound of your hamster’s exercise wheel could cause him to riot.
- Other pets. Do you or your roommate already own a pet? Make sure that your new pet will be compatible with your other animals. I once brought home two gerbils. Days later, they snuck out of their cage and my dachshund had a nice snack. I was heartbroken but recognized my mistake: my dog was simply acting in character for her breed.
- Your apartment. The size and location of your apartment will dictate what type of pet is most practical. If you live in a small apartment, a large pet is not advised. If you live upstairs, a boisterous pet might disturb your downstairs neighbors or lead to extra work for you. I once lived in a third-floor apartment with an outdoor stairwell. The slats between the steps were so wide that my miniature breed could have easily slipped through them. As a result, I had to carry my dog up and down the stairs if she wanted to go outside.
- Your commitment level. Some pets are long-lived, others are not. How much time and energy can you honestly commit to a pet? Will your new pet or their habitat require a lot of attention? Visit your local pet store or library to learn more about your proposed pet before adopting it. Ask your roommate if he will shoulder the burden of caring for your pet when you aren’t home. I once gave away two guinea pigs after I discovered that cleaning their cage took more time and effort than caring for my dog.
Answering these questions honestly will help you choose the perfect pet for your apartment lifestyle. Be sure to lavish your new animal with lots of love and attention. Remember that it will take a few weeks for everyone – human and animal – to adjust. But before you know it, your pet will have become just another member of the family.
Julie Bloss Kelsey is a freelance writer with a long history of living in rental property with her pets. Her non-fiction articles have appeared in Natural Family Online and Washington Parent. Recently, one of her essays was published in Chicken Soup for the New Mom’s Soul. She and her family currently share a rental with a former pound puppy and a fish.
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