Ultimate Guide to Finding and Living in Pet Friendly Apartments

Dogs have long been notorious for making the whole apartment search process difficult. Many landlords simply will not accept a dog.

Keeping a Dog in Non-Pet Friendly Apartments

This is never a good idea. Sure, it can be tempting to go against the landlord and sneak in a dog despite the strict no-pet policy. But the risk outweighs the rewards.

Why You Should Not Hide a Dog From Your Landlord

• Eviction Risk: You could face eviction for breaching the rental contract by sneaking in a pet.
• Bad Karma With Neighbors: Neighbors might report you, especially if they dislike animals or are close to the landlord.
• Extra Charges: Damage caused by your pet can lead to significant out-of-pocket expenses.
• Your Pet May Give You Away: Noise from barking or howling can alert neighbors and the landlord.
• Constant Need to Hide: Constantly hiding your pet can be stressful and exhausting.
• Unfair to Your Dog: Dogs need walks, bathroom breaks, and exposure to new surroundings, which they can't get if they are hidden indoors.

Finding Pet Friendly Apartments

With rental space at a minimum and rates soaring, finding a decent, affordable apartment can be difficult — even more so if you have a dog. Many landlords will allow cats, but dogs are often excluded, even from "pet-friendly" buildings. This is especially true if you have a pit bull or other "dangerous" dog breed, such as a German Shepherd, Doberman Pinscher, or Rottweiler.

How to Convince Your Landlord to Let You Get a Dog

Follow these tips to impress your landlord and gain approval for your dog:

• Get a Certificate of Training: Enroll your dog in basic obedience classes and earn a Canine Good Citizenship certificate. Attach a brief note explaining the certification.
• Create a Dog Résumé: Highlight training certifications, include information about your dog's history, personality, behavior, and habits, and add a friendly photo. Attach references from previous landlords if possible.
• Give the Landlord Educational Material: Provide reputable articles explaining that breed does not determine behavior to ease concerns about "dangerous" breeds.
• Arrange a Meet-and-Greet: Prepare your dog for the meeting by ensuring they are well-groomed, calm, and well-behaved. Bring treats to keep their attention and make sure to clean up after them.
• Offer a Pet Deposit: Show your commitment by offering a refundable pet deposit, such as $500, even if it’s not required by the lease.
• Offer to Get Renter's Insurance: Purchase renter’s insurance to cover any damages related to your dog.
• Offer to Sign a Multi-Year Lease: Agree to a multi-year lease to show your long-term commitment and reduce turnover costs for the landlord.

A Note About Service Dogs

The Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) defines a service animal as a dog or small horse trained to perform a specific service for a person with a disability. No landlord can refuse to rent to you because of a service animal, even in a "no-pets" building. While you are not required to show proof, a doctor's note can help legitimize your service animal.

Choosing a Dog for Apartment Living

Choosing a dog wisely can bring enrichment and delight to your life. Here are some guidelines to help you avoid common pitfalls:

No impulse buying/adopting.

• Avoid impulse decisions when choosing a dog.
• Research thoroughly before visiting shelters or pet stores.

Don't miss Petful writer C.D. Watson's story "How My Impulse Buy at a Pet Store Became a Nightmare."

Make a Researched Decision and Reach a Consensus with Family Members

• Ensure all family members agree on the type of dog.
• Match the dog’s characteristics to your lifestyle and preferences.

Consider Breed Temperament not just Size

Breed temperament matters more than size when choosing a dog for an apartment.

• Irish Setters: Energetic and require lots of space, not ideal for apartments.
• Great Danes: Despite their size, they adapt well to apartments due to their laid-back nature.
• Pugs: Suitable for apartments, whereas small terriers like
• Jack Russells may not be may not be ideal as they were bred to hunt vermin and require more space and activity.
• Golden Retrievers: Some are couch potatoes; others are highly active.
• Labrador Retrievers: Generally great with kids, unlike Chesapeakes.

Seek Advice

• Ask for advice from dog owners, animal specialists, and veterinarians.
• Be cautious of biased breed-related sites that may not disclose health problems or behavioral issues.

By following these guidelines, you can find a dog that suits your apartment living situation and brings joy to your life.

Getting a Large Dog for an Apartment

If you love big dogs but worry about your small apartment, don't fret. Some large breeds adapt well to apartment living. Here are three large breeds that thrive in smaller spaces

Great Danes

• Size and Space: Great Danes are huge (130–200 pounds) and need plenty of seating space, often taking over the couch.
• Exercise Needs: They prefer lounging around and are content with 1-2 half-hour walks per day.
• Training: Great Danes are easy to train, making them manageable even in rented spaces.
• Noise Level: They don't usually bark unless there's a good reason, reducing stress for you and your neighbors.

Greyhounds

Greyhounds may be known for racing at speeds of up to 43 miles per hour — but they are also some of the most laid-back large-breed dogs around.

• Size and Space: Great Danes are huge (130–200 pounds) and need plenty of seating space, often taking over the couch.
• Exercise Needs: They prefer lounging around and are content with 1-2 half-hour walks per day.
• Training: Great Danes are easy to train, making them manageable even in rented spaces.
• Noise Level: They don't usually bark unless there's a good reason, reducing stress for you and your neighbors.

Bullmastiffs

• Size and Behavior: Weighing around 130 pounds, Bullmastiffs love to nap and be near their family, often snoring and drooling.
• Exercise Needs: Require regular 20- to 30-minute walks to stay healthy.
• Affectionate Nature: These dogs are incredibly affectionate and enjoy lounging during movie marathons.

Moving to the City With a Dog

Moving to a new city can be challenging for both you and your dog. Here are some tips to make the transition smoother:

Research the Neighborhoods

• Consider Your Dog's Needs: Look for pet supply stores, groomers, and veterinary clinics.
• Proximity Matters: If you don’t have a car, ensure these services are within walking distance.
• Canine-Friendly Areas: Check if the neighborhood is dog-friendly, not just the number of dog parks but also the general attitude towards dogs.

Locate Parks

• Find the Right Parks: Use Google Maps to locate parks but verify if they are dog-friendly.
• Off-Leash Areas: Ensure parks have off-leash hours or fenced-in areas for dogs to play.
• Proximity to Parks: Having a dog park within 1-2 blocks can make a big difference in your dog’s happiness.

Avoid Busy Roads

• High-Traffic Areas: Stay away from high-traffic areas and streets lined with storefronts.
• Safety First: Choose an apartment on a quiet, residential street to reduce the risk of accidents.
• Noise Levels: Consider the noise level, as constant sounds from traffic and nightlife can be stressful for your dog with sensitive ears.

How to Keep Your Dog Happy in an Apartment

Bringing a dog into your apartment doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Here are some tips to ensure your dog lives a safe, healthy, and happy life in your apartment:

Know Your Breed

• Understand your dog's habits, quirks, and needs.
• Some breeds, like Border Collies and Labrador Retrievers, require lots of space and can get destructive when bored.
• Breeds like Great Danes and Bullmastiffs are content with a couple of walks daily and a comfortable place to nap.

Find a Safe, Off-Leash Green Space

• Locate the nearest dog park and visit several times a week.
• Even with a backyard, regular dog park visits are beneficial for your dog's health and socialization.
• Ensure the dog park allows off-leash play and has fenced-in areas.

Stock Up on the Right Toys

If you’re at work all day and your dog is left to hang out at the apartment alone, they’ll need mental stimulation to help prevent boredom. Luckily, there are tons of resources to keep your dog entertained and engaged all day long:

• KONG Toys: Dispense treats and keep dogs entertained.
• Puzzle Toys: Interactive toys like those from Nina-Ottosson release treats when solved.
• Pet Webcams and Treat Dispensers: Allow you to watch, interact with, and reward your dog while you're away.

Avoid leaving your dog home alone with bones due to choking risks; opt for engaging dog toys instead.

Check out these dogs who make great apartment roommates:

Partner With a Dog Walker

• Find a trusted dog walker for daily visits, providing your dog with human interaction and exercise.
• Use apps to find dog walkers who offer GPS updates and walk notes.
• Regular walks and interactions can positively affect your dog's demeanor and behavior.

Best Way to Keep Your Dog Fit and Happy

Looking for a way for you and your dog to get healthy together?

Check out the FitBark 2, the highest-rated dog health monitor in the market. It’s a small, colorful device that you attach to your dog’s collar.

The FitBark 2 monitors activity levels, quality of sleep, distance traveled, calories burned, and overall health and behavior 24/7. Battery life is 6 whole months, so you can worry less about recharging and more about bonding with your pup.

The device fits dogs of any size, and the FitBark loves the water as much as your dog does!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)