Adapting oneself to a new residence may be interesting yet time-consuming and stressful for most people. The feeling of this experience being exhausting is not restricted to mankind only. More than 50% of American households keep pets and are also involved during the moving process.
A change in surroundings is a big deal to a pet. Often, these changes may be massive, from the whole family adjusting to a new apartment to adding a new animal member. Whether you have a nosy cat, an energetic dog, or another furry friend, this change might bring new noises, visions, and daily habits that can exhaust them.
Ensuring their comfort during this time is vital to a smooth transition into their new environment. Read along, as this post will equip you with the essential pet care tips to help you settle into your new apartment.
Creating a Safe Space for Your Pets
1. Keep a Consistent Routine
Moving with pets can get pretty hectic. The best way to keep your pet’s life somewhat normal is by not ignoring their routine. If your pet doesn’t stay in a crate for an extended period, this isn’t a good time to make them start.
Keeping the same routine is the first step toward turning your new apartment into a haven for your pets. Bay Property Management Group Baltimore suggests keeping a daily routine to ensure your pet will feel safe in your new apartment. Pets are habit-driven creatures, and keeping the pet’s routine feeding schedule, walks, and playing will reduce their moving stress to a minimum.
Give them a quiet place of refuge where they can retreat for security, like an enclosed space with a bed, toy, and blanket with familiar smells. When too much novelty reaches their senses, this is where they go to relax and feel safe.
For example, if your pet eats and goes outside at a certain time every day, you should continue to do this. It may be an inconvenience with your schedule because you might be in the middle of something when he needs attention based on his schedule, but at least he will remain comfortable.
Pets can deal more easily with their parents’ moving when one underlying routine grounds them during many changes. And, of course, all the little things will count, even regular mealtimes and walks at the same time each day, which will help your pet adjust to your new apartment much faster.
2. Introduce the Neighborhood
Introducing your pet to a new neighborhood is another important thing you can do to help them get comfortable and secure in their surroundings. You should go about it gradually to get them used to the neighborhood. To begin with, start with short walks or trips to nearby places such as a quiet park or a ‘pet-friendly’ corner of the area.
It’s good to let them explore at their own pace without overwhelming them with new smells and sights. If you have a dog, this is an incredible chance to reinforce leash training, teaching them fantastic habits in the new environment.
Indoor pets, especially cats, usually do better when allowed to acclimate more gradually. Outdoor supervised visits can start with permitting them to look out into the neighborhood from a window or balcony.
Some may take a little longer to become accustomed to this novelty, so be sensitive to their reactions and adjust accordingly. These small but cautious familiarizations will eventually build a sense of safety and confidence in their new environment.
3. Know Pet Local Laws
Knowing the pet rules of your new apartment helps provide a safe living area for your pet. Some cities and apartment complexes have laws concerning pets, which may involve breed restrictions, leash laws, or noise ordinances that affect pet ownership. Understanding these rules will help avoid trouble with the law, neighbors, and the landlord.
Aside from legal considerations, you also have to think of your community’s pet etiquette, which may include an area reserved exclusively for pet owners or even the method of waste disposal.
Respecting these rules will keep your neighbors happy and your pet safe. Building a safe and compliant space does more than help you responsibly enjoy your new location with your pet: it ensures your pet stays happy in your new space. Find pet-friendly rentals by introducing them during the application process to save time.
Pet-Friendly Policies
1. Pet Rent
In choosing a new apartment, one also has to consider the pet-friendly policy and its component, which is pet rent. The basic understanding is that pet rent refers to an amount paid together with the regular rent by most landlords for keeping home pets.
This monthly fee covers any probable damage your pet is likely to cause in place of the number, size, and breed of your animal. Usually, pet rent is 1% to 3% of the monthly rent added to your rent payment. Be reminded that some jurisdictions have statutes limiting the amount of additional rent a homeowner can collect for pets.
It is also important to read the lease agreement carefully to understand the charges for these items upfront. Factoring in the cost of pet rent ensures you’re prepared financially while keeping your pets in your new home.
2. Pet Deposit
You will likely be running into pet-friendly policies, such as a pet deposit upon moving into a new apartment with any pet. A pet deposit is an upfront fee you pay to your landlord if the damage was caused by having your pet during your lease.
This deposit is usually refundable, depending on whatever damages are considered when you finally leave the apartment. This is very important since going over the terms of this policy with your landlord keeps you informed of additional nonrefundable fees or even monthly pet rent. This will keep you from surprises and make things quite transparent.
Landlord-Approved Ways to Pet-Proof the Apartment
1. Get Yourself a Proper Cleaning Equipment
As a pet owner, it is your responsibility to ensure your space is always in good condition. You should invest in pet cleaning equipment that will keep your apartment pet-proof and landlord-approved. A quality vacuum with particular attachments created for pets will handle fur, dander, and accidents appropriately.
You may also want to consider that pet hair can cause a problem, especially in a carpeted room, and prepare for it by buying a vacuum cleaner that can pick up pet hair. Consider purchasing some odor-neutralizing sprays and cleaners that are friendly to pets.
Regular cleaning prevents damage to floors, furniture, and carpets, which helps you not lose your pet deposit. Staying ahead with the cleaning keeps your apartment fresh and pleasant, making it easier to manage potential wear and tear caused by your pets.
2. Safeguard Soft Furnishings
Use machine-washable slipcovers, throws, or pet blankets on couches and chairs; this can make fur, claws, and spills easier to clean up, putting less wear on your apartment’s soft furnishings. Choose solid textiles like leather or microfiber, which are better resistant to scratching and easier to clean.
You can also reduce wear and tear on your furniture by designating play areas or scratching posts for your pet and trimming their nails. If you rent a property, you must return it in its original state upon termination of the rental contract. Therefore, covering fragile furniture with blankets will save the furniture and your deposit.
Regarding protection for your couch, a few ingenious products are available on the market. These easy steps will keep your pet comfortable without affecting the condition of your soft furnishings.
Conclusion
Settling into a new apartment can be much easier if you prepare and put your pet’s comfort first. By simply maintaining your daily routine, introducing them around the neighborhood, and reviewing policies or regulations regarding pets, you can easily make your pets comfortable and secure in their new surroundings.
Make your apartment comfortable and safe for you and your pet by thoughtfully pet-proofing it by investing in the right cleaning equipment to protect fragile furniture. With these vital pet care tips, you and your pet can grow and love your new home.