A guide to keep pets in apartments

It’s not at all easy to find pet-friendlyhousing in India. The residents staying in apartments will expect their neighborhood to be quiet and calm. Often, there will be disagreement between pet lovers and residents who do not allow pets in the apartment complex. Some residents feel that pets are a nuisance and it is harmful to keep one especially in apartments. Some apartmentseven will have bye-law which restrict residents from keeping any pets with them.

Small birds, dogs or cats of certain breed are often welcomed in apartments. They are best suited for an apartment lifestyle and cause less nuisance or disturbance for people in the apartment. If you are a pet lover or are planning to buy a pet, you must know the dos and don’ts of your apartment. If you are the owner, you will need to check with the Owners Association and if you are a tenant, you have to discuss it with your landlord and get his permission. Besides, permission of your neighbors should also be taken regarding the same. Ensure that you give proper love and care to your pet and that it is not disturbed by others or disturbs the peace of your neighbors. Before you bring or plan to own a pet, you need to consider some basic things.

Things to consider if you have a pet or plan to have one:

In some apartments, landlords or the association allows pets in their apartment complex. The owner of the pet has to take responsibility and care of his/her pets. Here are some things which need to be considered when bringing a pet to an apartment complex.

• Discuss with the landlord or association: Before signing a sale agreement, discuss or inquire about rules regarding keeping or having a pet in your apartment. If you are planning to rent or lease an apartment, get the permission of your landlord or association in writing before you bring your pet or plan to have a pet in your apartment. Some apartments do not allow pets altogether while certain others restrict certain breeds in apartments.
• Ensure that your pet does not cause inconvenience to others by barking constantly, soiling common areas or showing aggressive behavior. All these can be addressed by training your pet through positive reinforcement and not by punishment. Keeping a dog chained for long periods can lead to aggressive behavior.
• Type or category: Not all types of pets are allowed in the apartment but pets that don’t disturb neighbors in an apartment are often welcomed. Some apartments, especially in cities, will have restrictions on what breeds you can have. There are many breeds (especially dogs) that can be considered aggressive or protective. You can choose your pet such as a dog or cat that is small in size and weight. They include small birds, frogs, sugar glides, fishes etc. Best Pets to have for an Apartment dweller.

• Never fool your neighbor or landlord: If you are a pet lover and your apartment rules does not allow you to keep your pet with you, try to get permission from your neighbors or landlord to keep them. Convince your landlord or neighbor that you will take complete responsibility of your pet and it will not disturb neighbors and children in the apartment complex. Never try to hide your pet in your apartment and fool your neighbor or landlord. This will result in a breach of lease.
• Proper exercise: Pet lovers should treat their pets as one of their family members. Ensure that your pet gets proper exercise and healthy food in time. Treat your dog as a companion and ensure that it does not inconvenience others in your apartment complex. Ensure that your pet is vaccinated at least once in a year.
• Do not let your pet free in common areas, This is important for the safety of your pet as well as to others in the apartment complex.
• Ensure that your dog is regularly vaccinated against rabies — the modern tissue culture vaccines are good for much longer than one year.
• Spay or neuter your pet: A spayed or neutered dog is generally more even-tempered and docile. It is also healthier for it.
• Discourage Aggressive Behavior: Treat your dog as a companion, and not as a security agent. Do not train your dog to be aggressive, and constantly discourage aggressive behavior. Do not train your dog to “mouth” you by allowing it to bite (even if gently) your arm.

Pets are not harmful or a nuisance in housing complexes. It’s all in your hands to choose pets which best suit the apartment lifestyle. Pets are like one of our family members or companions that need proper care and love from its owner as well as people in and around. Pets need to be vaccinated once a year for which its owner must take the responsibility. Proper training and exercise is important for your pets’ discipline and health. Ensure that you follow the apartment rules or bye-laws relating to your pet. Moreover, do not let your pet free in common areas.