Helping Your Pet Survive Apartment Life

Originally published in LEO on February 9, 2000 • Updated with modern guidance in 2026

From The Pet Guy Archives

Helping Your Pet Survive Apartment Life is one of Jeff Seidenfaden's timeless newspaper columns about choosing the right pet for your home. In this 2000 column, Jeff explains why housing restrictions remain one of the leading reasons pets are surrendered to shelters and offers practical advice for selecting pets that thrive in apartment living. Finding a pet-friendly apartment can be challenging, but choosing the right pet for your living situation is just as important. In this 2000 column, Jeff Seidenfaden explains why housing restrictions remain one of the leading reasons pets are surrendered to shelters and offers practical advice for selecting pets that thrive in apartment living.

While apartment communities have become much more pet-friendly over the past two decades, lease restrictions, breed limitations, pet fees, and lifestyle considerations still play an important role in responsible pet ownership. Planning ahead before bringing home a new pet remains one of the best ways to ensure a lifelong relationship.

Editor's Note: This article reflects common pet care recommendations available in 2000. Because some housing policies and animal care standards have evolved, we've included updated guidance below to help today's pet owners make informed decisions.

Original 2000 Column

One bad thing about my line of work is I get to see (and hear) all the reasons people have for turning in their pets to shelters. I get phone call after phone call from folks who want to know if I have a magical solution to a national problem. Unfortunately, the only advice that I have is prevention.

That's right—I'm asking you to consider the long-term. Part of your thought process about acquiring a pet should be consideration of the living accommodations for that pet. But many of the animals I see at area shelters are turned in because landlords don't allow traditional pets (cats and dogs). If you rent an apartment, you may have to be creative if you want the company of an animal.

Research the pet policy where you live. If pets are allowed, find out if size limitations apply. Are BIG dogs allowed? If not, don't buy or adopt a Shepherd mix or a Great Dane puppy. Yes, they may be under the 25-pound weight limit for the next 15 minutes, but what happens once they have grown bigger than the landlord allows? Chances are that he WILL notice. Don't risk it. Most apartment complexes will allow pets with a pet fee or deposit plus some additional rent each month. Find out about and pay these fees before taking the pet home. You will save yourself a headache by following the rules.

A cat can be a nice pet in an apartment, though some property owners frown upon them, as well. But let's say your apartment allows cats. What should you look for? The first step in your search for a cat should be visiting a shelter or a place that adopts shelter animals (like Enviropet, The Shamrock Foundation). There are literally thousands of homeless cats in the Louisville area right now, all of which would line up for the chance to live with you. However, you will probably want to choose one that isn't too vocal. You don't want a nasty neighbor complaining that your cat is meowing too much when you're gone. Even the most tolerant landlords will get upset if they receive those kinds of complaints.

You should also keep your cat inside your apartment at all times. You must be considerate of the preferences of those who live alongside you. As strange as it may seem to you, not everyone likes cats. Don't force others to be tolerant by allowing your pet to wander through common areas. Besides being dangerous for the cat, it is illegal.

On to other cool apartment pets. Most people have no problem keeping fish in an apartment. They can be a nice addition to any home, and you will find them very relaxing to watch after a long day of work. You don't have to invest a small fortune in fish, either. For under $50 you can have a small aquarium and a few fish. For even less money you can have a very happy little fish called Betta. Betta originate in Asian rice fields, and because they're not accustomed to much water, they adapt well to being kept in even small bowls. You can be creative with their homes and even use a wine carafe or fancy jar. Be sure the container is clean, however, and do not use any detergents on it. Clean it with a bleach solution (one part bleach to 10 parts water), rinse it well and allow it to air dry before filling with water and adding the fish. Your area pet store can give you all the basics of how to keep them.

If you like pets of the furry variety, consider a guinea pig. You don't have to be a child to enjoy these cuddly little creatures. You will have to clean their pine shavings a couple of times a week, but these pets are otherwise fairly low maintenance and can add life to a small space.

No matter what pet you choose for your apartment, however, be sure to have it approved by the property management. Once you're attached to a pet, you don't want to have to give it up.

Helping Your Pet Survive Apartment Life: The Pet Guy Perspective Today

The core message of this article is every bit as relevant today as it was in 2000: before adopting a pet, make sure your home is prepared to keep that pet for its entire life.

Apartment living has become much more accommodating for pet owners, with many communities offering dog parks, pet washing stations, walking trails, and even pet social events. At the same time, many properties continue to enforce breed restrictions, weight limits, pet deposits, monthly pet rent, and limits on the number of animals allowed. Understanding these requirements before bringing home a pet can prevent one of the most heartbreaking reasons animals enter shelters.

Several recommendations have also evolved over the years. Modern veterinarians and animal behaviorists encourage enriching indoor environments for apartment pets through puzzle feeders, climbing structures, regular exercise, and interactive play. These activities help reduce boredom and unwanted behaviors while improving both physical and mental health.

One recommendation that has changed significantly involves Betta fish. While small bowls were commonly recommended years ago, today's aquatic experts generally recommend heated, filtered aquariums of at least five gallons to provide a healthier, more stable environment.

Whether you choose a dog, cat, fish, guinea pig, or another companion animal, successful apartment living comes down to thoughtful planning, responsible ownership, and respecting both your pet's needs and your neighbors. Choosing the right pet for your lifestyle remains one of the best decisions you can make.

Continue Reading in The Pet Guy Archives

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About The Pet Guy Archives

The Pet Guy Archives preserve Jeff Seidenfaden's original newspaper columns, television features, and educational articles spanning more than three decades. Each article is carefully republished to preserve its historical authenticity while making it accessible to today's pet owners.

About the Author

Jeff Seidenfaden is The Pet Guy—an award-winning pet expert, television host, newspaper columnist, entrepreneur, and animal advocate who has spent more than three decades helping families build better relationships with their pets. Through his newspaper columns, television appearances, and educational outreach, Jeff has shared practical, compassionate advice with hundreds of thousands of pet owners across the country.