LIVE IN AN APARTMENT? CONSIDER THESE SMALLER PETS

Posted by Parents & Kids Guest Writer | Apr 19, 2021

“Peanuts” creator Charles Schultz said: “Happiness is a warm puppy.” The American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP) agrees. The AACAP found that pets help children with their self-esteem, social and emotional development, and life lessons in developing respect for nature and direct experiences with life cycles.

Despite these benefits, for families who rent a home or apartment, barriers to pet ownership may exist. Even though 72-percent of renters own pets, according to the Humane Society, difficulty finding and keeping a rental location leads to 500,000 pets being surrendered to shelters annually. The importance of reviewing the pet policy at your rental can not be understated. These policies can vary greatly from location to location and place restrictions on which species or breeds of animals are allowed along with weight restrictions, requirements for a pet deposit, or liability coverage in the event there is an incident involving your pet on the premises. 

Apartments may place further limitations with the lack of a yard and smaller interior, but all is not lost. 

While fish can be a great option, Elbba Taylor, veterinarian technician at Tupelo Veterinary Hospital, offers considerations regarding several animals that may work for your home.   

IF POSSIBLE…SMALL DOGS.  

Taylor advises for your apartment to “consider a small size dog such as dachshund or chow. These are very social dogs and great for families with little ones. They do not require a large yard as an outlet for their energy.” House training is a must, so time to do this is needed. 

IF POSSIBLE…CATS.  

For a potentially lower-maintenance yet equally affectionate companion, a cat might be more your speed. This easily house-trained potential friend will need a litter box, so consider its placement in the apartment, especially if you have crawling children or curious toddlers. To help with the smell that comes with the litter box, Taylor recommends trying different types of litter.

Maybe you would like to think outside the litter box and consider exotic animals as a new addition to your home. The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) offers some thoughts to determine which from this category might be right for you. 

HAMSTERS AND GUINEA PIGS.  

These tend to be most active during the day, so this might factor into your decision. Taylor mentioned that hamsters are more prone to biting compared to guinea pigs. Additionally, the AVMA states hamsters do not do well in pairs, but guinea pigs do.

RATS.   

Believe it or not, 4-percent of small animal owners own a rat. Despite their bad reputation, rats bred to be pets can be more social than other rodents, making them great pets. They love to be active, so toys keep them at their happiest, along with a constant source of rodent chow.

REPTILES AND AMPHIBIANS.  

Few of these have been bred to make good pets, with each species having its own particular need for light, humidity and temperature. Be aware the Center for Disease Control recommends homes with children five years old or younger avoid snakes and other reptiles — or small amphibians like toads — due to the possibility of serious illness being spread from them.

BIRDS.  

A few of these feathered friends work well for families, so consult a veterinarian when trying to choose one for your home. Taylor offers parakeets as one good option. Handling your bird friend comes with a learning curve; they are instinctive biters, since their beaks serve as a hand and many need to be trained to socialize. Taylor added that “some birds can be noisy” …so do your research.

FERRETS.  

The AVMA states that ferrets make excellent house pets, but their curious nature requires a sturdy, escape-proof cage; they are able to squeeze through tiny spaces. Additionally, for their health and behavior control, they will need to be spayed or neutered. They require mental stimulation, regular bathing to manage their naturally strong odor, and are best adopted at a younger age for better socialization. 

EXOTICS CARE.  

Not all veterinarian offices can assist in the care of exotics. Horn Lake Animal Hospital in Horn Lake, Mississippi specializes in exotic animal care. They recommend an early visit, for a wellness check of your new pet. Most new pet purchases come with a two-to-three-week warranty period, so this will allow an opportunity to detect any significant illnesses during this time. This visit will also include discussions on proper care at home, and routine care to come to ensure the best likelihood of an extended enjoyable experience for you and your family.

Despite the potential limited interior space of an apartment, options for pet ownership abound, maybe even beyond that which might have otherwise been considered.

Alicia Stevens, a resident of Pearl River County, is a freelance writer, wife and mother of two who enjoys traveling with her family and friends.

Live in an Apartment? Consider These Smaller Pets - Parents & Kids (parentsandkids.com)