For many pet owners, their furry friends are an integral part of the family, and leaving them behind because they’re moving into a brand new apartment is unthinkable. Luckily for pet owners at Arcadia Run, pets are welcome here!* Whether you’re moving into an apartment with Fido already in tow, or are looking to bring a four-legged companion into your apartment for the first time, there are several steps you can take to ensure your new apartment is pet-friendly. ,
Following these tips will help ensure that your apartment is safe and comfortable for dogs and cats:
· Make sure that common household items that are poisonous to pets are properly stored in a place where your pet cannot gain access to them. If you’re unsure what is and is not harmful to pets, check out the ASPCA’s list of top pet toxins of 2013. One well-known example is antifreeze, the smell and taste of which is particularly appealing for cats and dogs but can be fatal. Make sure all potentially hazardous items are located on a high shelf or in a latched cabinet.
· Check for suffocation hazards. For example, if there are chords for blinds or curtains in your apartment, make sure that they’re kept short or clipped up so that pets can’t choke or chew on them. Also be sure to unplug electrical chords when not in use, and make sure there are no chords in loops so your pet doesn’t get tangled. Also, regularly check spaces that the vacuum cleaner can’t reach, such as under the couch, to make sure that there’s nothing on the floor that your dog or cat could find and try to eat.
· Don’t leave human food out on countertops, and eliminate any “ladder” opportunities for pets to gain access to the countertop from the floor. Take out the trash daily and use a trash can with a tight-fitting lid to prevent curious pets from rummaging around. Pets getting into the trash can not only cause a mess in your apartment, but can result in serious health outcomes for your pet – grapes, raisins, coffee grinds, chocolate and sugar-free food can all have potentially fatal outcomes for dogs.
· Indoor plants can add a great touch to any room in an apartment, but before buying one, make sure that it’s safe for your pet. For example, if you have a cat, you’ll want to avoid lilies – they can cause kidney failure in felines. Before buying any indoor plants, check out the ASPCA’s list of toxic and non-toxic plants.
· Don’t leave the balcony or patio door open, or windows open without any screens. Having a balcony or patio area can be a great feature for apartment renters – just ask our Arcadia Run residents! – but they can pose danger for unwatched cats and small dogs that could fit through spaces in railings, so make sure you don’t leave the door open.
· Make a separate space for your pet. Carving out a space in your apartment just for your pet will help them feel secure in their new surroundings with a space all their own. If you have a dog, place their dog bed, toys and water source in a comfy corner of your apartment. If you’re going to be away all day, consider a pet fountain to keep the water source fresh.
· Even if your furry friend is housebroken or litter box trained, there’s still a chance of them creating a mess in your apartment from accidents and bringing in muck from outside. Stock up on carpet and floor cleaner for any messiness that may arise.
Ensuring your apartment is pet-friendly will make sure that you and your pets can make the most of your new living space. And Arcadia Run residents who have four-legged roommates can enjoy all the benefits of living in beautiful Manassas with their favorite furry companions!
SOURCE: This Old House, ASPCA
*Please talk to a leasing consultant for information on breed restrictions.