The 7 Best Pets for Apartment Living

Some people think that they need a big house to have a pet. But the truth is, apartment living is becoming more and more popular. And there are many pets that are perfect for apartment living.

An astonishingly large number of American households have pets. According to a 2019-2020 National Pet Owners survey, 85 million families—or 67% of the US population has a pet, up from 56% in 1988.

Renters and pet owners might be asking themselves, What are the best low-maintenance pets? Which pets are best for living situation with smaller spaces or communities like apartments?

This article will cover the top 7 pets to have for apartment living.

Dogs

Dogs are a popular choice for pet owners. They’re easy to care for and can be trained to be well-behaved. This makes them an ideal choice for apartment living. Additionally, it’s important to point out that dogs are among the best low-maintenance pets. Smaller pet dogs are better suited to living in smaller apartment buildings, however, that’s not to say a larger breeds aren’t. While some tenants may find large breeds intimidating, it’s a subjective opinion that smaller dogs in compact living spaces is preferable to larger dogs in larger living spaces. Before deciding to move into an apartment, it’s wise to check with the leasing agent. Some complexes have weight and breed restrictions.

Cats

Cats are a popular pet among renters because they are easier to maintain than dogs. They require little exercise, drink less water and eat less food. This makes them ideal for renters with minimal time.

Cats may eat and drink less than dogs, and they don’t need to be taken on walks. All of these factors contribute to the fact that cats are a good choice for people living in apartments, especially for those who don’t have time or energy for too much pet care.

Birds

House birds, such as canaries or finches, are typically well-accepted in the apartments if they are mainly kept in a cage.

Large birds such as parrots or cockatiels might not be allowed, so you will need to discuss this with your leasing manager. They can often be very noisy too, which would cause a nuisance for your neighbours.

Turtles

Many people think that turtles are low maintenance, however, they do require regular care, and can live for a very long time. In order to provide the perfect environment for your pet turtle to thrive, it is important that you maintain a tank, a water filtration system, and a proper temperature. Managing this itself can be quite complex, but as soon as you have the hang of it, caring for a pet turtle will only get easier.

Hamsters

Hamsters are also a good choice of small pet requiring little time, care or attention. Hamsters groom themselves like cats and while they’re not as interactive, they can still be immensely enjoyable to watch and play with.

It’s important to have a wheel in their cage, which allows them to play and exercise. They’re also affordable to purchase and care for.

Guinea pigs

Guinea pigs are easy to handle and care for, which makes them one of the best pets for apartments. .They are small, easy to clean, and will not require much space or maintenance. They are also relatively low-maintenance and inexpensive to feed.

Fish

Fish are another popular pet option for people living in apartments. Fish that require smaller aquariums, like those that are five gallons or less, are the best option. Options include; Goldfish, Neon tetras, Betta fish and Zebrafish just to name a few.

While fish are also quite easy, they’re certainly not as cuddly, warm, or interactive as a guinea pig could be.