Having a four-legged friend comes with so many perks, but it also adds another level of complexity to your apartment search and move. The most pet-friendly cities have low pet insurance premiums, easy access to veterinary services, and plenty of parks. Even if you are in a super pet-friendly place, though, there’s still a lot to keep in mind when sharing your new pad with your pet. We’ve put together this guide on how to make the easiest transition to a new pet-friendly apartment.
Pet Resumes
Perhaps the most important thing you can do when apartment searching is to create a pet resume for your furry friend. Resumes for your pet will show that your animal is well-behaved and healthy, but also that you’re a responsible owner. On the resume, include your pet’s breed, examples of good behavior, cleanliness, and activity level. You should include a photo, any training your pet has had, activities your pet likes, health/grooming, and personal references.
Create a Pet-Friendly Apartment
Once you lock down the perfect apartment, you have a little work to do to make it home for your pet, too. Don’t have a yard in your new apartment? Just because you don’t have a yard doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the great outdoors together; there are plenty of other options. For fresh air and exercise, take frequent trips to the dog park and hire a dog-walker if you have a pup. There are tons of pet-friendly beaches, state parks, and breweries to explore, too. To keep you and your pet happy without a yard, housetrain your dog and provide lots of toys to keep them occupied while you’re gone.
Moving with Dogs
Whether you’re traveling by car, plane, or train to your new apartment, your dog needs to be just as comfortable as you. Before your move, schedule an appointment with your veterinarian. If traveling by plane, here are a few things to consider:
- Your pup will need rabies and vaccination certificates; your vet can provide them
- You might want to also speak with your vet about the option of tranquilizing your pooch during the flight
If traveling by car, your dog has some additional requirements.
- Stock up on car items; you’ll want a well-ventilated crate, two bowls (one each for food and water), plastic bags and a waste scoop, a window shade, some of their favorite toys, and any medication your pooch takes
- Make sure your dog is safely secured in a crate or seatbelt before hitting the road; you don’t want pooch roaming around the vehicle
There are only a handful of trains and routes that allow pets. Amtrak’s pet policy is pretty good, as most cats and dogs up to 20 pounds are permitted on rides up to seven hours. There are also a variety of trains specific to each state that allow some types of pets.
Pet-Friendly Hotels
Finding pet-friendly lodging while on the road might be more of a pain than you think. Instead, reserve your hotels ahead of time so you know for certain that your pet is welcome. Many Choice Hotels offer pet-friendly rooms, and DogFriendly has a user-friendly map which you can use to find additional hotels throughout the U.S. The Bring Fido directory also includes more than 25,000 pet-friendly hotels, vacation rentals, and other pet-friendly accommodations in more than 54 countries.
Shipping Pets
Moving with a pet across the country can be stressful. Shipping the pup or kitty might be a good option if you don’t want to travel with them. PetRelocation, based in Texas, can take care of all the work and ship your pet within and outside of the United States. Happy Tails Travel also provides overseas shipping, pet adoption, and military pet relocation. Check out the International Pet and Animal Transportation Association to see if the pet mover you’re choosing is a member.
Renting and moving to a pet-friendly apartment is easy if you take the proper steps. Don’t forget to search through thousands of pet-friendly apartments for rent and find a new home for you and your four-legged friend.
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