Adding a furry companion to your Chico apartment is a big deal!
It is almost as big as thinking about having a child (we said almost). You have to think through all the ways having a pet will change your life, what to expect, and how to prepare.
The first question is whether the apartment complex you are living at, or are considering, allows pets. If you find yourself in that lucky place that totally allows pets, then congrats! You have just completed the first task, because sneaking in a pet is not an option.
Now that you have that covered, let’s get down to some pros and cons of adding a furry friend to your daily life. There are a lot more you could add to either list, but here are some important aspects you should definitely consider:
Increase Exercise: If you decide that your new furry friend should be a dog, then you will most likely increase your own personal activity significantly. You will find yourself going on daily walks with your pup since the space you have in your apartment just isn’t quite big enough for them to get their energy out. You may go on adventures together in Upper Park or even take up new hobbies with your dog.
Meeting Neighbors: This is a great way to get out and be social, to meet your fellow neighbors and join the friendly pet community! Whether you are out for a walk or waiting on your puppy to find the perfect potty spot, you are bound to meet the people living near you. If you have a particularly cute pet, people will even want to come pet it! This can be a great way to make new friends, even if just for puppy play dates.
Companionship: Do you live alone? This is the best way to gain an instant friend. Put enough love and care into your new pet, and you will gain a best friend for life. You can also increase your chances of a cuddle buddy!
Disturbs Neighbors: If you aren’t home often enough and you leave your pet, they can get noisy with their whining, most likely for being alone too long. The walls between apartments aren’t sound proof so there will be noise that filters through. That means that the loud meows and the obnoxious barks could very quickly start to bug your neighbors. Be respectful of other people’s space, this includes sound!
Smells: Any and all smells that come from having a pet. That means the litter box that is in the bathroom or the pee on the carpet because you didn’t run them downstairs into the grass quick enough. Some of these smells you can get rid of, others not so much. Think about how you might combat all the potential odors, remember that potty training is a priority, and to clean up messes right away. Being proactive about pet hygiene, accidents, hair, and odor, will give you the best chance of keeping deposits and friendly neighbors.
Damage to Apartment: Whether it is scratches on the walls, tearing up the carpet, or stains on the floors, there is always risk when it comes to owning pets. Every decision, especially this big, needs to be thought out carefully. Getting a new pet means that you are committing to taking care of a living thing for years on end. This is important, because people often get excited over having a puppy or kitten without realizing that their pet will be their responsibility for a decade or more.
Make sure you have all the resources that you would need to take care of the pet, including budget for food, vet bills, toys etc. If you are someone who works all the time and is rarely home, then as much as you want a furry friend it’s probably best to not get one. Whatever you decide to do, check out the pet policy that your apartment complex has, because each one is different and there can be associated extra costs.
Good luck in your pet process!
If you have already decided on getting a pet and are just trying to figure out which pet would be best for your apartment, check out this SUPER helpful Pet Took Kit!
If you are searching for apartments in Chico, California you've come to the right place! At Hignell Rentals we have a wide selection of Chico apartments that have great amenities and locations. Some of the complexes are pet friendly, so contact us for more details!