Everyone wants an adorable pet that is fluffy and cuddly! They are loyal, offer unconditional love, and always ready to spend time with you. They become a large part of our lives and we can’t imagine living without them.

That’s why if you’re thinking about getting a pet while living in an apartment, or already have a pet and thinking about moving into a new apartment, you need to know about apartment friendly breeds.

Important Note: For Hignell Rentals apartments that accept pets, you are only allowed a dog, cat, fish, or bird and they should weigh 30lbs or under.

Outside of Hignell Rentals, each apartment complex will have their own pet policies. Make sure you talk with the apartment or rental manager before getting a pet to ensure you’ll be able to move in with your pet or get the pet you desire!

Here's a list of just some of the pets that are good for apartment living!

Dogs

They’re a best friend! But when living in tighter quarters it’s important that you find the right breed for you and your apartment living environment. Specific dog breeds that hold specific characteristics make for a better living situation for everyone involved, here’s a few!

Dog breeds that are small, friendly, and gentle, though can be yippy sometimes.

• Chihuahua
• Dachshund
• Yorkshire Terrier

Dog breeds that are small and highly affectionate.

• Pug
• Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
• Maltese

Dog breeds that are loveable and relaxed.

• Boston Terrier
• English Bulldog
• French Bulldog

Dog breed that is both relaxed and playful, plus has short hair.

• Italian Greyhound

Dog breed that is playful but requires maintenance for longer hair.

• Havanese

Note: Some of the breeds listed above are larger breeds, so when looking for apartments check to see if there is a weight limit before getting attached to the idea of a best friend like an English Bulldog.

Commonly Restricted Dog Breeds

• American Pit Bull Terrier
• Bull Mastiff
• Rottweiler
• German Shepherd
• Husky
• Chow Chow
• Doberman Pinscher
• Akita
• Wolf Hybrid
• Boxer
• Rhodesian Ridgeback
• Basenji
• St. Bernard
• Great Dane
• Alaskan Malamute

If you have a service dog, make sure you talk to your apartment or rental manager. There may be exceptions to the rules when it comes to accommodating any special needs.

Cats

They are more independent by nature than dogs and can be ideal for apartment living because they don’t require as much maintenance. However, there a few breeds that are better than others for apartment living.

• British Shorthairs are adaptable, quiet, and a great lap cat.
• Javaneses are affectionate, playful, and like attention.
• Persians are easygoing but require daily grooming.
• Exotic Shorthairs are easygoing and don’t require daily grooming
• Russian Blues are affectionate and independent.

Other Types of Pets

Don’t feel like taking care of a dog or cat but still want a small companion? Consider getting a non-traditional pet, just make sure you check with your apartment or rental manager before getting them as some places won’t allow them.

• Rabbit
• Hamster
• Guinea Pig
• Birds
• Ferret (illegal in California and Hawaii)
• Fish
• Snakes
• Geckos
• Hermit Crabs

Hopefully this list of potential new housemates has either given you an animal to check out or has gotten your thinking juices flowing. Either way, we wish you luck in finding your new best friend!

For more information on tips, a new pet shopping list, Hignell Rentals' pet policy, and a list of vets in the Chico area download our free guide below!