Sam, a sweet, joyful cocker spaniel, is waiting anxiously to see his owners, John and Marley. His nose has been pressed up against the window for the past hour, even though they won’t be home from work for two more hours. Sam, of course, doesn’t have the same human concept of time. Still, while he has been waiting in his owners’ three bedroom apartment and has kept busy watching birds in the trees near his second-floor window, taking naps and playing with his favorite red rubber ball.
Sam, John, and Marley’s story is the same throughout apartment communities all over the U.S. Catering to furry family members has become one of the hallmarks of the apartment industry – and for good reason. Over 70 percent of U.S. households own a pet. In fact, more U.S. families own cats (30 percent) than own stocks (14 percent), according to The Federal Reserve. Cats are undoubtedly very popular pets, but more Americans own dogs: 36.5 percent of households, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association. Other popular pets include birds, fish, ferrets, rabbits, turtles, hamsters and guinea pigs.
Apartment operators realize that the love and companionship these animals provide their humans is unsurpassed, and many go above and beyond to cater to these furry friends. Many apartments now feature “bark parks” – lovely playgrounds for dogs – along with special deliveries of “bark boxes” and “meow boxes”. Some upscale Manhattan apartments even feature “doggie concierges”, who walk, feed and play with residents’ dogs whenever needed. Doggie daycare and spas are also becoming more common at apartments across the country. One apartment community in Washington, D.C., even offers a “shared” English bulldog puppy, named Emmy. Its residents can walk Emmy and play with her whenever they would like. As you can see, apartments offer a fun, happy, and caring dwelling for pets.
Still, there are many factors to consider when choosing a new apartment that will be a great fit for both your family and your furry family members. Does the community feature – or is it near – grassy areas where you can walk your dog? While many communities now feature dog walking areas, you should also be on the lookout for nearby parks, tree-lined streets and nature areas.
If part of the community is facing a busy road, dog owners may choose to rent an apartment in another area of the community that would not be stressful on dogs. During apartment tours, try to find the least noisy area of the community for your pets. And first-floor apartments may provide the best access for dog-walking.
Both cat and dog owners will want to consider the view their pets will have from the apartment. Areas with trees, birds, butterflies and people often help keep pets occupied during the day – instead of looking for something valuable in the apartment to chew on or play with.
Because it is challenging to find the perfect apartment for you and your pets, you need a professional company’s help. ApartmentSearch.com helps you narrow down your search for the perfect place to live by amenities, price, location, and other factors. Plus, when you tell your new apartment community that you found your apartment on ApartmentSearch.com, you can earn up to $200 in rewards. That allows you to spend a little extra on treats for your furry family members.
