by Janet Farricelli CPDT-KA

Created on: August 12, 2009   Last Updated: August 19, 2009

City dwellers that love pets often may find themselves wondering if their apartment would make a suitable place to raise pets. While adaptability to a life in an apartment will vary greatly from species to species and breed to breed, it is highly recommended for any potential pet owner to do some careful homework first before heading to a pet store, shelter or breeder. Making a wrong choice may cause many heartbreaks, sadly often ending with a one way trip back to the shelter. If you are therefore debating if you should adopt a pet in your city apartment, make sure to do your research very well.

While generally cats can easily adapt to life in an apartment, dogs which are generally more ''outdoorsy'' may be quite a challenge. Most dogs require plenty of fresh air and exercise, so if you decide to adopt a dog, you must be ready to meet these needs. Smaller dogs generally do better than larger dogs in apartments, because they are less bulky and many get tired more easily. However, not all ''apartment dog sized breeds'' make good apartment dogs. Some breeds may need lots of attention and may develop behavior problems if they become bored or frustrated from living in an apartment.

Following are some important facts apartment owners should consider upon making the decision of adopting a pet.

-Go Exotic

Exotic pets make great apartment dwellers. The smaller the pet the better. A hamster, rat, guinea pig, ferret, sugar glider, chinchilla or rabbit may be great pets, that do not make noise, need not much space and are fairly easy to maintain. Some may be a bit more high maintenance than others and for this reason, it is a good idea, once again to do research.

-Go Small

Those that enjoy canines, may find that smaller sized dogs do generally much better than medium to large dogs in apartments. However, these dogs still need regular walks. Chihuahuas, Dachshunds, Pekingese, Pomeranian and Pugs may make good apartment dogs. However, dog breeds cannot really be generalized as each dog has its own level of energy and personality.

-Make the Indoors Interesting

This applies especially to cats. While cats generally tolerate well living in an apartment, some at one time or another, may grow interested in the outdoor life. To help them adjust to living indoors better it is a good idea to make the apartment more ''interesting'' in their eyes by adding perhaps a cat tree, a window perch, a cat fountain, cat nip toys and anything that will keep them entertained and happy.

-Dog Walkers

Owners of dogs that are kept in the apartment all day may opt to have a dog walker stop by and walk the dog for at least half hour. Another alternative is taking the dog to doggy day care, where the dog is dropped off just as a child and kept entertained all day until it is picked up later in the evening.

Generally, consistency is the key to having a happy pet, as most pets feel reassured by sticking to a schedule. While apartment dwellers may face more challenges than people owning larger homes and a yard, still the benefits of owning a pet will outweigh the disadvantages. As seen, with the right choice of pet and with the right amount of care, even apartment owners may enjoy the unconditional love from a pet.

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