Every pet parent wants the best for their cat or dog, and you don’t need a big house with a fenced-in yard to make that happen. If you’re an apartment-dweller who’s planning to adopt a pet - or you’re moving from a house to an apartment with your four-legged family members - learn how you can make the most of a small space to give your pets everything they need.

Find The Right Apartment
If you’re still in the apartment-hunting stage, there are a few things you should consider when searching for the perfect unit.
First things first, make sure the complex of your choosing is pet-friendly. Most allow pets as long as you pay an extra pet deposit when moving in, or a monthly pet fee in addition to your rent. Some have restrictions when it comes to weight, breed, or number of pets, but may make an exception if you’re upfront and honest. It never hurts to ask.
Sneaking pets into an apartment without notifying the property manager is never a good idea. Sooner or later, someone is sure to notice your pet when you’re out for a walk or when they’re sitting at the window. Some complexes charge a heavy fine for unauthorized pets, in others it could be grounds for eviction.
For dogs, a ground-floor apartment is best. You won’t need to take stairs every time you go outside for a potty break. Plus, the noise from your dog barking or running around will be less likely to bother your upstairs neighbors. For cats that may be distressed by noisy neighbors, a top-floor apartment is usually the quietest.

Bark-Proof Your Apartment To Prevent Noise Complaints
Noise complaints from neighbors are a common issue for apartment-dwelling dog owners. Your dog might bark throughout the day, especially if you leave for work. It can take time to train your dog to limit their barking, particularly if it’s due to separation anxiety.
First, do your best to soundproof your apartment. If your unit does not have wall-to-wall carpeting, adding area rugs can help muffle sounds, and they come with the benefit of being washable or replaceable if your dog has accidents. Blankets, curtains, and other textiles can also help block noise.
Dogs who are not acclimated to apartment living may bark every time a neighbor walks through the hallways. To reduce the stress of outside noise, you can use a white noise machine, play movies or music throughout the day, and keep windows closed. If you live on the ground floor, you can cover windows with a frosted privacy film to obscure your dog’s view of passersby.

Keep Apartment Pets Active
Your dog does not need a yard to get enough exercise. In fact, dogs with yards do not always exercise enough on their own, instead of spending much of their time outside sniffing around and basking in the sun. Apartment dogs must take several walks each day for potty breaks, and can often be better exercised than dogs with yards.
You can use a long line or clip several leashes together to give your dog more freedom to explore. Letting your dog run around in a nearby park, field, or other open space while safely clipped to a long line is a great alternative to having a fenced yard.
Cats, too, need exercise and they can also get it from leashed outings. Some cats would rather lay in the grass or sit under a bush than walk when they’re on a leash, but they can still benefit from getting some fresh air even if they don’t feel like exercising.
For cats, you can promote exercise even in a small apartment by maximizing their vertical space. Cat trees, bookcases, shelves, and window perches, along with plenty of hiding spots like tunnels and cave beds can make even the smallest one-room unit feel like a vast jungle to an apartment-dwelling cat.
Don’t forget the importance of mental stimulation. Obedience training, trick training, food puzzles, slow feeders, and other mind-bending activities are as critical to your pet’s well-being as physical exercise.
When it comes down to it, cats and dogs don’t need a lot of space to feel at home. As long as they get plenty of love and attention from their favorite humans, your apartment will be their happy place.