The best pets are the ones who love unconditionally, provide companionship, and occasionally, pose for their humans to be the next adorable pet video that goes viral on social media. Adopting a pet is a great feeling and there are so many types of pets – from large and small pets to low maintenance pets – that do well and thrive in an apartment setting. The best apartment pets are out there, just check out our comprehensive list of contenders below:
Dogs
Just as they’re cute and loyal, dogs make exceptional pets for apartment living. According to the American Pet Products Association (APPA), approximately 60.2 percent of U.S. households have a dog. Whether you’re eyeing an 80-pound greyhound or a 3-pound Chihuahua, you’ll be amazed by how many dog breeds do well in apartments.
Potential pup parents must understand that dogs are social creatures that require obedience training, exercise, and mental stimulation. They need adequate walks around the community or to be taken to the dog park to socialize and burn off energy. Dogs are super playful and love a game of fetch with their human. Need help finding the best apartment dogs? Click here for the best apartment-friendly breeds for small, medium, and large dogs.
Popular Dog Breeds:
- Pug
- French bulldog
- Poodle
Cats
Cats make great apartment pets because of their small size, quietness, and how easily they can be left alone for a couple of hours – all they really need is food, water, and a clean litter box. Talk about a low maintenance pet! Most felines enjoy the indoor life, jumping atop the apartment’s high shelves and countertops.
The APPA reports that 94.2 million pet cats live in U.S. households. Cats are independent creatures that need routine grooming and mental stimulation in the form of toys and games. Treats are highly accepted rewards as well, especially after a brushing or getting their nails trimmed. Even though felines are self-reliant, many are social and enjoy the companionship of other cats or pets.
Popular Cat Breeds:
- Maine coon
- Ragdoll
- Exotic shorthair
Fish
Did you know that watching fish swim can help lower blood pressure? Having fish as pets are laden with health benefits for renters of all ages. Owning fish is an excellent solution for renters who want a small pet or are first-time pet owners. Even though they’re small in size, fish don’t come without maintenance of their own.
A fish tank or aquarium requires a good bit of cleaning to ensure a healthy and happy environment. Regular checks of the tank’s pH balance, water hardness, and nitrite/nitrate levels are just a few of the items you’ll need to do as a fish owner. And when you begin picking out your fish, you’ll have to be aware of the maintenance differences between saltwater and freshwater fish.
Freshwater Fish Pets:
- Neon tetra
- Goldfish
- Angelfish
Saltwater Fish Pets:
- Clownfish
- Klein’s butterflyfish
- Hawkfish
Birds
The reason why birds make great pets for apartments is because they take up little space. While all birds may be a bit noisy at times, there are some types of birds that squawk or chirp more than others. Smaller birds tend to be less expensive with a lighter maintenance routine compared to large birds. Most birds do better in pairs and can live 20 years if well loved and cared for.
Popular Pet Birds:
- Parrot
- Cockatiel
- Domestic canary
Hamsters, Guinea Pigs, and Rats
These small pets adapt well to apartment life. Hamsters, guinea pigs, and rats only require a small enclosure and once-a-day human interaction. Aside from that, these animals are relatively low maintenance pets. What’s unique about these creatures is that they’re nocturnal, which means they’re getting up while you’re hitting the hay. Light sleepers be warned.
Guinea pigs and rats thrive as pairs or in social groups. Because they all need playtime, make sure you set aside some time to play before going to bed.
Popular Small Pets:
- Syrian hamster
- Abyssinian guinea pig
- Standard rat
Snakes
So they slither and slide – but snakes actually do make for good apartment pets. While they may be creepy to look at for some people, they’re typically quiet reptiles that love to sun themselves. Be sure that you keep a tight lid on the snake’s enclosure, as they’ve been known to quietly escape.
Depending on the type, some pet snakes can live up to 30 years – a definite life commitment! Interestingly, snakes only need to be fed about once a week. Their food of choice? Well, I’ll let you look up that stomach-churning delicacy. While their feeding times are marginal, snakes need a water source as well as an abundance of sunlight and heat to thrive. They’re cold-blooded reptiles after all.
Popular Pet Snakes:
- Corn snake
- Ball python
- Rosy boa
Hermit Crabs and Shrimp
An air-filled tank, lined with sand, shells, climbing toys, and a food and water bowl are all you need to make a hermit crab happy. Unlike its name suggests, hermit crabs are really quite social and love to move around – especially in the evenings. These small pets like to burrow in the sand and can live up to three decades!
Shrimp are making waves in the pet world – thanks to the EcoSphere Closed Aquatic Ecosystem. These shrimp live in an enclosed terrarium that includes algae and microorganisms for the shrimp to thrive on. Because it has everything it needs, there’s nothing you have to do for maintenance – just make sure you keep the EcoSphere in an apartment room where the temperature is between 65 and 80 degrees. That’s it, really.
Rabbits
Just like cats and dogs, rabbits can be trained to use the litter box and walk on a leash, respectively. Rabbits make great apartment pets because they’re small and prefer to live in an enclosure – which won’t take up much room in your rental home. Though, make sure you clean their enclosures often so there’s no lingering stench. Because their teeth never stop growing, rabbits have to chew to keep them down – so provide plenty of toys and hay to gnaw on. Rabbits are mostly active in the mornings and evenings, so it works great with your schedule!
Popular Pet Rabbit Breeds:
- Mini rex
- Dutch rabbit
- Holland lop
Sugar Gliders
These exotic pets are better suited for the professional pet owners, as they require more expert care. Sugar gliders can live anywhere from 10-15 years – plus, they need attention, space, and a special diet blend of honey, calcium powder, and baby cereal also known as the Bourbon’s Modified Leadbeater’s diet.
Interaction between owner and sugar glider is important to start at a young age. The older they get the more upset they become when meeting strangers. A hanging pouch inside their enclosure allows sugar gliders to feel safe and protected. These nighttime creatures can be very vocal and do best with a buddy to keep them company. This article was originally published on April 18, 2016 and modified on January 2, 2019.
