According to Apartments.com research, most renters who own pets have dogs—62 percent, compared to the 38 percent who have cats. But while cats may be the clear (ahem) underdog when it comes to apartments and pets, determining the right pet for you depends on several factors.
Your Lifestyle
A pet requires care, time, and commitment (both financial and emotional) to ensure they live a long, happy, and healthy life. However, cats and dogs need different things. Your daily routine, activity level, and the time you can commit to your pet are crucial in making the right choice.
Think about your lifestyle. Do you enjoy outdoor activities like hiking or jogging? Or do you prefer to relax in your apartment? Do you work long hours, commute a long distance, or travel frequently? Or do you work from home or close enough to your apartment that you can go home for lunch?
If you’re active and spend a lot of time outdoors, a dog might be a good choice. Dogs require regular exercise and playtime. Depending on the breed, you might even have a great jogging companion. You and your dog can spend the afternoon at the park playing a game of Frisbee or exploring a hiking trail.
Dogs must be taken outside regularly so they can take care of their business. They are dependent on you to make sure they are getting outdoors when they need to. Some breeds become very attached to their owners and may develop separation anxiety when left alone for too long. If you get a dog, you might have to go home during lunch to give them a quick outdoor break, or you’ll need to hire a pet sitter.
Cats, on the other hand, won’t need you as much during the day since they are more independent. If they have a clean litter box and access to food and water, cats generally don’t mind being alone while you’re at work.
Some cat breeds will require more care and attention than others. Siamese cats, for example, are very vocal and want to spend time with their owners. They’ll let you know if they feel neglected (often quite loudly). Long-hair cat breeds will need regular grooming to keep their fur from getting matted and to keep hairballs under control. Some exotic breeds may have more health issues than other cat breeds, requiring more vet visits.
If your pet (dog or cat) gets lonely or bored, they could become stressed or unhappy, leading to destructive behavior. Make sure your pet has plenty of toys (interactive puzzle toys will keep them busy and engaged) and that you set aside time when you get home to play with them. Before getting any pet, make sure you’ve thought about all a pet requires. In addition to playtime and cuddles, there are the not-so-fun aspects of pet ownership, like cleaning your cat’s litter box (or hairballs off the carpet), not getting your dog outside on time and having to clean up a mess, having a sick pet, and everything else that comes along with adopting a furry friend.
Your Location
Here’s an interesting statistic: Renters living in Montana, Colorado, Utah, New Mexico, and Wisconsin are more likely to search for dog-friendly apartments than those living in other states, according to Apartments.com data. However, if you want a pet-friendly apartment and live in North Carolina, you’re in luck! Apartments.com research shows that more than 89 percent of apartment communities in the state are pet-friendly, higher than any other state. North Carolina is followed by Kansas, Oklahoma, and Arkansas.
As far as cities go, you’re most likely to find a pet-friendly rental in South Bend, where just over 93 percent of apartment communities allow pets. Other cities with a high number of pet-friendly apartments include Tulsa (92 percent), Wilmington (92 percent), and Greensboro (90 percent).
Interestingly, South Bend apartments are more likely to be cat-friendly than dog-friendly. Cats are allowed in just over 93 percent of South Bend apartment communities, while dogs are permitted in 90 percent. However, in Tulsa, you’ll have a slightly better chance of finding a dog-friendly apartment, where just over 92 percent of communities allow dogs compared to 91 percent that allow cats.
So, which state has the fewest pet-friendly apartment communities? You’ll struggle to find a pet-friendly apartment in Hawaii, where just 8.9 percent of apartments allow dogs and 8 percent allow cats. In terms of cities, just 13 percent of apartment communities in New York City are pet-friendly, with a slightly more favorable result for cats at 14.4 percent. In Long Island, 30 percent of apartments are pet-friendly (27 percent allowing dogs and 29 percent allowing cats).
Here are the states with the fewest pet-friendly apartment communities overall:
- Hawaii (8.9 percent)
- Long Island (30 percent)
- New York (38 percent)
- Washington, DC (50 percent)
- Vermont (54 percent)
- Alaska (55 percent)
In addition to your geographical location, think about your apartment location. If, for example, you’re living on the top floor of a multi-story building without an elevator, you’ll be trudging up and down the stairs with your dog multiple times a day. If you live in a neighborhood that lacks sidewalks or a nearby park, taking your dog for walks will be more difficult. If your apartment is a 400-square-foot studio, a small dog or a cat might be more comfortable in your space than a large dog.
Health and Safety
If you have allergies, getting a pet might not be in your best interest. If you’ve ever been exposed to a cat or dog and experienced a runny nose, red or itchy eyes, coughing, or hives, you might be allergic. If your allergy isn’t severe, you might not experience symptoms for several days after being exposed to the pet. If you suspect allergies, talk to your doctor before bringing a dog or cat into your apartment.
Many people choose a pet for companionship, but others want one for safety reasons. A dog is the most likely choice, but not all dogs make good watchdogs. Pugs, for example, rarely bark and typically consider every person they encounter a new best friend. A chihuahua will sound the alarm at absolutely everything they deem out of place, including falling leaves, which might lead you to tune out or ignore their barking, even when it might warrant further inspection. Not to mention, they typically weigh between 5-7 pounds—not very intimidating or practical if you’re looking for a jogging partner to accompany you on isolated trails.
Your Finances
Owning a pet is expensive. Depending on your apartment community and the lease terms, you might have to pay a pet deposit, a pet fee, or even monthly pet rent. Your apartment community might require pet insurance, especially if you get a dog.
You’ll pay either an adoption fee or a purchase price when you get a pet. Typically, cats are less expensive than dogs, but much depends on where you adopt or purchase your pet and the breed of pet. You may also have to pay for your pet’s initial vaccinations and spaying/neutering. You’ll want to get your pet microchipped if it isn't included.
You’ll need food bowls, treats, toys, brushes, a pet bed, and additional supplies when you bring your pet home. Other costs may include medications, flea and tick prevention, and annual vet visits.
For your cat, you’ll need a litter box. You may also want to invest in a scratching post or cat tree.
For your dog, you’ll need a crate, a leash, and a collar or harness. Your dog may also need professional training or socialization classes. Depending on the breed, your dog might require regular grooming appointments for haircuts and nail trims. You might need a dog walker if you can’t get home during the day.
Dogs tend to eat more than cats, so while cat food is generally more expensive than dog food, you’ll buy more food for your dog than your cat. Vet care is also typically higher for dogs. Cat owners can expect to pay up to $1,150 a year in food and care, according to Cats.com, while dog owners can expect to pay up to $2,400, according to the American Kennel Club. Services like pet insurance and grooming average $4,000 for dogs vs. $3,400 for cats.
No matter what pet you choose, review your budget to make sure you can afford to care for your pet. In addition to the above, you might want to consider how you’ll pay for an emergency should one arise. Consider setting aside an emergency fund or adding more money per month to your savings account, just in case. Whether it’s an accident or an illness, things happen when you become a pet parent.
Choosing Between a Dog and a Cat
In the age-old debate of cats versus dogs, the right choice ultimately depends on your unique circumstances, preferences, and lifestyle. While statistics may show a prevalence of dogs among renters, the decision to bring a cat or a dog into your life is far from one-size-fits-all.
One doesn’t work better than the other for apartment living. It depends on your needs and the responsibilities you’re willing to accept. Before getting a cat or a dog, take some time to research breeds, visit shelters, and consider your lifestyle carefully. Talk it over with experienced pet owners or ask a veterinarian for advice.
Whether it’s a playful pup or a haughty feline that ultimately wins you over, there’s nothing like sharing your home and your heart with a pet. It’s a commitment that will require time, energy, and money, but your best new pal will be well worth it.
