Tips For Pet-Friendly Apartment Living

Our pets have done so much for us during the pandemic: They’ve been there for us when things were their hardest and many of us were confined to our homes. Unfortunately, there is a troubling trend of shelters filling up with pets adopted during the pandemic . Many people, it seems, just weren’t prepared for the responsibility.

Living in an apartment with pets can be challenging, but with the right preparation, it’s more than worth the effort. We here at Serena Vista Apartments in Fountain Valley, California, built our pet policy* with that in mind and have put together these helpful tips for living in an apartment with pets.

One of the most important steps you can take is to train your pet for the multiple situations that come with living in an apartment, including various noises and spending time alone. This training varies widely based on the type and breed of pet you have, so it’s best to speak with a veterinarian if you have any specific questions.

Pet-friendly apartment living can include a lot of noises, from traffic and construction to large gatherings and even other animals. Your pet may respond to these noises the only way they know how— vocally —so it’s important to teach them that these sounds simply come with the territory. Over time, they’ll learn that it’s nothing to worry about, but the more you can keep them from voicing their concerns in the meantime, the more your neighbors will thank you.

With the pandemic changing, you may not spend as much time at home as you used to. This can lead to your pet experiencing separation anxiety when you leave, which may result in destructive, messy, or even dangerous behavior. Providing your pet with plenty of food and water, as well as a dedicated space in the apartment, can help to alleviate their stress. Some pet owners use crate training to provide this space, and some suggest leaving the television or radio on to provide them with some ambient noise.

Most pets require some sort of stimulation since it not only helps alleviate their boredom but also helps keep them healthy. Depending on the type of pet you have, this can include playing games inside the apartment , going outside for a walk, or spending some playtime at a park. Making this activity part of your pet’s daily routine can help to minimize negative behavior.

At Serena Vista, our pet-friendly accommodations include on-site paths perfect for a quick morning or evening walk, with multiple easy-to-use waste disposal stations. We’re also conveniently located near some great dog parks, including Huntington Central Dog Park and Bark Park in Costa Mesa.

We hope these helpful tips make the pet-friendly apartment experience better for you and your best friend. And we hope that if you’re in the market for a pet-friendly apartment in Fountain Valley, California, you’ll consider Serena Vista Apartments as your next home for you and your four-legged friend.

*Serena Vista’s pet policy does include a 50-pound weight limit and breed restrictions based on size and behavioral traits for dogs. We do not have any restrictions on cat breeds. Smaller animals—including hamsters, guinea pigs, birds, and reptiles—must be caged and kept in sanitary conditions. Please contact our leasing office for more information on animals not listed here.