Adopting a pet can really make a family feel fulfilled. But if you’re renting, having a pet can make finding your new home a bit more challenging. Many single-family rental properties in Fergus Falls may seem like it would be the best place for a furry family member to call home. However, landlords and/or property owners may not like the notion of having animals on their property.
Tales of irresponsible tenants are plentiful, and it gives otherwise responsible pet-owning tenants a bad name. This is an instance where the behavior of the few affects the reputation of the whole. This resistance to having pets in rental homes means that you may have to take some things into consideration before deciding to adopt. By posing these seven questions, you can get a better idea of how adopting a pet will change every part of your life.
1. Does your landlord and/or lease allow pets? If so, what are the restrictions?
As a tenant, the primary question to ask before adopting a pet is whether or not you can even bring your pet home. Some landlords are open to the idea of allowing pets, while other landlords have strictly banned all animals from the premises. Re-read your lease; most leases will clearly state which direction your particular landlord leans. If your lease allows pets, then be sure to read the details of the lease carefully. There may be restrictions on animal type, size, breed, and so on. You may need to check local regulations for rules about keeping animals in your particular neighborhood. If things aren’t very clear, ask for clarification. Because getting caught with an unauthorized pet might result in severe penalties.
2. Do you or anyone living in your rental home have allergies?
Millions of pet owners discover that they’re allergic to their own pet after adopting. The AAAAI (American Academy of Allergy Asthma, and Immunology) says that pet dander, saliva, and urine can all trigger allergic reactions and even aggravate asthma symptoms. If anyone living in your rental home suffers from allergies or other respiratory issues, introducing a pet may seriously impact your or their health. If this were to happen, you would have to get specialized treatment for your symptoms, and this could make the financial burden of pet ownership bigger.
3. Do you have a yard or enough space for a pet?
Pets need space to play, explore, and live their lives. This is something you need to consider no matter the size— your pet may be very small or very large. So, before you adopt a pet, find out if you can adjust the rental home in such a way that enough space can be opened up for your pet to live a healthy life. Take dogs as an example, they need access to a safe, secure yard (or another specified area) to do their business. Generally speaking, the bigger the pet, the more space you’ll need.
4. Are you home enough to care for it?
We usually think only of the benefits of adopting a pet but fail to consider the responsibilities. If your job or other commitments require you to travel a lot or stay out of the house for long periods of time, adopting a pet may not be a good idea. If pets are left on their own repeatedly and for long periods of time, they won’t be able to get the constant care and attention that they require. This would lead to them developing unhealthy and destructive habits. A bored or anxious animal can destroy furniture, bedding, and other household items, and dogs may become a nuisance by barking excessively. The only way to correct this problem is to spend time interacting with your pet, encouraging them to connect with you both mentally and physically.
5. Do you have a backup plan for when life gets busy?
Traveling after adopting a pet can really be difficult. If something comes up that requires you to plan a trip that takes you away from home for a long time, you’ll need to have a backup plan for animal care in place. There are places that allow you to bring animals with you, but they are very few. Also, traveling with your pet can make them feel really anxious and scared. This means that in the event of an emergency, you better have already prepared backup care for your pet. This can be as simple as having a friend or family member take care of them or making use of a pet care service.
6. Are you financially ready for a pet?
The cost of owning a pet doesn’t end with the adoption fees. Animals need regular medical attention and some of them also need routine grooming. Animals sometimes get sick or injured and you’ll need to prepare for that. That means saving up funds to pay for emergency medical care which can easily run into thousands of dollars for just one incident. Then there is a financial aspect to owning a pet that is directly linked to your status as a tenant. Many landlords charge additional fees and/or higher rent for tenants who want to keep a pet on the property. But these don’t begin to cover the extra costs you may incur from the potential property damage your pet might cause, and you may have to pay these out of your own pocket. This is why your financial situation is one of the most important matters to consider. You need to be financially ready to adopt a pet before actually doing it.
7. Are you prepared to care for your pet for the next 5 to 10 years (or more)?
Many kinds of pets live long and healthy lives. This means that pet owners who rent a home should make sure they can handle it for the next 5 to 10 years or even longer, depending on the type of animal. Take some time to think about the future you want and the plans you have, then factor in a pet into that and see how those plans change. Doing this will better inform you if adopting a pet is the right choice.
In Conclusion
If you answered each of the seven questions above and think you’re ready to adopt a pet, there’s one last thing you still have to do. Communicate with your landlord or Fergus Falls property manager so they get updated with your plans and can make whatever adjustments are needed to the terms of your lease.
Are you interested in renting a home from Real Property Management Optimum? We have many rental properties that allow pets. Browse our rental listings and give us a call at 320-289-4649 to schedule a showing.
We are pledged to the letter and spirit of U.S. policy for the achievement of equal housing opportunity throughout the Nation. See Equal Housing Opportunity Statement for more information.
