Tips on finding a Pet Friendly Apartment in Redmond, WA

Redmond, Washington boasts some picturesque landscapes, and is well known for animal and nature lovers, which is one reason why seeking out pet friendly apartments in this area is an important task for many citizens. Unfortunately, not all apartment owners and building managers will allow for pets on their property, and those that do often give preference to cats or small creatures such as fish or hamsters. There are some areas where dogs are allowed, although this is a much rarer occurrence, which may lead you to wonder what you should be looking for and asking when speaking with a potential landlord.

Use Every Resource

Organizations like the Human Society and other animal activists will sometimes have lists available of local areas where you can rent with pets, and dogs in specific. They can often not only assist you in locating a building, but can tell you what their past experiences with that building have been like. The Humane Society states:

“Look for a community apartment guidebook at the supermarket or near newspaper distribution boxes on the street. The guide may indicate which apartment communities allow pets and may list any restrictions, such as species allowed or weight limits.”

You can also ask friends, relatives, and neighbors if they know anybody who rents with animals in or around your area. You might be surprised to learn that somebody you know has useful information on the subject.

Ask About Exceptions

Although some apartment complexes have very firm rules about whether or not they allow a certain type of pet, others are not so fix on their decision and may make an exception if you can prove that you’ve had no problems renting in the past. A reference from a previous building manager or landlord, as well as a reference from a past roommate might give you the ability to have a dog or other pet in your unit. Sometimes meeting your furry friend can also help make an exception, especially if he or she is very well behaved.

Choose A Place Where Your Pet Will Be Comfortable

Selecting a pet friendly apartment means having enough space for your furry pal to play, run, and sleep without hurting themselves or running into the walls. A restless pet will make a mess and display signs of discomfort, hurt, resentment, or sadness, especially if you’re not there enough to divert their attention from the lack of space. Pets And Apartments writes:

“The cause of some barking problems is similar to the cause of some excessive chewing and digging problems, not enough time spent with the puppy, and not enough exercise for the puppy.”

Some apartment buildings have yards that pets can play in, while others offer other special features that your pets might enjoy, such as animal doors and outdoor cat runs.

This post was written with the help of Old Town Lofts.