Living in a shared apartment can be a fantastic way to save on rent and make new friends. But if you’re an animal lover, you might be wondering: can you have a pet without causing tension with your roommates?
The answer is yes! Choosing the right pet can keep the peace in your shared space while providing you with the joy and companionship pets bring.
Here are some of the best pets for shared apartments and why they’re so ideal.
Tips for Keeping the Peace in a Shared Apartment
- Communicate Early: Before bringing home a pet, talk to your roommates. Discuss potential allergies, fears, and any ground rules they’d like to set.
- Set Boundaries: Keep your pet out of shared spaces unless everyone agrees. This will minimize conflicts over cleanliness and personal space.
- Commit to Cleanliness: Shared living means shared responsibilities — but your pet is your responsibility. Clean up after them to keep the apartment smelling fresh and looking tidy.
- Consider Noise Levels: Some pets are noisier than others. Make sure other people in the house are happy with the amount of noise your pet might make.
- Use SpareRoom to Find Pet-Friendly Roommates: If you’re moving or looking for new roommates, SpareRoom.com is a fantastic resource. You can filter for pet-friendly listings and connect with roommates who love animals as much as you do.
1. Cats: Low-Maintenance and Loving
Cats are a classic choice for apartment dwellers, and for good reason. These independent yet affectionate creatures thrive in smaller spaces and don’t need the daily walks that dogs do. A cat can spend hours napping on your bed or entertaining themselves with a toy mouse.
Why They’re Roommate-Approved
Cats are generally quiet, especially compared to dogs. They don’t bark and are unlikely to disrupt your roommates’ study sessions or Netflix binges. Plus, their litter box habits mean you won’t have to worry about them having accidents around the apartment (just be diligent about cleaning the litter box!).
Best Breeds for Apartments: Consider breeds like the Russian Blue, Ragdoll, or British Shorthair. These cats are known for their calm demeanor and adapt well to indoor life.
2. Small Dogs: Big Personalities in a Tiny Package
If you’re set on having a dog, small breeds can be a great fit for a shared apartment. They’re portable, adapt well to indoor living, and tend to have lower exercise requirements than larger breeds.
Why They’re Roommate-Approved
Many small dogs are less intimidating to non-pet lovers and don’t require as much outdoor space. They’re perfect for a quick jaunt to the park or a walk around the block. Just make sure to discuss noise concerns with your roommates — some small dogs can be yappy if not properly trained.
Best Breeds for Apartments: Look into breeds like the French Bulldog, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, or Dachshund. These pups are known for their friendly personalities and adaptability.
3. Fish: The Ultimate Zen Companion
Fish are great low-maintenance pets. They don’t shed, bark, or need potty breaks, making them an excellent choice for shared apartments. A well-maintained aquarium can even double as a soothing piece of decor for the common area.
Why They’re Roommate-Approved
Fish are virtually silent and only need a small amount of interaction, so they won’t interfere with your roommates’ routines. They’re also hypoallergenic, which is a huge plus if someone in your household has pet allergies.
Tips for Care: Choose beginner-friendly fish like bettas, guppies, or neon tetras. Make sure to invest in a good filter and set up a schedule to keep the tank clean.
4. Small Mammals: Hamsters, Guinea Pigs, and Rabbits
Small mammals are perfect for shared apartments because they need little space and can live happily in cages or enclosures.
Why They’re Roommate-Approved:
These pets are typically quiet and don’t roam the apartment unsupervised, making them less likely to cause issues. With proper care, they’ll keep to themselves, nibbling on hay or playing in their enclosures.
Some of the Best Choices:
- Hamsters: Perfect for night owls since they’re nocturnal.
- Guinea Pigs: Social and interactive but require a bit more space.
- Rabbits: Can be litter-trained and are incredibly affectionate but may need more attention than other small mammals.
5. Birds: Chirpy and Charming
Birds can bring a splash of color and personality to your apartment. With species ranging from tiny finches to charismatic parrots, there’s a bird for every single lifestyle.
Why They’re Roommate-Approved:
Small birds like budgies or canaries are relatively quiet (especially compared to larger birds like parrots) and don’t need that much supervision. Just be sure to create some boundaries where these pets are concerned. For example, if you let the birds out of their cages, they might need supervision to avoid chewing on wires or furniture.
Best Breeds for Apartments: Consider budgerigars (budgies), lovebirds, or finches. These smaller species are low-maintenance compared to larger birds like macaws or cockatoos.
6. Reptiles: Unique and Undemanding
For something a little out of the ordinary, reptiles like geckos, turtles, or snakes make excellent apartment pets. They’re hypoallergenic, don’t need that much interaction, and they’re also incredibly quiet!
Why They’re Roommate-Approved
Reptiles don’t make noise, don’t shed fur, and won’t disturb your roommates. As long as you keep their tanks or enclosures clean, they’re virtually invisible to everyone but you.
Best Choices: Leopard geckos, ball pythons (for the adventurous), and red-eared slider turtles are popular, beginner-friendly reptiles.
7. Frogs and Axolotls: Quirky Aquatic Friends
If you’re looking for a truly unique pet, why not consider amphibians like frogs or axolotls? These creatures are fascinating to watch and easy to care for if you provide the right setup.
Why They’re Roommate-Approved:
Like fish, amphibians are silent and contained within their tanks. They’re also great conversation starters for any curious guests in your apartment.
Care Requirements: Make sure their tanks are humid and clean. Popular species include the African dwarf frog and the perpetually smiling axolotl.
8. Plants as “Pets” for the Hesitant
If your roommates aren’t thrilled about the idea of a live animal in the apartment, consider indoor plants as a compromise. While they’re not pets in the traditional sense, many people develop a nurturing bond with their greenery.
Why They’re Roommate-Approved:
Plants improve air quality, need no walks, and are completely silent. They also add a calming aesthetic to your shared spaces.
Best Choices: Easy-to-care-for plants like pothos, succulents, or snake plants are perfect for people who are always on the go.
Conclusion
Pets can bring so much joy to your life, even in a shared apartment. By choosing the right companion and being considerate of your roommates’ preferences, you can enjoy the best of both worlds: the companionship of a pet and a happy household. Whether you go for a cuddly cat, a serene fish, or even a leafy green “pet,” there’s a perfect option out there for everyone.
