Keeping pets happy in apartments throughout Topeka can feel challenging. Pets, like all animals, enjoy freedom and the stimulation of being outside. When you live in an apartment, getting outside can be a hassle, and your pets may spend much of their time in your home, which could be just a few hundred square feet.  

Dealing with smaller spaces and limited access to the outdoors can cause stress for pets and their owners. There’s also the impact a pet can have on other people living nearby to consider. Even a dog playing with a toy can lead to noise complaints from your neighbors. However, keeping your pets happy doesn’t require a costly and stressful relocation or the heartbreaking choice to rehome them! There are several things you can do to help keep your pet happy while you're living in an apartment.  

1. Choose an Apartment with Green Spaces 

Start by choosing an apartment with plenty of green spaces. Ideally, if you have a canine companion, you’ll look for an apartment with a dog park. Having a place to take your pet where they can let out energy every day can go a long way toward not only keeping them happier, but reducing that excess energy.  

Ultimately, time outside creates calmer animals. It also provides a chance to socialize with other dogs and reinforces good bathroom behaviors for your dog. Just be sure you have waste bags on hand to clean up after your pet when you walk them!  

2. Check the Pet Policy Ahead of Time 

Scrambling to find an apartment can feel incredibly challenging, especially if you only have a few weeks to move. Before you sign a lease locking you into a space, check out the apartment's pet policy. Look at:

• The allowed number of pets 
• Any breed or size restrictions 
• The fees you can expect for having a pet or pets in your apartment 

Looking over this information before you move into a new apartment ensures that your pet stays safe and secure in your apartment and that you won't end up in a location that doesn't fit your needs.  You can also avoid unexpected fees that could bust your monthly budget.  

3. Provide Enrichment 

When pets lack enrichment, their behavior quickly deteriorates. High-energy dogs may start chewing on things, such as furniture, shoes, and clothing, while cats may scratch up the furniture and doors, constantly pace, or refuse to use the litter box properly.  

Younger pets often have more energy than older animals, but breed can also influence energy levels. The good news is, there are many types of enrichment you can offer your pets that will keep them engaged and entertained.  From food-based play for dogs to homemade cat toys for your felines to chase around your home, it’s easy to keep your pets active and mentally stimulated with a little effort.  

Food Enrichment 

Simply setting out food in a bowl keeps your pet fed, a key part of their overall happiness, but it doesn't offer a challenge or an opportunity for engagement. Try options like puzzle feeders or snuffle mats to keep your pet more engaged during their meals.  

Training and Cognitive Enrichment 

Training sessions can benefit pets of all types. Spend a short amount of time each day teaching new tricks or working on existing ones. Even when you aren't working on new skills, provide your pet with cognitive challenges: play hide-and-seek with toys, lay scent trails, and offer other opportunities for your pet to move around the apartment.  Contrary to popular opinion, you can train cats for tricks much like you train dogs!  

Sensory Enrichment 

Your pets love to use their senses, and there are plenty of opportunities to let them. Rotate toys with different textures or scents on a regular basis to provide them with something new to play with every few days. Introduce new toys. Try lick mats or collapsible cat tunnels. These simple tools can keep your pets happy and enriched even in a small apartment.  

4. Provide the Right Tools and Toys 

Pets can benefit substantially from tools and toys that suit their unique needs. A cat playhouse, for example, could give your furry friend the perfect place to hide or to interact with their surroundings, while scratching posts give them an outlet for one of their natural instincts.  

For dogs, toys can range from stuffies to ropes for tug-of-war. Get to know your pets and their unique needs! You may have one dog who loves tennis balls, while another prefers something hard to chew. When you keep their preferred toys on hand, they're often much happier and easier to manage.  

5. Leave Room for Your Pet 

Whether you're setting up a new apartment for the first time or adapting your current apartment for a new pet, take the time to consider where your pet goes in this setup. Start by designating a space that's their own escape. Like you, they need a place where they can go to settle in and relax.  

That may mean placing a dog bed in the corner of the room or placing a cat tree against the wall. Keep your pet's preferences in mind! If your dog constantly wants to be near you, consider finding a way to place their bed closer to the furniture where you spend most of your time. 

Next, consider where the food and water bowls go and whether there is adequate space for them. If you have multiple pets, make sure they all have room to eat and drink at the same time.  

Finally, make sure there is adequate room for your pet to move around the apartment. Consider the placement of large pieces of furniture and how you can shift them to allow more room for your pet to move. If there are tight spots that prevent your pet from getting through, you may want to move or remove furniture so that your pet isn't constantly in danger of knocking things over or getting stuck.  If your pet is small or older, pet stairs could be a helpful addition to your decor!  

Find an Apartment in Topeka 

If you're looking for a pet-friendly apartment in Topeka, check out Villa West Apartments. We offer convenient access to green spaces and our community’s enclosed dog park. We welcome two pets per home, making this a great place for you and your furry family members! Contact our leasing team today to learn more and to tour one of our pet-friendly homes!