Apartment living with pets in Viera can be an enjoyable and fulfilling experience when you take the time to create a space that works for both of you. Viera’s pet-friendly community and beautiful outdoor spaces make enhancing your pet’s quality of life more manageable, even in a smaller home.
Once you’ve decided which pet to bring to your new apartment home, it’s time to start! By following the tips below, you can ensure that your pet-friendly apartment for rent is comfortable, functional, and fun for both you and your furry companion.
Tip #1: Utilize Outside Spaces That Your Apartment Complex Offers
You should utilize outdoor spaces if you have a small, pet-friendly apartment in Viera. One cost-free way to do that is to take your pet on a walk. Both dogs and cats need daily exercise and love to play a lot. Taking them outside will give them all the space they need to do every bit of Playing and gymnastic activity they desire. These pets always need to utilize their energy, and going to places like parks or just taking a walk with them on a leash will do.
However, if you are willing to spend some money, you can modify the outside spaces of your apartment (that’s if you have it and can use it). You can put structures in place that offer a fun and engaging space while being restrictive enough for safety purposes. For cats, you could build a catio, also known as a cat patio. It is a safe enclosure built outside the house, offering a good play space for your cat.
Taking advantage of outside spaces makes keeping up with your pet easier while keeping your house clean.
Tip #2: Keep Your Apartment Clean and Pet-Friendly
Maintaining a clean living environment is vital in a small apartment. Living in a small space with furry pets could be frustrating, as you must do lots of cleaning. As you might already know or have rightly guessed, this has everything to do with hair shedding.
Both dogs and cats regularly shed hair, which could leave tumbleweeds blowing across your apartment. While you could initially avoid this problem by getting a low-shedding breed, there’s a good chance your cat is not one of these breeds. So, it’s time to clean up! Regularly vacuum fur, clean litter boxes, and wash pet bedding to keep odors and allergens at bay. Consider investing in air purifiers to improve air quality, especially in smaller spaces.
Additionally, pet-proof your apartment by securing loose wires, storing harmful household products out of reach, and using pet-safe cleaning supplies to keep your pet safe and your apartment tidy.
If this is a problem for you and your pet, you can decide to invest in a good vacuum cleaner (notice the word good). This would be the kind of vacuum cleaner that can handle the pressure needed to vacuum up animal hair properly. If you want an effective and affordable vacuum cleaner, click here.
Tip #3: Invest in Indoor Pet Toys
One of the reasons you might have issues with apartment living with pets is that they are always energetic and looking for things to play with when you are not available. It would be best if you created some time for your pet so that you can play with them daily. Unfortunately, your availability is not always guaranteed unless caring for pets is your job (why we love what we do!). As a result, there would be times your pet would want to jump on something, scratch on something, or chew at something.
Since your apartment is a bit small, everything within reach is a potential toy. While this would be stressful and expensive for your pockets, it could also pose health risks for your pet. In such instances, you should get the right toys for your pet that suit their energy and curiosity inside the house. For cats, this would include scratching posts, balls, and strings. You could try balls and chew toys for dogs.
Tip #4: Create Designated Spaces for Your Pet in Your Apartment
In a small apartment, every square foot matters. Use multi-functional furniture, like ottomans with hidden storage, to store pet supplies such as toys, leashes, and grooming tools. Wall-mounted shelves or hooks can keep clutter off the floor, giving your pet more room to roam freely.
For cats, consider installing vertical spaces like wall-mounted cat trees or shelves to create a stimulating environment without taking up valuable floor space. Dogs, especially smaller breeds, appreciate having cozy corners or dens (i.e., covered crates) to retreat and relax.
Here’s how to organize three essential spaces for your furry friend:
Sleeping Spaces
Creating a designated sleeping space for your pet provides a cozy place to rest and gives them a sense of security and comfort. Whether you choose a store-bought bed or get creative with a DIY option, ensure the bed is appropriately sized and tailored to your pet’s sleeping habits. Some pets prefer soft, plush beds, while others may enjoy firm, flat surfaces. Consider materials that are easy to clean, especially if your pet is prone to shedding or accidents.
Place the bed in a quiet, low-traffic area of your apartment, such as a corner of the living room, a nook in your bedroom, or even next to your bed for added reassurance. If space is limited, consider a compact or multi-functional design, like a bed that doubles as furniture. Once the spot is established, your pet will naturally gravitate to it, helping them feel safe and well-rested while keeping your apartment organized and clutter-free.
Wondering how much sleep your pet actually needs? Find out here!
Eating Space
Designating an eating space for your pet helps keep your apartment tidy and gives your furry friend a sense of routine and security. Choose a quiet, low-traffic area, like a corner of your kitchen, to set up their feeding spot. Use non-slip, washable mats under food and water bowls to contain spills and crumbs, and opt for durable, easy-to-clean bowls made of stainless steel or ceramic. For multi-pet households, consider separate feeding areas to avoid mealtime conflicts.
To keep the area organized, look for compact feeding stations with built-in storage for food or treats. Placing the setup on hard flooring makes cleanup more manageable, and regularly washing bowls and mats helps prevent bacteria buildup. Adding personal touches, like custom bowls or a decorative sign, can make the space feel special. With a thoughtfully designed eating area, both you and your pet can enjoy a cleaner, stress-free apartment environment.
Litter Space
Establishing a designated potty area is essential for maintaining cleanliness in a small apartment. Without one, your pet might choose their own spot—which may not align with your preferences! For cats, place a litter box in a discreet but accessible area, such as a bathroom corner, laundry room, or closet nook. Invest in a self-cleaning robot litter box to minimize odors and mess, which is perfect for tight spaces and requires less maintenance. Regularly clean the area and use odor-absorbing products to keep your home smelling fresh.
Check out our tips on how to litter-train your cat!
A potty pad station can be a lifesaver for dogs when outdoor access isn’t always convenient. Set it up near a balcony, laundry room, or other low-traffic area, and use potty pads with odor-neutralizing features. Consistency is key—by designating and maintaining this space, you’ll encourage your pet to use it regularly, keeping the rest of your apartment clean and fresh. With the right setup, you and your pet can enjoy a more comfortable living environment.
Don’t like the idea of indoor potty pads? Set and keep a schedule for taking your dog out to go potty. If you’re unavailable, consider hiring a professional pet care company (like us!) to come and let your dog out for you.
Tip #5: Take Advantage of Viera’s Pet-Friendly Amenities
Viera is known for its pet-friendly parks and walking trails, such as the ones at Brevard Zoo Linear Park and Woodside Park. Use these nearby resources to give your pet the exercise and fresh air it needs. Regular outings help burn off energy and give your pet the mental stimulation it might miss in a smaller living space.
These outdoor areas are invaluable for apartment dwellers with limited yard access. Plus, they offer opportunities to connect with other pet owners in the community, which is great for socializing your pet. Check out our list of 10 cool car rides for dogs in Viera!
Tip #6: Focus on Noise and Behavior Management
Apartment living often means sharing walls with neighbors, so managing your pet’s behavior is essential. If your dog tends to bark excessively, invest in training to minimize noise, especially during quiet hours. For cats, ensure their scratching habits are directed toward a scratching post instead of your furniture.
When you’re not home, leave soothing background noise, such as soft music or white noise, to keep your pet calm. This can be especially helpful in reducing separation anxiety and preventing disruptive behaviors. If you own an Alexa or Google Home device, ask it to “Play classical music for pets” and notice if it helps.
Tip #7: Use Local Viera Services to Your Advantage
Living in Viera gives you access to various local pet care services, such as pet sitters, dog walkers, and trainers. If you need help keeping your pet entertained or cared for while you’re busy, consider reaching out to local businesses like us at Space Coast Pet Services for support. Our professionals can ensure your pet stays happy and healthy, even on your busiest days.
Additionally, Viera’s local pet-friendly businesses, such as grooming salons and pet supply stores, make it easy to find everything you need for your companion without traveling far. Check out this blog for ideas for a fun day spoiling your pup in and around Viera!
Making the Best of Apartment Living With Pets
Living in a small apartment with a pet in Viera can be rewarding when you create a harmonious environment and maximize your local resources. Do you have any tried-and-true tips for managing pets in an apartment? Share your thoughts or questions in the comments below – we’d love to hear from you!
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