What Pets Are Best for Apartments?

Your landlord just approved pets. You paid the $400 deposit, agreed to $50 monthly pet rent, and signed the addendum. Three months later, you’re looking at a $1,200 bill to replace carpet your “apartment-friendly” French Bulldog destroyed while you were at work.

This happens to 13% of restricted breed owners who surrender pets due to housing issues, but here’s what nobody mentions in those cheerful “best apartment pets” listicles: the wrong pet costs you money whether they’re big or small. A neurotic Chihuahua generates more noise complaints than a lazy Mastiff. That “easy” fish tank? You’re testing pH levels and scrubbing algae every weekend.

The apartment pet industrial complex sells you on size and cuteness. What actually matters is the intersection of three brutal realities: how much space your pet genuinely needs, what you’ll actually spend, and whether your lifestyle can handle what you’re signing up for.

The 3-Factor Reality Check: Beyond Breed Lists

Stop Googling “best small dogs for apartments.” That’s why you end up with a Dachshund barking at every footstep in the hallway. Here’s the framework that actually works:

Factor 1: Space Reality Not square footage—functional space. A 500-square-foot studio with no outdoor access is different from a 500-square-foot first-floor unit with a patio. Your cat doesn’t care about total area; they care about vertical space. Your dog doesn’t need a yard; they need daily walks you’ll actually take.

Factor 2: Financial Truth Pet deposits average $250-$600. Pet rent runs $20-$75 monthly. But that’s table stakes. Annual dog ownership costs hit $2,351 in 2024. Cats cost $1,443 yearly. Miss a vet visit? That’s $147 gone. Get a large dog in San Francisco? Vet bills average 40% higher than national rates.

Add the hidden costs: enzyme cleaners for accidents ($15/month), replacement blinds your cat shredded ($80), professional carpet cleaning at move-out ($200), and the portion of your security deposit you won’t see again. A hamster costs $40 upfront. That same hamster costs $300+ annually in bedding, food, and vet care nobody tells you about.

Factor 3: Lifestyle Honesty You work 10-hour days and hit the gym after. Stop pretending you’ll walk a dog twice daily. You travel for work quarterly. That rules out most pets that need daily interaction. You’re a light sleeper in a studio where your bed is 8 feet from any cage. Cross off hamsters—those wheels squeak at 2 AM.

This framework matters because 59% of renters now have pets (up from 46% in 2019), but 65% of people forced to surrender animals cite “can’t find pet-friendly housing” as the reason. The real issue? They picked wrong.

Dogs: When Size Lies About Suitability

The apartment dog conversation is backwards. Everyone fixates on weight restrictions (typically 25-50 pounds) while ignoring energy levels and vocalization. You know what thrives in a 600-square-foot apartment? A 140-pound Mastiff. Know what destroys one? A 12-pound Jack Russell Terrier.

The Large Dog Paradox

Greyhounds, Great Danes, and Irish Wolfhounds—all massive breeds—make exceptional apartment dogs. They’re bred to sprint, then sleep 18 hours daily. A Greyhound needs two 20-minute walks and will spend the rest of the day on your couch. Compare that to a Border Collie who needs 2+ hours of intense mental and physical stimulation or they’ll systematically dismantle your apartment.

St. Bernards sound absurd for apartments until you realize they’re gentle giants who move slowly and bark rarely. The problem isn’t their size—it’s their drool (which ruins carpets) and thick coats (which shed everywhere). A Reddit user spent $1,800 in professional cleaning fees after keeping a Husky in a 900-square-foot apartment. The size was fine. The shedding demolished their deposit.

Best Large Apartment Dogs:

Standard Poodles – Smart, trainable, hypoallergenic, low energy indoors
Greyhounds – Sleep constantly, quiet, adapt to small spaces
Great Danes – Calm temperament, minimal exercise needs, low prey drive
Mastiffs – Lazy, protective without aggression, rarely bark

Weight limit 50 pounds? These won’t work. But worth asking your landlord about exceptions—many will approve calm large breeds over energetic small ones.

Small Dogs That Fail

French Bulldogs rank as the most popular apartment dog in New York City. They’re also prone to separation anxiety, snoring that wakes neighbors through walls, and expensive vet bills ($3,000+ annually for breathing issues). Pugs face similar problems.

Dachshunds score 5/5 for barking. They’re stubborn, territorial, and vocalize at everything. Tenants report noise complaints even in larger apartments. Chihuahuas act like burglar alarms—high-pitched barking at footsteps in hallways. Yorkshire Terriers destroy carpets through accidents; they’re notoriously difficult to house-train in apartments with slow elevator access.

Australian Shepherds, Border Collies, and Cattle Dogs appear on “worst apartment dogs” lists because they’re working breeds. Without jobs, they create jobs: chewing baseboards, digging carpets, and barking for 8-hour stretches.

Actually Good Small Apartment Dogs

Cavalier King Charles Spaniels adapt anywhere. They’re affectionate without being needy, quiet, and low-energy. Bichon Frises don’t shed and rarely bark. Shih Tzus handle being alone better than most small breeds and have minimal exercise requirements.

The unexpected winner? Basset Hounds. Yes, they’re 50-60 pounds—but they’re lazy, rarely bark, tolerate being alone, and move so slowly they won’t damage much. Compare to a 10-pound Miniature Pinscher who races around apartments and barks at wind.

Key Dog Decision Points:

Can you walk them 20-30 minutes twice daily, every single day?
Will they be alone more than 8 hours regularly?
Can you afford $200-$300 monthly for pet rent, insurance, and supplies?
Does your building allow the breed and weight?

Cats: The Genuinely Low-Maintenance Option

Cats own apartment living. They’re quiet, use litter boxes, exercise themselves, and don’t need outdoor access. The US has 94.2 million pet cats versus 89.7 million dogs, and apartments drive that gap.

Why Cats Work Where Dogs Fail

Indoor cats thrive in small spaces by using vertical territory. A 400-square-foot studio becomes 1,200 square feet of cat space with shelves, cat trees, and window perches. They self-groom, entertain themselves, and handle 10-12 hours alone without anxiety.

Financially, cats cost nearly half what dogs do: $1,443 annually versus $2,351 for dogs. No daily walks means no time commitment. No barking means no noise complaints. Most apartments charge lower pet deposits for cats than dogs—$200 versus $400 is common.

The Litter Box Reality Check

One litter box per cat plus one extra. In a studio, that’s two litter boxes taking up 4 square feet of floor space. Daily scooping isn’t optional—it takes 5 minutes and prevents odors that permeate small spaces. Monthly litter costs $25-40 for decent clumping brands.

Place boxes in bathrooms or closets, never kitchens or bedrooms. Poor placement = smell complaints from neighbors and possible lease violations. Use covered boxes only if your cat accepts them; many hate them and will eliminate elsewhere.

Best Cat Breeds for Apartments

British Shorthairs are independent, quiet, and low-energy. They tolerate being alone better than most breeds and rarely vocalize. Ragdolls are docile, affectionate without being clingy, and inactive. They’ll sit in sunbeams for hours.

Russian Blues are shy but adapt well to quiet apartments. They bond with one or two people and ignore visitors—ideal if you have roommates. Persian cats require daily brushing but are extremely calm and silent. They’re apartment furniture that occasionally purrs.

Avoid: Siamese (extremely vocal), Bengals (high-energy, destructive), and Maine Coons (too large for small spaces, need more stimulation).

The Two-Cat Strategy

Cats get lonely in empty apartments. Two cats entertain each other, reducing destructive behavior and vocalization. They also cost only 30% more than one—shared litter, bulk food purchases, and combined vet visits. Bonded pairs from shelters are already socialized together.

Critical Cat Requirements:

Litter boxes: minimum 2 for small apartment
Scratching posts: 3+ placed strategically
Vertical space: window perches, cat trees, wall shelves
Play time: 20 minutes daily to prevent boredom destruction
Annual vet cost: $300-500 for healthy cats

Small Pets: When “Easy” Becomes “Complicated”

Guinea pigs, hamsters, rabbits, and rats get marketed as starter pets or apartment-friendly options. Some are. Most have hidden complexity.

Guinea Pigs: Underrated Apartment Winners

Guinea pigs need 10.5+ square feet of enclosure space and are social (keep in pairs). But they’re quiet, have regular sleep schedules, can be held daily, and live 5-7 years—long enough to bond without the 15-year commitment of cats.

Setup costs $150-200. Ongoing costs run $30-50 monthly for hay, pellets, vegetables, and bedding. They’re surprisingly interactive—they’ll “popcorn” (jump excitedly) when you enter rooms and whistle for food. Unlike hamsters, they’re awake during normal hours.

Guinea pig drawbacks: They need floor time outside enclosures (2+ hours daily) in a pig-proofed space. They’re messy—hay and poop scatter. Their cages require weekly deep cleans to prevent odors in apartments. They’re not as cuddly as cats; some tolerate handling, others hate it.

Hamsters: The Midnight Problem

Hamsters cost $40 for the animal and $100-150 for proper setup. They’re cute, small, and marketed for apartments. They’re also nocturnal. Wheel-running, cage-climbing hamsters keep light sleepers awake in studios where every sound carries.

Syrian hamsters need 650+ square feet of cage space—far larger than those terrible wire cages pet stores sell. Proper setups are 3+ feet long. Hamsters also live only 2-4 years, which feels short after investing in equipment and bonding time.

Better alternative: Rats. They’re awake during evening hours (not 2 AM), trainable, affectionate, and smarter than hamsters. Rats come when called and enjoy human interaction. They need pairs (solo rats become depressed) and 2-3 hours outside the cage daily.

Rabbits: More Work Than Cats

Rabbits can be litter-trained and live 8-12 years. They’re quiet and take up minimal space if caged. This makes them sound ideal for apartments. Reality: rabbits need 3-4 hours of supervised out-of-cage time daily in bunny-proofed spaces. They chew everything—baseboards, carpets, electrical cords. Damage to apartments adds up.

Rabbit-proofing means: covering all cables, blocking access to furniture corners, providing constant chew toys, and accepting that your security deposit is probably gone. Medical care is expensive—$500+ annually—because rabbits hide illnesses until they’re severe.

Best small pets for apartments:

Guinea pigs (in pairs) – interactive, daytime awake, manageable noise
Rats (in pairs) – smart, trainable, affectionate evening companions
Geckos – silent, low-maintenance, minimal space, hands-off appeal

Worst small pets for apartments:

Hamsters – nocturnal noise issues
Rabbits – destructive, expensive vet bills
Ferrets – odor problems even when descented, illegal in some cities

Fish: Low-Maintenance Is a Marketing Lie

Fish tanks promise zen tranquility with minimal effort. Marketing promises easy weekends. Reality: aquarium maintenance takes 2-4 hours weekly.

The Aquarium Truth

Starting a 10-gallon freshwater tank costs $150-300 for tank, filter, heater, light, substrate, decorations, and water testing kit. Monthly costs run $20-40 for food, replacement filters, and water treatments. But the real cost is time.

Every 1-2 weeks: 25-30% water changes (30 minutes) Weekly: Filter checks, algae scraping (30 minutes) Weekly: Water parameter testing—pH, ammonia, nitrite, nitrate (15 minutes) Monthly: Deep gravel vacuuming (45 minutes) Monthly: Filter media replacement (20 minutes)

Miss these? Dead fish and cloudy, smelly water that neighbors complain about. Fish waste builds up quickly in closed systems. Inconsistent maintenance creates algae blooms, requiring tank breakdowns and complete restarts.

The Beginner Fish Trap

Pet stores push goldfish as “easy starter fish.” Goldfish need 20+ gallons per fish and produce massive waste. They outgrow small bowls within months and die from poor water quality.

Bettas get marketed for tiny bowls. They need 5+ gallon filtered, heated tanks to thrive—smaller spaces cause stress, illness, and early death. “Easy” tropical fish like tetras and guppies need stable 74-78°F temperatures. Apartments with inconsistent heating create temperature swings that kill fish.

Actually Low-Maintenance Fish Option

Single Betta fish in a properly cycled 5-gallon tank. Setup takes 2-3 weeks (cycling the tank to establish beneficial bacteria). After that: 5 minutes daily for feeding and observation, 30 minutes weekly for 25% water change. Bettas are hardy, colorful, and interactive—they recognize owners and beg for food.

Cost: $80-120 for proper 5-gallon setup, $10-15 monthly for maintenance. Lifespan 3-5 years with good care. No noise, minimal space, and actually manageable for busy apartment dwellers.

Skip fish if:

You travel frequently (fish need daily feeding and monitoring)
You forget routine tasks (missed water changes kill fish)
You want zero-maintenance pets (fish require consistent work)

Birds: The Noise Complaint Waiting to Happen

Birds are small, caged, and legal in most apartments. They’re also among the most-restricted pets in buildings, and landlords who allow them often regret it.

Why Landlords Hate Birds

Birds are loudest when owners aren’t home. A parakeet might chirp pleasantly when you’re around, then scream for hours in an empty apartment. Cockatiels whistle, squawk, and can be heard through walls. Large parrots match smoke alarm volumes (90-100 decibels).

Mess is the second issue. Birds fling food, feathers, and droppings outside cages. In small apartments, this spreads everywhere. Balcony cages seem like solutions until feathers and seed hulls fall onto downstairs neighbors’ balconies, generating complaints.

The 50+ Year Commitment

Large parrots live 50-80+ years. Buying a parrot at 25 means caring for them until you’re 75. They’re intelligent, social, and demanding—ignoring them causes screaming, feather plucking, and aggression. They need 3-4 hours of out-of-cage interaction daily.

Smaller birds live 10-20 years. Finches and canaries are quieter than parakeets but still chirp constantly during daylight hours. They’re less interactive—you watch them rather than handle them—which makes the noise feel pointless.

The Only Apartment-Appropriate Birds

Finches in pairs are best-case scenario. They’re small, quiet by bird standards, non-smelly, and don’t need handling. Keep them in apartments with tolerant neighbors or thick walls.

Better question: Do you really want birds? Reptiles offer similar “observe but don’t cuddle” appeal with zero noise, less mess, and cheaper upkeep.

Avoid birds if:

You live in apartments with shared walls
You work long hours away from home
You’re not prepared for decade+ commitments
You want something cuddly (birds aren’t)

Exotic Pets: Novelty Doesn’t Mean Suitable

Reptiles That Work

Leopard geckos are ideal apartment reptiles. They need 20-gallon tanks (2 square feet of floor space), eat twice weekly, require minimal handling, stay quiet, and live 10-15 years. Setup costs $200-300. Monthly costs run $20-30 for food and electricity. They’re crepuscular (active dawn/dusk), so not nocturnal wheel-runners like hamsters.

Corn snakes need similar space, eat weekly, and can go days without interaction. They’re escape artists though—poor enclosure setups mean finding snakes behind refrigerators. Not everyone (neighbors, guests, landlords) handles “I lost my snake” well.

Bearded dragons are more interactive than geckos but need larger enclosures (40+ gallon tanks) and expensive UVB lighting setups. They’re docile and entertaining but require fresh vegetables daily and more hands-on care.

Exotic Pets to Avoid in Apartments

Iguanas grow 6+ feet long and need double that in enclosure length. They’re aggressive when hormonal, require specialized diets, and have expensive vet bills. They outgrow apartments.

Sugar gliders are nocturnal and loud. They mark territory with strong odors and need elaborate cage setups. They’re cute in pet stores but hellish in 600-square-foot studios at 2 AM.

Hedgehogs are illegal in California, New York City, and other areas. They’re nocturnal, require specific temperatures, and aren’t cuddly despite appearances. They curl into spiky balls when touched.

Ferrets produce strong musky odors even after descenting. They need ferret-proofed spaces for daily exercise and are illegal in California and New York City. Landlords hate them; neighbors complain about smell.

The Financial Framework: What You’ll Actually Spend

Pet ownership costs compound differently in apartments than houses. You’re paying deposits, monthly rent, and higher insurance premiums while dealing with less space and more rules.

Initial Costs

Dogs: $1,500-2,500 first year

Adoption/purchase: $50-1,500
Pet deposit: $300-600
Supplies: $200-500 (crate, bowls, leash, bed, toys)
Initial vet: $200-400 (vaccines, spay/neuter)
First 3 months pet rent: $75-225

Cats: $800-1,500 first year

Adoption: $25-150
Pet deposit: $200-400
Supplies: $150-300 (litter box, tree, scratching posts, carrier)
Initial vet: $150-300
First 3 months pet rent: $30-150

Small pets: $200-400 first year

Animal: $20-80
Enclosure/supplies: $100-200
Initial vet: $50-80 (usually not required)
Unlikely to need deposits or pet rent

Ongoing Annual Costs

Dogs: $2,351 average

Food: $600
Vet care: $500 (includes routine + unexpected)
Pet rent: $240-900 annually
Insurance: $676 average
Supplies/toys: $200
Grooming: $400 (professionals) or $50 (DIY supplies)

Cats: $1,443 average

Food: $300
Litter: $240-480
Vet care: $433
Pet rent: $120-600
Insurance: $383
Supplies: $100

Fish: $150-300

Food: $60
Supplies: $100-150
Electricity: $50-80
Replacements: $20-50

The Deposit Loss Factor

Property managers report 40-60% of pet deposits get partially withheld for carpet cleaning, odor removal, or minor damage. Budget for losing $150-300 at move-out even with good pets. Deep carpet cleaning costs $200-400 when required, often regardless of visible damage.

Decision Matrix: Match Your Actual Situation

You Work 10+ Hour Days

Good: Cats, fish, adult calm-breed dogs, leopard geckos Bad: Puppies, high-energy dogs, birds, rabbits, anything needing daily out-of-cage time

You’re on a Budget (Under $100/month for pet)

Good: Finches, fish (single betta), guinea pigs Bad: Dogs, exotic pets, anything with expensive vet needs

You Travel for Work Quarterly

Good: Cats (with auto feeders/sitters), fish (with auto feeders) Bad: Dogs, rabbits, birds, small pets (risky to leave)

You Have a Studio Under 500 sq ft

Good: Cats, fish, small caged pets, single calm dog Bad: Multiple pets, large dogs, animals needing floor time

You’re a Light Sleeper

Good: Cats, fish, geckos, birds (daytime only) Bad: Hamsters, rats, rabbits, nocturnal pets

You Rent Year-to-Year (Might Move)

Good: Common breeds (easier to find next apartment), established adult pets Bad: Large dogs, restricted breeds, exotic pets (limited housing)

You Have Roommates

Good: Cats (less territorial), caged pets, well-trained dogs Bad: Territorial dogs, vocal birds, free-roam rabbits

What Nobody Tells You: The Hidden Complexity

Pet Compatibility With Lifestyle

The mismatch between pet needs and owner lifestyle causes most surrenders. You convince yourself you’ll change behaviors—wake up earlier for dog walks, come home at lunch, spend weekends socializing puppies. Six months later you resent the animal for needing things you can’t sustainably provide.

Better: Choose pets for your actual life, not your aspirational one. Work 12-hour days? Get a cat and an auto-feeder, not a dog who needs walks. Travel monthly? Get fish with auto-feeders, not birds who need daily interaction. Too busy for daily care? Don’t get pets.

The Landlord Relationship

Apartment pet ownership means your landlord has opinions. They’re inspecting for odors, checking for damage, and fielding neighbor complaints. One noise violation and they’ll enforce lease provisions about removing pets. Breed-restricted dogs get reported by neighbors who don’t want them in buildings.

Protection: Document everything. Photos at move-in showing pristine condition. Receipts for professional cleanings. Dated time-stamped evidence your pet doesn’t bark for 8-hour stretches. When disputes arise, documentation matters more than verbal promises.

Neighbor Relations

Thin walls mean your hamster’s wheel becomes their sleep disruption. Your dog’s territorial barking becomes their noise complaint. Your cat’s litter box smell seeps through shared ventilation. Good neighbor relations require awareness of how your pet impacts others.

Quick fixes: Neoprene mats under cages reduce vibration noise. High-sided litter boxes contain litter scatter. Training dogs not to bark at hallway sounds takes work but prevents eviction. Ask neighbors directly if they’ve heard anything—proactive communication prevents complaints.

Moving With Pets

Finding pet-friendly apartments with good amenities in safe areas under budget is hard. Add “accepts my 65-pound pit bull mix” and options shrink by 70%. Having pets means limiting housing choices, accepting higher rents, or moving farther from work.

Strategy: Start apartment hunting 3-4 months early. Prepare pet resumes (seriously—vet records, reference letters, training certificates). Offer extra deposits. Consider smaller less-corporate buildings where owners make individual decisions. Join “pet-friendly housing” Facebook groups for under-the-radar listings.

The Honest Answer: What Pet Should You Get?

Get a cat if: You work normal hours, want low maintenance companionship, have reliable income for vet care, and can handle litter boxes in small spaces. Cats adapt to almost any apartment and rarely cause lease problems.

Get a calm large-breed dog if: You can afford $2,500+ annually, walk them 40+ minutes daily without fail, have space for a 40-70 pound animal, and your building allows the breed and weight. Don’t get a dog hoping your lifestyle will adjust—it won’t.

Get guinea pigs if: You want interaction without high costs, can provide floor time and cage space, and are okay with 5-7 year commitments. They’re underrated for apartments—social, cute, daytime-active, and manageable.

Get a betta fish if: You want something living and attractive with minimal commitment. They’re actual low-maintenance option that won’t damage apartments or cause complaints.

Get nothing if: You’re undecided. Pet ownership has minimum 5-year horizons. Bad pet choices lead to surrenders, resentment, and thousands in losses. Wait until your situation clearly accommodates an animal rather than forcing fit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I have a dog in a 400-square-foot studio apartment?

Yes, but breed and exercise commitment matter more than space. A low-energy adult Greyhound or Cavalier King Charles Spaniel can thrive in 400 square feet if walked 30+ minutes twice daily. A high-energy Border Collie or Husky will destroy a 1,000-square-foot apartment without 2+ hours of daily intense activity. Small spaces work for calm breeds with realistic exercise routines.

What pet requires the least maintenance in an apartment?

Single Betta fish in a properly cycled 5-gallon tank requires 5 minutes daily feeding and 30 minutes weekly water changes. Total time investment: 1 hour monthly. Leopard geckos require similar minimal time (10 minutes weekly for feeding and spot-cleaning). Both are silent, take minimal space, and cost under $30 monthly. “Low maintenance” fish in bowls or hamsters are actually higher maintenance when done properly.

Are there apartments that don’t charge pet rent or deposits?

Some smaller landlord-owned buildings waive pet fees entirely, especially in competitive rental markets or for long-term tenants. Corporate apartments almost always charge something. Pet rent legality varies by state—California limits it, Colorado caps pet deposits at $300, some cities ban it entirely. Northeast apartments charge highest pet costs ($900+ annually in New York/Boston). Best strategy: negotiate before signing—offer higher regular deposit instead of monthly pet rent.

What happens if my pet damages the apartment?

Pet deposits cover damage up to deposit amount ($200-600 typically). Damage exceeding that gets deducted from security deposits in most states, or landlords can sue for additional costs. Common charges: carpet replacement ($1-3/sq ft), professional cleaning ($200-400), wall repair ($50-150/hole), baseboard replacement ($3-8/ft). Document apartment condition at move-in with dated photos. Consider renter’s insurance with pet damage coverage—policies cost $15-30 monthly and cover accidental pet damage to property.

Can landlords deny my pet even if they allow pets?

Yes. “Pet-friendly” doesn’t mean all pets accepted. Landlords can restrict breeds (commonly pit bulls, Rottweilers, German Shepherds), enforce weight limits (typically 25-50 lbs), limit numbers (usually 1-2 pets), and ban specific species (reptiles, birds, exotic animals). These restrictions are legal in most states unless they violate fair housing laws. Service animals and emotional support animals have different rules—housing must accommodate them with proper documentation regardless of pet policies.

How do I find truly pet-friendly apartments?

Beyond “pet-friendly” filters on listing sites: Join local “pet-friendly housing” Facebook groups for under-the-radar listings. Ask vets, groomers, dog trainers for recommendations—they know which buildings welcome pets genuinely. Visit dog parks and ask neighbors where they live. Smaller landlord-owned buildings offer more flexibility than corporate complexes. Create a pet resume: vet records, training certificates, reference letters from previous landlords. Offer extra deposits. Apply to buildings 3-4 months before moving; good pet-friendly housing gets reserved quickly.

Is it better to get a puppy or adult dog for apartments?

Adult dogs (3+ years old) adapt better to apartments. They’re house-trained, past destructive chewing stages, have established energy levels, and handle being alone longer. Puppies need outdoor access every 2-3 hours, cry when left alone (noise complaints), chew everything (deposit loss), and require extensive training time. Unless you work from home or can come home at lunch, adult dogs are objectively better for apartments. Shelters have thousands of apartment-appropriate adult dogs.

Key Takeaways

Pet deposits ($200-600) and monthly pet rent ($20-75) add $500-1,500 annually to housing costs before food and vet care
Large calm-breed dogs often work better in apartments than energetic small breeds—energy level matters more than size
Cats are genuinely low-maintenance for apartments: they self-entertain, need no walks, and cost half what dogs do annually
“Easy” small pets like hamsters and rabbits have hidden complexity—nocturnal noise and high maintenance needs make them difficult
Fish require consistent weekly maintenance that totals 1-2 hours—they’re not zero-effort decorations

Data Sources

Zillow – 2023 Renter Housing Trends Report (59% of renters have pets)
American Pet Products Association – 2024 National Pet Owners Survey (66% of US households own pets)
Multifamily Dive – Pet Ownership Among Renters Study (May 2024)
Insurify – Pet Ownership Costs 2024 ($2,351 annual dog costs, $1,443 cat costs)
American Veterinary Medical Association – US Pet Ownership Statistics (94.2M cats, 89.7M dogs)
Apartments.com – National Pet Rent Survey 2024 (pet deposit and fee data)

Recommended Internal Links

How to negotiate pet deposits with landlords
Complete guide to apartment pet-proofing
Finding pet-friendly apartments in competitive markets
Understanding emotional support animal housing rights