If you own a four-legged friend or are thinking about getting one in the near future, you’ll want to locate a pet-friendly apartment in Westfield. Unfortunately, “pet-friendly” can be a bit fuzzy. However, the “pet-friendly” term doesn’t share the same meaning from property to property. Some pet-friendly communities may really mean that you can own a a pet, but place limits on the breed or size. Some other Westfield apartment complexes may even have additional accommodations for your pet such as designated dog parks or complimentary waste disposal bags.
With such dramatic differences in pet-friendly apartments in Westfield, what things should you look at to find one that fits your needs?
Start Off By Looking At The Apartment’s Pet Policy
An apartment is only as welcoming to dogs and cats as the pet policy. This policy goes over the rules and restrictions in regard to pet ownership. Some policies offer great flexibility and permit you to keep any pet. Some place restrictions on dog breeds. Others may place limits on how many pets you’re allowed, as well as how much they weigh. And then some pet policies forbid dogs altogether and only let you have cats or small animals such as hamsters and guinea pigs.
Few apartments limit the types of cat breeds allowed. A policy that places limits on how many pets are permitted in one apartment is much more likely. There also may be extra charges connected to having a pet, like higher monthly rent or cleaning costs when you and your pet move out, or a pet deposit due at move-in.
A pet policy with a lot of stipulations doesn’t necessarily mean that the community isn’t “pet-friendly”—provided you and your pet fit the parameters. However, if you own an animal such as an American Staffordshire Terrier, or are parents to a whole lot of kittens, you should definitely carefully read over the pet policy before falling in love with a particular community.
Take A Look At The Amenities For Pets During Your In-Person Tour
Just like you’d inspect the gym and pool on your in-person tour, be sure to take a look at the pet amenities. Dedicated places for your dog to play give your pup the chance to get out some energy and give you a place where they can socialize. Walking stations with disposal bags, trash cans, and communal water bowls help maintain the community. Some complexes even offer pet playdates or discounts on grooming for their four-legged residents!
While these amenities for pets look wonderful on paper, the true test of their friendliness to pets is just how carefully they’re maintained. If the dog park is covered with weeds and brambles, then it’s pretty much unusable. Pet-friendly complexes ensure that dog poop bags are regularly in stock and that the cans aren’t overflowing. Basically, when you arrange your tour of the complex in Westfield, make sure that the amenities for pets are as well-cared for as the human amenities.
Read Multiple Reviews To Discover Pet-Friendly Attitudes
If you can’t determine whether a community is pet-friendly or not, check out reviews on the Westfield apartment. Many apartment residents see their dogs or cats as an integral part of their family and willingly share their personal experiences of living in a particular community. You may find out that maintenance brings treats to hand out when making a service call to your apartment. Or that the front office hosts an adoption day with the humane society. You most likely can chalk those up in the pet-friendly column.
Apartment reviews will also expose the communities that refuse to refund security deposits due to costs associated with pet cleaning, or the ones who impose excessive rent for pets. Just don’t let one single negative review sway you, but if you note a lot of disgruntled dog or cat owners, then you might consider looking at another apartment.
Harmony Apartment Homes Would Be A Great New Place In Westfield For Both You And Your Pet
When you’re searching for a pet-friendly apartment in Westfield, make sure to consider Harmony Apartment Homes. We’re glad to let you tour the perfect place where both you and your pet can be comfortable. Just call at 317-795-0224 or select the button below to schedule a tour. We also have detailed virtual tours! If you are unable to visit the property, explore the virtual apartment tours.