Renting with Pets

Growing up, students become connected with their family’s pet. When it is time to leave for college, it may be tempting to bring the family pet along to you student apartments near UF. However, it is important to consider the impact this will have on both you and your favorite furry friend carefully before making a decision.

Bringing Your Pet to College

Before you even consider bringing your pet with you, you should make sure your apartment allows you to house animals. If you are confident you want to bring one, be sure to keep that in mind while searching for student apartments in Gainesville, FL. The Standard at Gainesville is very pet friendly and even has a large green space where you can walk your dog. Having a dog or cat with you helps fight depression and obesity. Social animals provide you with a sense of belonging, if you are struggling to make social connections or going through a difficult time in life. Because dogs require daily exercise, you will be more likely to walk or run with them. In fact, a study at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston found people who owned dogs were 54 percent more likely than their counterparts to achieve the recommended levels of physical activity. Bringing your companion with you may also give you a purpose and help you to become more organized because you have another being to take care of.

At the same time, bringing a pet is a huge responsibility. Dogs require attention and regular exercise. If you have a busy schedule, you may be unable to provide for it properly. Further, pets are expensive. Some UF apartments charge flat rates upfront or monthly charges for housing an animal. The costs for food, vet visits and obedience training also add up quickly. If by chance your dog or cat ruin the carpet or flooring in your apartment, you will be charged for expensive repairs when you move out. Not to mention, you will not be able to make last minute travel plans with your friends on the weekend without figuring out someone to take care of your pet.

Helpful Tips to Keep Your Neighbors Happy

Unfortunately, not everyone on this planet is an unapologetic pet lover. While you may be able to look over some of the disadvantages to your dog, your neighbors and roommates may not be as forgiving. It is important to be aware of ways to minimize frustrations. One of the most obvious annoyances for neighbors or roommates, is a dog who barks constantly. Train your dog not to bark indoors. It will also be helpful to look for Gainesville student apartments that have thick walls. The Standard at Gainesville, for example, has been constructed in a way that limits shared walls in living areas and also dense walls to limit noise pollution. When you leave your apartment, always make sure you have your dog on a leash so it will never bother those passing by you. It is also important to keep your animals groomed properly. Animals do begin to develop an unpleasant odor if left without a bath. Therefore, in order to avoid inconveniencing your roommates, you should make sure your pet always smells fresh.

Owning a Pet in Gainesville, FL

While living in Gainesville, it is important to adhere to the rules and restrictions. In Alachua county, you must maintain physical control of your pet at all times when it is off your property. Once you leave your UF housing, you must make sure your dog is on a leash or in a cage of some sort at all times. Alachua County also has a policy that every cat, dog and ferret must have an Alachua County License Tag that must be worn at all times.

If you want to adopt a dog or cat, be sure to contact the Alachua County Humane Society to find your new best friend. Sadly, no matter how well you take care of your pets, they will need to go to a veterinary clinic or hospital whether it is for a regular checkup or a more serious problem. There are plenty of resources in Gainesville such as Suburban Animal Hospital, Millhopper Veterinary Medical Center and Oaks Vet Animal Hospitals.

If you decide to bring your pet to Gainesville, choose The Standard at Gainesville. We are a pet-friendly luxury student apartment complex. Not only will your animal live in luxury, but you will enjoy many advantageous amenities as well.