10 Tips To Make Sure Living With Pets And Flatmates Works Out!
It’s difficult enough to find the perfect living situation without having a furry, fuzzy or prickly friend added to the mix. Finding accommodation and flatmates willing to take you and your pet in can be tricky. However, there is no reason having flatmates and a fun-loving pet should not be a positive, bonding experience for everyone.
Follow these 10 simple rules to ensure you and your pet are loved by all.
1. Discuss the situation beforehand
If you are looking for a flatshare and already have a pet, it is essential you speak to your potential flatmates regarding the situation. If someone has cat allergies and refuses to share a living space with your beautiful, blue-eyed Ragdoll kitten, then it’s important to accept this and start looking for accommodation elsewhere. If you decide you want a pet after you move into your flat, you still need to sit down and discuss potential pros and cons with your roommates. Having animal lovers as flatmates is not a requirement, but it does make things a bit easier!
2. Never rely on your flatmates to help out
After all, it is your pet! Make it clear from the beginning that you understand the responsibility of being a pet owner, and never ask your flatmates to help out. At the same time, be appreciative and say thank you if your roommate does something nice, like takes your dog out for a walk or feeding them.
3. Make sure your pet is getting proper food and exercise
Pets can be overactive and a nightmare if not given proper exercise, healthy meals and routine. Make sure you know exactly what you are feeding your pet and if needed, take your furry friend on daily walks or runs.
4. Have a conversation regarding safety
If your flatmate has never had a pet, they might not know things like dogs are allergic to chocolate. Sit down, and go over some basic safety procedures with them. It wouldn’t hurt to add your vet’s number in their phone, or stick it on the fridge, in case of emergency.
5. Clean up
Always, always clean up after your pet, no matter how gross. A big responsibility of having a pet is cleaning up after them. Make sure to get on the job as soon as the mess happens to avoid any passive aggressive eye rolls from your flatmates.
6. Train your pet
Your pet should be toilet trained prior to moving into your flat. If not, keep an eye out for signs your pet needs to go to the bathroom, and once again, always clean up any mess. You should also try to teach your pet a few tricks such as sit, stay and down.
7. Monitor your flatmates relationship with your pet
It’s best to keep an eye on your flatmates relationship with your pet. If you notice your flatmate seems bothered by your animal friend, it’s best to sit down and talk it out rather than let the passive aggressiveness continue.
8. Always take responsibility
If your pet breaks it, you buy it. There’s no need to play the guessing game when a pet is involved. Your pet is most likely going to tear something up in your flat. It is important you take responsibility as the owner and never try to blame the damage on your flatmates.
9. Make sure your pet’s accessories and toys are out of the way
Make sure you keep all of your pet’s products in a cupboard or box, and store it out of the way. If you have larger pieces of furniture for your pet, make sure it is in your room. If you don’t have enough space, discuss with your flatmates whether or not they mind you storing it in your communal living space, but in a corner and out of the way.
10. BOND!
Have fun! Animals have a way of bringing people together, and the experience might be just what your flat needs. Let your flatmates bond with your pet, if they want to, and enjoy spending time with the people closest to you.
