How to Take Care of a Pet When You Have Roommates

Roommate living is inexpensive, particularly in city neighborhoods where rent is through the roof. But then add a pet to the situation, and suddenly it gets more complicated.

Instead of simply sharing an apartment and dividing the expense, now you’re sharing living space with another animal that barks, sheds, or has a litter box to be cleaned periodically. So, how do you make roommate living and take care of a pet work?

How to Take Care of a Pet?

Whether one is brand new to moving in with roommates or considering keeping a pet when cohabiting with others, here are the ways to live in harmony, prioritize your pet’s health, and know when it might be time to seek out an alternate setup.

Talk Before Paws Hit the Floor

Before you bring the pet into a shared living environment (or if you’re moving in with someone else), talk. Any roommate deserves to know what’s on the horizon and how it will impact them.

• Set Expectations Early: Discuss noise, use of shared spaces, dinner times, and sensitivities. If the roommate works a night shift, an early morning bark from the dog can be a huge problem.

• Consider Compatibility: Some roommates might be huge pet enthusiasts; others simply won’t care or are afraid of them. Understanding everyone’s comfort level can prevent future tension.

Establish Clear Boundaries 

As with people, pets also require routine to thrive and be content. And so will your roommates.

• Establish Pet-Free Zones: Perhaps your roommate doesn’t want fur in their bed or cat litter in their bathroom. To avoid fights, note what is off-limits to your furry friend and map it out. Don’t get personal! Your pet can be an absolute neat freak, but it’s still significant that you’re not overstepping your roommate’s boundaries.

• Stick to Routines: Feedings, walks, and playtime must all be on a schedule. This will make your pet feel secure and keep your roommates from being surprised by surprise messes or midnight zoomies. 

House rules aren’t only for humans! Is furniture off-limits to sitting on? Are there some areas your pet shouldn’t be? Get those rules down pat and consistent.

Handle the Smells and Shedding

Pets are cute, but they leave hairballs, odors, and the occasional “accident” in your life. A clean home isn’t just manners — it’s the key to peaceful living.

• Groom Your Pet Regularly: Brush your pet often to reduce shedding, particularly if you have a long-haired dog or cat. This will make your home less messy and also be healthier for their coat and skin.

• Get On Top of the Cleaning: If you have a cat, scoop out the litter box every day. If you have a dog, clean and flush it away as soon as it happens.

Investing in the proper equipment will make cleaning a breeze. A good vacuum cleaner, lint rollers, and an odor-killing spray should become your best friends.

Share the Load… Or Don’t 

It may be second nature to assume that your roommate will bond with your pet and contribute, but don’t assume they will (or should). 

Don’t get your roommate to do pet work unless they’ve already volunteered. That means feeding, walking, and grooming. It’s your responsibility. 

If your roommate is happy to help out occasionally, that’s great! But don’t expect that to become the standard.

Pay for your expenses. Pet food, vet visits, and pet insurance are paid out of your pocket; don’t divide the costs in half. Your roommate did not sign up for that.

Keep Your Pet Entertained 

Bored pets get loud and destructive — two things roommate relationships can quickly deteriorate from. 

To avoid this, ensure you are taking time off with your pet. Staying home doesn’t necessarily mean being “with” your pet. They need exclusive time and stimuli.

Play with puzzles and toys. Enrichment toys are excellent activities to occupy pets while you are gone or busy. End separation anxiety barking. 

If solo barking is an issue, address gradual desensitization or locate a trainer. Leaving the TV on or utilizing calming sprays might also be beneficial.

Plan For Emergencies and Vacations 

Even with the best planning, things happen. It’s better to be prepared than to scramble when life throws a curveball.

Make sure to have a pet emergency contact list. Leave your vet’s number, emergency procedures, and feeding info somewhere visible, just in case. 

Drop by? Don’t rely on your roommate to cat-sit. Simply ask first, offer to compensate or trade back, and have a plan B (such as a reliable sitter or in-the-neighborhood boarding option) in hand.

Respect Your Roommate’s Lifestyle

Perhaps your roommate prefers dinner parties or requires total silence to get work done/study time. Your pet need not intrude.

Balance your priorities with those of your roommates’. Compromise is the game when you’re living with others. If your dog barks at visitors, socialize it or keep it calm in your room when visitors come over. 

Be honest about behavior modifications. If your pet develops a new behavior, such as scratching the door or constant barking, inform your roommate. Tell them that you have noticed this and are working on it.

Know When It’s Time to Move On

There will be moments when things simply don’t work out despite the rules you establish and the boundaries you place. And that’s okay.

1. Watch for Signs of Stress 

If your pet is hyperactive or your roommate looks visibly exhausted, it’s perhaps time to consider changing living quarters.

2. Avoid Conflict from Flaring Up

Be good at communication. Listen respectfully and respond sensibly if your roommate complains that things aren’t working out. Negotiating in advance might salvage the relationship or at least ease the transition.

3. Consider a Pet-Friendly Roommate Search

Some housing sites, such as spareroom.com, allow you to search for pet-owning roommates in Miami, NYC, Austin, and across the US. This can be a godsend if your current situation is not working out.

Take Good Care of Your Pet!

Having a pet in a shared living environment with communication, planning, and respect is absolutely possible. 

With boundaries, being on top of cleaning, and respecting your roommate’s lifestyle, you can create a home that works for everyone, two-legged and four-legged.

But if it’s not the best fit, that’s fine. There’s a better match for you and your pet out there somewhere. Sometimes, the best you can do is recognize when you need to roll up your sleeves.