Having a pet in your UCF apartment can undoubtedly be a wonderful, rewarding relationship and experience. Fortunately, there are quite a few pet-friendly apartments by the University of Central Florida. Many apartments allow cats and other small types of pets, but there are also some that allow dogs, including larger breeds. With that being said, it's extremely important to take a few factors into consideration before you make a commitment like owning a pet and searching for an apartment that allows them.
Before you begin your search for the perfect pet-friendly apartment in Orlando, there are a few factors you must understand and consider. When looking for a pet-friendly apartment near UCF, it's important to note that the majority of communities that allow animals are joint-leased rather than student by-the-bedroom properties. If you would prefer to live in a student apartment, it may be more difficult to find an apartment that allows pets. Although there are many apartments in the UCF area that welcome pets, the communities that prohibit them take their rules very seriously. Don't try to hide a pet in your apartment, in a community where pets are not allowed. The dog leash sitting on the counter or litter box hiding in your closet will be a dead giveaway that there is a prohibited animal in your apartment.
Five Things to Think About Before Adopting a Pet in Apartments Near UCF:
- Is the apartment I plan to live in pet-friendly? If you already have a place where you want to live in mind, it's crucial to find out if the community is pet-friendly before you welcome an animal into your home. What about the apartment you plan on living in next year? Once you own a pet, your options may become more limited than they were before.
- Are my roommates okay with having a pet? Before you move into your new apartment with an animal, you must be honest and upfront with your roommates. Some people may not prefer to live with a pet for various personal reasons. For example, your roommates may not have grown up around pets and therefore might not feel comfortable with having them in the house. Furthermore, you must be sensitive to your roommates potentially having allergies. If they are allergic to cats or dogs, they may not be open to keeping animals in the apartment.
- Can I afford all of the costs associated with owning a pet? Many students fail to realize that the costs of a pet can quickly add up. Along with food, treats, shots, and routine doctors' visits, many apartment communities have fees associated with owning an animal. You will likely have to put down a one-time deposit, typically of a few hundred dollars and many communities will typically charge a monthly pet rent. However, if you can afford to support an animal, a four-legged roommate may be a great addition to your home.
- Do I have time for a college pet? Owning a pet is a huge time commitment. Will you be away from your apartment for extended periods of time? Or do you have a schedule that will allow you to routinely walk and feed your pet at the same time every day? This transition and responsibility may be difficult for some students to adjust to, but if your schedule permits it, owning a pet in college can make your apartment feel like a home.
- Am I able to commit long-term? The average lifespan of a dog is anywhere from 10-16 years. Be sure to seriously consider the long-term commitment of owning a pet before welcoming a four-legged friend. If you decide that this responsibility is something that you're capable of maintaining, your furry companion will become your best friend.
Although there are many things to take into consideration before welcoming an animal into your home, owning a pet in college can be a great stress reliever and rewarding experience.
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