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How To Find Pet-Friendly Apartments in Bloomington

May 22, 2020

Apartment with dog

If you own a pet or are looking to get one soon, you’ll need to find a pet-friendly apartment in Bloomington.  Unfortunately, the “pet-friendly” term can seem a bit fuzzy. However, “pet-friendly” doesn’t share the same meaning from community to community. Some pet-friendly apartment complexes may really allow you to have a pet, but place restrictions on breed or size. Other Bloomington apartment communities might even offer additional accommodations for your pet like designated parks for your dog to play or free waste disposal bags.

With such a difference in pet-friendly apartments in Bloomington, what criteria should you use to find one that fits your needs?

Begin By Reviewing The Apartment’s Pet Policy

Family walking with their dog on neighborhood trail

A complex is only as friendly to dogs and cats as the apartment community’s pet policy. The policy details the rules and restrictions when renting with a pet. Some policies offer great flexibility and allow you to own any pet you’d like. Some place restrictions on the breeds of dogs. Others might place limits on how many pets you’re allowed, as well as how much they weigh. And some other pet policies prohibit dogs completely and only let you have indoor cats or small animals such as hamsters and guinea pigs.

Very few apartments limit the types of cat breeds permitted. A pet policy that has limits on the number of pets authorized in one household is usually much more likely. There also may be increased charges connected to having a pet, such as more expensive 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 mean that the community isn’t friendly to animals—provided you fit within the parameters. But if you have a pet like an American Staffordshire Terrier, or are caring for a whole bunch of playful kittens, you should check the policy before falling in love with a particular community.

Check The Pet Amenities During Your In-Person Tour

Picture of dog park in our Bloomington apartment community

Just as you would investigate the gym on your tour, be sure to check out the accommodations for pets. Designated dog parks help your pooch burn off excess energy and make new friends. Frequent walking stations with disposal bags, garbage cans, and water bowls keep the community clean. Some properties even have pet playdates or grooming discounts for residents!

Even though these amenities look perfect on paper, the test of their pet-friendliness is just how well they’re kept up. If the place for dogs to play is overflowing with weeds or brambles, then it’s more or less useless. Pet-friendly complexes make certain that waste bags are regularly in stock and that the trash cans don’t overflow. When you arrange your tour of the complex in Bloomington, be sure to note whether the pet amenities are as well-cared for as the ones for the humans.

Take A Look At A Number of Reviews To Learn More About Pet-Friendly Attitudes

If you are unsure whether a community is a good place for a pet or not, explore the reviews on the Bloomington apartment complex. Many people who live in apartments view their dogs or cats as a significant part of their family and have no problem relating their personal experiences of living in a particular community. You may discover that maintenance comes prepared with dog treats to pass out during service calls. Or that the office hosts an adoption event with the humane society. You probably can mark those down in the pet-friendly column.

Apartment reviews will also reveal the complexes that refuse to return deposits when you move out due to cleaning costs, or the ones who impose an inordinate amount of fees for dogs and cats. Just try not to let one unflattering opinion change your mind, but if you notice a trend of irritated pet owners, then you may think about looking at another complex.

City Flats on Walnut Would Love To Make Our Property Your New Place To Call Home In Bloomington For Both You And Your Dog Or Cat

When you’re looking for a pet-friendly apartment in Bloomington, be sure to consider City Flats on Walnut. We’re glad to let you tour the place where both you and your pet can be comfortable. Contact us at 812-578-8827 or click the button below to schedule a tour.  We also offer virtual tours available! If you are unable to come in for a visit, check out our detailed virtual tours.