How to help a squeamish rescue pet adjust to apartment living

Valerie was one of the rescue dogs at the Soi Dog Shelter in Phuket, Thailand. (Andrea Sachs/The Washington Post)

There are many pets that are in need, and it is a wonderful thing if you can provide a happy home for one. If you are living in an apartment, there are things you will need to consider.

Many rescue pets have come from an unhappy living situation that has had a lasting effect on them in some way. Some are frightened of other pets and other people or exhibit aggression. These fears are a little harder to manage in an apartment community. You want to take that into account, at least until they have adjusted to their new neighbors and home.

The good news is that chances are your pet will be comfortably accommodated in your building. These days, a growing number of apartments are becoming pet-friendly with an array of amenities.

For example, apartments are offering rooftop parks with agility courses, pet-washing stations, dog parks, dog happy hours and dog treats at the front desk or management office.

If you live in a larger apartment community, there may be pet sitters and dog walkers coming to the building regularly who might offer a better rate for their services. Some properties have partnerships with pet-care service.

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You might find a neighbor with whom you can exchange pet-sitting duties or can offer the option of checking on your pet if you are working late.

A larger apartment community might give you the option of an apartment on a higher floor that would have treetop views that would be very desirable for a cat.

Still, rescue pets can be troublesome. Here are issues to consider:

•If your pet is nervous around other pets and people, a long walk down a hallway and onto an elevator might be difficult. The noise of foot traffic up and down the hallways might be distressing to your pet. This might be manageable when you are at home with your pet but not manageable when your pet is on his own. For an apprehensive dog, an apartment on a lower floor close to stairs might be a better choice for a smoother transition.

•A smaller building with a shared or private back yard might be easier for a shy pet. English basement apartments can often be a more affordable choice to have direct access to a small yard.

•In apartment communities, the upfront pets fees will average from $350 to $750. Pet rent average between $25 to $75 per month. I know of one property that will waive the upfront pet fee if you have a rescued pet. These fees can be negotiated with individual owners. It helps to have a pet résumé, including your pet’s training and strong landlord references.

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• Breed descriptions can help you to know what dogs are better for apartment living and which are not. In the case of rescue dogs, many will be a mixture of breeds that are unknown.

• Check notes from the foster family on the pet you are considering adopting. These families have taken the time to know the personalities of the pets and will be invaluable for you to know which pet will be the happiest in your home.

A little preparation and research can make your rescue pet’s adjustment into your apartment manageable.

Nancy Simmons Starrs is founder and president of Apartment Detectives, a D.C., Maryland and Northern Virginia apartment-search service.