When You Can't Have Cats or Dogs

A recent article in the New York Times, appropriately titled "The UnDog and NonCat," discusses alternatives when your housing arrangements prohibit dogs and cats. The article was essentially about how exotic pets, birds, and fish can fit the bill when having a dog or cat is not possible. Depending on the space you have for pet housing, and what you look for in a pet, there are lots of exotic pets that can do well with apartment life. The Times article discusses rabbits (the rabbit featured, Pounce, was easily litter trained but still gets into a bit of trouble with that favorite of rabbit pastimes, chewing), birds (beware the loud ones), an iguana (also house trained) and a chinchilla.

What troubled me is that the article seemed to kind of imply that even when no pets are allowed by your tenant agreement, exotic pets can be hidden pretty easily, and as long as the neighbors don't complain, you'll probably be okay. I'd be a bit more blunt: if your building does not allow pets, do not get a pet, unless you get permission in writing from your landlord (or condo board, homeowner's association, or whatever entity is able to make exceptions to the rule). Without written permission you risk losing your pets, or perhaps even eviction, if you are caught. The Humane Society Silicon Valley has some good advice on appealing to a landlord to allow your pets, like getting references and documentation to support your case. And as explained in "The UnDog and NonCat," even if your pets are permitted, make sure your pets don't escape (or your pets' food, if you feed things like crickets) because that is a good way to make enemies of your neighbors!

Related Reading:

• Exotic Pets for Apartments
• Exotic Pets for Small Spaces