If you live in a small apartment and want a pet friendly apartment USA setup, this guide is for you. I’ll walk you through practical design choices, easy upgrades, and product ideas that keep your furry (or feathered) friend safe and happy — while making your small space feel calm and tidy. Everything here is written in plain English, with real examples, budget tips, and U.S. vendors so you can act today.
Why “pet friendly apartment USA” design matters right now
More renters are bringing pets into apartments, but finding truly pet-friendly housing can be tricky. Properties that welcome animals often charge fees or have rules, and landlords who invest in pet-friendly features tend to keep tenants longer. If you design your small apartment with pets in mind, you’ll reduce wear-and-tear, lower stress for both of you, and likely save on cleaning and repairs. Recent housing reports show pet-inclusive policies help retain residents, but many renters still face limited options — so being proactive inside your own apartment matters. (Michelson Found Animals)
Quick planning checklist (start here)
- Measure your main living area and any spots where your pet spends time.
- Pick pet-safe plants and remove toxic ones. (I’ll list trusted resources below.) (ASPCA)
- Choose durable, washable textiles for furniture and rugs.
- Plan vertical space for cats and small dogs (shelves, window perches).
- Make a simple “pet zone” for food, water, bed, and toys — even in a studio.
Layout strategies for very small apartments
1. Create a dedicated pet zone
Even a tiny corner can be a pet zone: a small mat for food bowls, a low shelf or basket for toys, and a comfy bed. This helps contain crumbs and hair and teaches your pet where “work” (eating, sleeping) happens.
2. Use vertical space
Cats and smaller dogs love height. Install wall shelves, window hammocks, or a slim cat tree to free floor space and give pets a place to climb and observe.
3. Let furniture do double duty
Choose storage benches, ottomans with hidden compartments, or coffee tables with baskets to keep pet toys and supplies out of sight. A console behind a sofa can store leashes, treats, and grooming tools.
Flooring choices that survive pet life
Hard floors are easier to clean than carpet, but they can be slippery for older pets. Here’s a simple ranked list:
- Luxury vinyl plank (LVP) — water-resistant, scratch-resistant, and comfortable.
- Engineered hardwood with a tough finish — looks great, but choose harder species and be ready for spot repairs.
- Tile — durable and washable, but can be cold. Add small rugs for traction.
- Low-pile washable rugs — use rug pads to prevent slipping and choose rugs that can be machine-washed or are compatible with spot cleaners.
If you’re renting, consider large washable rugs (Ruggable-style) to protect floors and create soft play areas. These are easy to remove for deep cleaning or moves. (Retailers like Ruggable, Wayfair, and Target carry washable rugs.) (New York Post)
Pet-safe furniture and fabrics
When shopping for sofas, chairs, or beds, look for:
- Removable, machine-washable covers — easy to clean fur and accidents. IKEA and many slipcover brands offer this. (IKEA)
- Tightly woven fabrics (microfiber, leather/pleather) that resist claws and stains.
- Dark or patterned tones to hide fur between cleanings.
- Rounded legs or sturdy bases — pets crash into furniture; avoid fragile legs.
Tip: Use a lightweight, washable sofa cover (or custom slipcover) to protect the piece and make cleanup fast.
Smart storage for pet supplies
Keep pet food, treats, waste bags, and grooming tools in one place:
- A narrow kitchen cabinet or a pull-out pantry shelf for food and treats.
- A bench or trunk for toys and bedding.
- A small wall organizer by the door for leashes, harnesses, and poop bags.
Chewy and Petco deliver many pet essentials and offer subscription services so you never run out of food or litter — very handy for busy schedules. (chewy.com)
Controlling odor and hair — easy daily habits and tools
Daily habits beat weekly scrubbing:
- Wipe paws at the door with a washable mat or paw wipes.
- Use lint rollers and a pet hair brush daily to remove loose fur before it spreads.
- Vacuum with a pet-capable vacuum (Dyson and other brands offer models with pet hair attachments — Black Friday deals often make these affordable). (People.com)
- Use washable covers and mattress protectors in sleeping areas.
Air purifiers help with dander and smells — choose a model rated for your square footage.
Plants, safety, and what to avoid
Houseplants are lovely, but many common plants are toxic to pets. Lean on reputable lists (ASPCA’s toxic plant lists) when selecting greenery — and place plants out of reach or pick pet-safe species like spider plants, Boston ferns, and African violets. Always check a plant’s safety before bringing it home. (ASPCA)
Training and routine: design that supports good habits
Design helps training succeed. For example:
- Place bowls in the same spot to establish meal routine.
- Store toys in an open basket so your pet knows where to look.
- Use gates (pressure or mounted) to block stairs or rooms when needed — The Spruce Pets lists good options for apartment-friendly gates. (The Spruce Pets)
Gates, crates, and closed storage also protect new furniture while your pet learns house rules.
Solutions for common pet problems in small apartments
Problem: Your cat scratches the couch
- Offer multiple scratching posts and a tall cat tree. Place posts near the couch and use catnip or treats to attract use.
- Try furniture-friendly scratch guards or slipcovers.
Problem: Dog barks when you step out
- Create a calm “alone” spot with a comfy bed, a toy puzzle, and a shirt that smells like you. Practice short departures and return calmly to reduce separation anxiety.
- Consider white-noise or music apps for pets.
Problem: Litter smell in a studio
- Use a covered litter box with carbon filters, scoop daily, and place the box near a window or in a ventilated closet turned pet-zone. Litter subscription services (Chewy, Petco) can make replacing litter easier. (chewy.com)
Products that make small apartments more pet friendly (U.S. brands & where to buy)
- Chewy — wide selection of food, toys, litter, and auto-ships. Great for convenience. (chewy.com)
- Petco — in-store services, grooming, and curbside pickup for quick supplies. (petco.com)
- IKEA — washable sofa covers, affordable rugs, and simple pet-friendly furniture options. (IKEA)
- Ruggable (available on many U.S. retail sites) — washable rug systems that are a renter’s best friend. (New York Post)
- Cat trees / condos — find size-varied options on Chewy and Amazon; pick multi-level models for small spaces and tuck them into corners. (chewy.com)
- Pet gates — Frisco, Carlson, and other tested models are compact, adjustable, and renter-friendly. The Spruce Pets has recent buyer guides. (The Spruce Pets)
Case studies — simple real-life setups
Studio renter in Seattle (young professional + one dog)
Problem: No spare room, open layout, muddy paws in rainy weather.
Solution: A small entry mat for paw wiping, a pull-out bench near the door for leash storage and shoe removal, washable rugs in the living area, and a low-profile crate that doubles as a side table. Chewy subscription keeps kibble delivered and reduces trips out. Result: Cleaner floors and a calmer routine.
Couple in Austin (cat and small dog)
Problem: Cat needs vertical play; dog needs space to rest.
Solution: A corner cat tree and floating shelves across one wall give the cat climbing options. A compact sofa has a washable slipcover for easy cleaning. The couple added a slim, tall storage cabinet for pet supplies and a basket for toys. Result: Pets have distinct zones; less furniture damage.
Family in Phoenix (apartment with balcony)
Problem: Limited indoor space, but balcony available.
Solution: Pet-friendly balcony setup: non-toxic plants, a secured balcony screen, and a small shade awning. Indoor: a washable rug and a high-quality vacuum for hair. Result: Pets get outdoor time safely and indoor mess stays manageable.
Lease issues, fees, and legal basics
Many rentals allow pets but charge fees or set limits. Nationwide averages show renters often pay monthly pet rent and deposits; landlord policies vary widely by city and property. If you have an emotional support animal (ESA), federal housing rules may give you protections — but ESAs have specific documentation and limitations, so check current FHA guidance and local rules before assuming fee exemptions. Always document permission in writing and keep a copy of vaccination records handy. (New York Post)
Budget-friendly upgrades that make a big difference
- Washable slipcovers — $30–$150. Protect sofas and chairs. (IKEA)
- Small washable rug — $40–$200 (Ruggable and similar).
- Pet gate — $30–$150 for pressure-mounted gates. (The Spruce Pets)
- Corner cat tree — $50–$200 depending on size. (chewy.com)
- Subscription food/litter — predictable monthly cost, often discounts with auto-ship. Chewy and Petco offer these. (chewy.com)
Cleaning and maintenance routine (simple schedule)
- Daily: Scoop litter, brush pet, wipe messy paws.
- Weekly: Vacuum or sweep, wash small rugs and pet bedding.
- Monthly: Deep-clean slipcovers, mop floors, check for torn toys and remove hazards.
- Seasonal: Rotate toys, replace worn bedding, check microchip and vet records.
Travel and boarding tips for apartment dwellers
- Find a local vet and pet sitter network before you need them. Chewy and Petco both list local partners and services. If you travel often, budgeting for boarding or a trusted sitter is essential. Consider dog-walking apps and neighborhood Facebook groups to find reliable recommendations. (chewy.com)
Final considerations: safety, comfort, and simplicity
Designing a pet friendly apartment USA means balancing your life and your pet’s needs. Prioritize durable, washable materials, create clear zones for food and sleep, use vertical space, and keep daily habits simple. When landlords or guests visit, you’ll appreciate the calm, intentional setup that protects both your pet and your home.