Use this checklist to ensure you're meeting your pet's needs in your apartment. The specifics vary by pet type, so focus on the sections relevant to you.
Daily Tasks — Dogs
- Morning walk/bathroom break
- Breakfast at consistent time
- Fresh water available
- Midday bathroom break (if possible)
- Evening walk and exercise
- Dinner at consistent time
- Play time or training session
- Final bathroom walk before bed
- Quick tidy of pet area
Daily Tasks — Cats
- Scoop litter box (morning)
- Scoop litter box (evening)
- Breakfast at consistent time
- Fresh water available
- Interactive play session
- Dinner at consistent time
- Evening play (before your bedtime)
- Quick check of pet areas
Weekly Tasks
- Wash food and water bowls thoroughly
- Wash pet bedding
- Complete litter change (cats)
- Thorough vacuuming of all areas
- Clean feeding area and floor
- Check supplies (food, litter, treats)
- Brush pet (frequency depends on coat)
- Clean litter box area surroundings (cats)
Monthly Tasks
- Wash pet toys
- Deep clean carpets/rugs as needed
- Clean litter box with soap (cats)
- Check collar fit and ID tags
- Review and restock supplies
- Clean pet carriers/crates
- Check scratching posts condition (cats)
Environment Setup
- Designated sleeping area established
- Feeding area set up (away from litter for cats)
- Litter box in appropriate location (cats)
- Scratching options provided (cats)
- Vertical space available (cats)
- Safe toys accessible
- Water bowl in consistent location
- Pet-proofing completed
Pet-Proofing
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- Electrical cords secured or covered
- Toxic plants removed or inaccessible
- Chemicals stored safely
- Small objects (choking hazards) secured
- Windows secure (especially for cats)
- Balcony enclosed if accessible
- Trash cans secured
- Medications stored safely
Neighbor Consideration
- Addressing noise issues proactively
- Pet leashed in all common areas
- Cleaning up immediately (always)
- Contact information shared with neighbors
- Aware of quiet hours
- Odors managed (regular cleaning)
Emergency Preparedness
- Pet has ID tags with current info
- Microchip registered and current
- Emergency contact for pet care identified
- Pet carrier accessible
- Basic first aid supplies on hand
- Veterinarian contact info accessible
- Pet-friendly evacuation plan considered
Consistency Is Key
The most important thing isn't completing every item perfectly—it's maintaining consistent routines. Pets thrive on predictability. Establish daily patterns and stick to them. Small, regular efforts prevent big problems.