How to Find a Dog-Friendly Roommate

While finding a new roommate is undoubtedly a daunting task, finding a dog-friendly roommate is even harder. With that being said, it is a crucial part of the apartment search process, as we all want the best for our fur-babies.

Whether you’re moving to a new city or simply looking for a more affordable living situation, making sure that your dog feels welcome in the home is an absolute must. Below, we’ll be taking a closer look into how you can find a roommate who is not only a good fit for you, but for your dog as well. 

1. Start Early and Be Specific in Your Search

When you’re looking for a dog-friendly roommate, make sure that you start your search early. Not all roommates will be comfortable with having a dog in the household. By starting your search early, you will give yourself enough time to find the perfect fit.

More so, be very specific about your needs and wants by clearly stating that you have a dog. Make a note of the breed, size, and temperament of your dog, as some people may have specific preferences or concerns. For example, if your dog is very energetic or reactive, a potential roommate has the right to know beforehand.

You can also use online roommate-finding platforms to search for individuals who specifically list being pet-friendly. These websites, such as spareroom.com, allow you to filter your search, saving both your and any potential roommates time. 

2. Know What You’re Looking For in a Roommate

Before you start interviewing anyone, make sure that you know exactly what you’re looking for in a living situation. This includes not just the dog-friendly aspect but also other compatibility factors, such as lifestyle preferences, cleanliness, and personality.

Here are some questions that you could ask yourself before starting your search: 

• How much space does your dog need? Are you looking for a roommate who’s okay with sharing common areas with your dog, or do you need someone who will be more hands-off?
• What are your dog’s needs? If you have an active dog, it’s helpful to find a roommate who enjoys walking, running, or spending time outdoors, as they may be able to help out a bit, especially if you are often busy. 
• Are you looking for a roommate who also has pets? Sometimes, dogs do better when they have a companion.
• How flexible is your potential roommate with noise? If your dog barks or cries often, you’d be better off finding someone who is more laid back and flexible. 

3. Be Honest About Your Dog’s Behavior

Honesty is always the best policy. Some people are allergic to dogs, while others may not feel comfortable living with one due to past experiences or personal preferences. It’s important to remember that we are all different and just because you are a dog-person, it doesn’t mean that everyone is – and that’s okay! 

If your dog has specific behavioral issues, such as aggression or anxiety, it’s important to be upfront with potential roommates. If you have a puppy or a dog that is still in training, let your roommate know that there may be some occasional noise or disruptions as you work on training. On the flip side, if your dog is well-behaved, house-trained, and gets along well with others, make sure to emphasize this in your discussions with potential roommates.

Transparency about your dog’s habits will ensure that you and your roommate start off on the right foot. By lying about your dog or their temperament, you could end up living in a tense environment – and nobody wants that. 

4. Set Ground Rules Early On

Once you’ve found a potentially suitable roommate, you will need to set some basic ground rules for living with your dog. Just remember that your roommate also has every right to set their own ground rules. If you expect them to respect yours, it’s only fair for you to do the same for them. This can help avoid misunderstandings and conflicts down the line.

Some things to discuss with your new roommate are:

• Pet Care Responsibilities: Who will be responsible for feeding, walking, or bathing the dog? Be sure to ask if they mind helping out instead of just assuming. 
• Dog-Friendly Spaces: Are there any areas in the apartment that your dog is not allowed to enter, such as the roommate’s bedroom or the kitchen? 
• Noise Levels: If your dog tends to bark or make noise, discuss quiet hours or strategies for managing barking while your roommate is home. 
• Guest Policy: It’s also a good idea to talk about the guest policy, especially if your dog may have issues with strangers. Establishing clear guidelines for guests will ensure that nobody feels uncomfortable. 

Setting clear and agreed-upon boundaries from the very start will help in maintaining peace and harmony within your home. 

5. Discuss Financial Considerations

There’s no denying that dogs are expensive. Because of this, it’s important to discuss any financial aspects with your potential roommate before actually moving in together. This includes things such as pet food, additional rent for having a dog, and unexpected costs, such as a vet bill. Will you split the cost of these expenses or will the responsibility fall primarily on you as the initial dog owner?

By letting your potential roommate know about additional expenses beforehand and discussing the payment situation, you can avoid any arguments or tension down the line. Having a dog in the house is a great way to bring roommates together, but it’s also not fair to expect them to help out if it’s not actually their dog. 

6. Make Sure the Living Space is Dog-Friendly

Once you’ve found a dog-friendly roommate, you will need to make sure that the living space itself is suitable for both you, your dog and the new house member. This is especially important if your dog needs a lot of room to move around or has specific requirements for exercise and playtime.

Take the time to walk around the home and identify any areas that don’t look appropriate for your dog. Is there enough room for your dog to play and stretch their legs, while simultaneously having enough room for your roommate to have their own space? 

Active dogs would be better off living in a home with outside space, but this isn’t always an option. So, if you stay in an apartment, be prepared to take your dog out for walks often, as this will help them burn off energy and be more placid when at home with the roommate. 

If you’re looking for a shared living space, check that the shared spaces (such as the kitchen or living room) have enough room for everyone who lives there. 

7. Trial Period

If you find a roommate who seems like they may be a good fit, it’s always a good idea to set up a trial period before committing to any type of long-term living arrangement. This trial period will give both you and your roommate the chance to see what you are in for and if it is something that you can handle on a daily basis. 

During the trial period, make sure that you pay attention to how the roommate interacts with your dog and vice versa. If there are any issues that arise within the first few days, chances are it’s probably not going to work out. However, if everyone feels comfortable, including the dog, you may have found yourself a keeper!

Conclusion

Finding a dog-friendly roommate takes a lot of time and effort. However, with the right approach, you may end up finding yourself a life-long friend instead of just a roommate. By being clear about your needs and setting boundaries, you are likely to eventually find the perfect match – someone who loves dogs and may even offer to help out in any way. 

Using platforms like Spare Room can make your search for a dog-friendly roommate that much easier, giving you access to a large pool of potential roommates. There are even dog-friendly roommate-searching websites that can help narrow down your search that little bit further. 

Finally, be sure to start your search early, be honest about your needs, and make sure both you and your dog are set up for success in your new living situation!

Disclaimer: Articles in our Beyond category are independent. They are not overseen by our editorial team and may not reflect our opinion.