If you’ve been following my blog for any length of time, you’ll know that we live in a highrise condo in South Florida (specifically Ft. Lauderdale but we have a gorgeous view of Miami as well). I’ve lived in highrises since I’ve been here, so I have a pretty good idea of what works and what doesn’t as far as condo living goes. I love to talk about my decor on the blog, but what about the animate objects in your home, of course the people, but more importantly, the pets!
Living communally for so many years I have really strong opinions on what works for condo and beach living and what doesn’t. While we are the proud owners of two Siamese cats, I love dogs too of course. Cats are cats, they can only get so big, but if you’re going to be taking advantage of the glitz and glam of condo living, in my opinion small dogs, like chihuahuas, are the way to go! Of course you can’t give up your existing pet if you move to a highrise, but if you’re in the market for adopting or rehoming a pet, I’ve found the most fantastic resource, Get Your Pet. Get Your Pet is kind of like Tinder for pets, which sounds terrible, but it’s actually awesome. You can browse all pet types and breeds, from Labradors to Chihuahuas, see their (adorable) pictures and read about their personalities from actual owners.
I have some strong opinions on the breeds that are ideal for condo living, probably my favorite is the chihuahua. According to the American Kennel Club, the chihuahua is “a tiny breed with a huge personality”. You definitely, definitely have to train them not to bark (barking is a definite no no in condo living), but the short-haired ones hardly shed at all, you can scoop them up and take them easily down in an elevator, and if you’re living in Miami or a similar climate like me, you don’t ever need a sweater for them either.
One of the mistakes I see people make is to adopt or rehome a large breed, like a Lab or Golden Retriever, while living in a small space. I can’t tell you the number of times I have seen people with these large dogs cooped up in a small condo on a high floor, pacing the balcony. I don’t know a ton about dogs but I do think that larger breeds really need a backyard and space to run around unless you’re committed to exercising them vigorously daily. The other thing I see in South Florida is people with huge, furry dogs like Huskies or Sheepdogs! Oh my gosh! It is soooo hot here year-round! I feel so bad because these poor dogs always look like they are so miserable outside. Unless you have one already, don’t do it!
I also feel strongly about pet adoption. I’ll admit, our two cats came from a breeder because I really wanted Siamese back when we got them, but little did I know there’s a whole nationwide network of Siamese cat rescues, and when my babies are gone, I’m definitely going this route. I know that rescue animals are definitely not without their issues (imagine if someone snatched you up out of your home and dropped you in a shelter or strange place), but if you have the patience and time, adopting a pet is really the most humane option.
I’ll go back to my decorating posts now (you can read all about my solution (hint: flokati throws) to pets biting and clawing furniture here, and I would love to hear from you if you have any tips on adopting or rehoming pets, leave me a comment below!
26 Responses
You are such an inspiration human. I love your articles. All of them! In every post you write something spectacular 😉
Thank you so much Radownisia! I really appreciate it! I try lol!
Wow! This site looks amazing! It can be so hard to find the right fit, but this makes it so easy.
Thanks so much for reading Giulianna! If you could see my condo up close you would see a lot of cat hair but otherwise yes, we love our adopted babies!
It’s a great program! Like Tinder for pets (but nicer!). Glad you checked it out!
I am such a big fan of rescue/adoption! I have yet to get my own pet but when I do I am definitely going the adoption route!
Totally! I would definitely consider the climate and size of your home before adopting, but absolutely, there’s a pet for everyone!
I feel so strongly about adoption that I’ve even adopted myself! This is such a great article, thanks for the read!
Incredible Website! With such a wide selection there’s a pet for everybody and they all look so cute!
Ha ha yes they are all adorable! There are so many unwanted pets out there, adoption is definitely the way to go and there are really a lot to choose from.
I live in an apartment and I really want to adopt a pet. Super appreciate your tips on avoiding raising large dogs in small spaces, I would hate to keep them cooped up! Giving Get Your Pet a look, hopefully I can find a new member of the family!
Yes! I think climate and space limitations are so important, it’s funny because we had a cold snap here in Ft. Lauderdale last week and I saw a husky dog just literally jumping for joy and I thought wow, that dog is probably miserable 99% of the year! I’m sure you’ll find the right fit for you Rissa thanks for reading!
I am looking into adopting a dog so I’ll be sure to check out Get Your Pet! I love that you described it as Tinder but for pets lol.
Ha ha yes! I’m glad you got it, it really is like Tinder bc you can swipe through to find your perfect pet, but hopefully they would be with you for a lifetime not just a one-night stand lol!
Wow your high rise condo looks gorgeous! I am a cat lover myself and I think they are the perfect family members because they are so independent! I agree with adopting smaller dogs for condo living!
Thank you! Our cats love being up high! And yeah, small dogs like chihuahuas or pekingnese are great for high-rises but you just have to teach them not to bark lol!
Lately with people re imaging how big dogs are seen, I’ve seen lots of people have big dogs in small spaces. Younger people even take them to live with them in collage sized apartments. Which as we know are never really big enough for dogs of that size.
They totally do. I can see if you already have a pet and have to move to a smaller place but like, if you own a small condo, don’t get a big dog!!!
When adopting pets, as you mentioned throughout your article, it is so important to not only consider how well you and your dog will get along, but how well the dog will get along with your space. You did an excellent job describing what an adopter’s thought process should be!
Thank you Paul! It’s so true! I think most people actually live in a house with a yard where it’s not a huge deal but when you live in a big city like Miami, a lot of us live in smaller condos so definitely important to consider how your space will fit with your adopted pet! Thanks for reading!
I think adopting is the best choice because there are so many dogs out there waiting for a good home. Loved the article! Thanks!
Yes! There are so many unwanted ones out there, it’s great to help! Thanks for reading Madison!
Thanks for the great read, I hope one day I can adopt a pup!
If not a pup, get a kitty! Cats make great pets too and there’s tons up for adoption, always! Thanks for reading!
Your home… is.. gorgeous….where did you get those fur throws from?
Thank you so much Tabitha! Believe it or not, either Homegoods or TJ Maxx, they usually have them around Christmastime in particular but sometimes they have them on sale afterwards, the key is to get the actual throw ones, with the uneven edges, don’t get the square-edged ones if you want to use them as throws because they look weird. They’re usually in the rug section. I have been able to find them every year!