Home is where we can live in comfort with our loved ones. Finding an ideal home is important to all of us and we have multiple avenues to look for an abode. But for pet parents, the hunt for an ideal home can be a bit more complicated than just picking up the classifieds. There are many factors to consider before buying a home. These include:

Is the society pet friendly?

If you are looking at residential complexes, the first thing that you should know is whether the complex is pet friendly. Certain rules, such as cleaning up after pets in common areas, are to be expected and even welcomed. It shows the management’s understanding of pet behaviour and an overall push towards responsible pet parenting. However, excessive rules and regulations that curtail the movement of pets show an unwelcome attitude that can become troublesome. 

A good way to gauge people’s attitudes towards pets is by talking to other pet parents. You can find them on pet forums in your city or through your network. Ask them about rules regarding pets, if there have been disputes between pet parents and other residents, and how such disputes were resolved. Their experience will give you valuable insight into the society’s attitude towards pets. 

Are there walking trails or parks nearby?

Many pets, like parrots, guinea pigs, or fishes, are home-bound. Their habitat and movement is usually limited within the boundaries of the home. But dogs need outdoor exercise that includes walking, running, and playing. Residential complexes generally have walking trails and parks in the premises. If not, check if there are such areas near your home. Areas with very heavy traffic may not work in this case as you will be able to walk your dog only at dawn or when there is no traffic. Similarly, parks are also essential for dogs to play. 

Does it have a yard or an outdoor space?

If you are looking for an independent home, it may be worthwhile to pick a home with a yard, particularly if you have a dog. In the absence of a dog park nearby, a yard or garden is a great place for your dog to play. 

Is it located near your vet?

Some pet parents may want to live near their vet so that they can access support quickly in an emergency. There are typically not as many vets as there are doctors in a city. So, you might want to ensure that you can reach a vet quickly when needed.  

Stairs or lift?

If you have an elderly pet, particularly a dog, you may want to avoid stairs. If you have stairs inside the home, you will need to create a space for your pet on the ground floor.  In the case of an apartment, look for complexes with lifts. 

Do you have pet-friendly floors?

For obvious reasons, it’s best to avoid floors that scratch easily. Fluffy rugs or wall-to-wall carpeting are usually susceptible to stains and are hard to clean. Similarly, wooden floors may scratch easily. Look for floors that are easy to clean and scratch-proof. 

Know your society’s rules and regulations regarding pets

When living in a residential complex, it is always important to know the rules and regulations regarding pets. These can pertain to vaccinations, feeding spots, or cleaning up. While some rules can be expected, no management committee has the right to ban pets from living in the premises. You can read more on this subject in our article on Pets & apartments: Why they get to stay and you do too.

Find out more about the Rights and Responsibilities of pet owners here. 

To connect with other pet parents or to discuss issues regarding pets, you can also check out the ApnaComplex app for your society. The online platform has forums and communication groups where you can access important notifications, rules and regulations, and meet like-minded people.