Tips For Renting a Home With Your Dog
As pet owners, we love our dogs more than anything, and we want to bring them everywhere we go. Sometimes that is easier said than done, especially if you plan to rent a home because you’ll not only need to take care of your pet as you normally would, but you will also need to remember the needs and expectations of your landlord.
If you are thinking of renting a house, then follow these helpful tips so you and your pooch can live in peace and comfort.
1. Find a Pet-Friendly Home
These days, many rentals are more accepting of pets, which is great, because if you know that your dog is allowed on the premises, then that will certainly take some of the stress off of your shoulders. While you are looking at websites for available rentals, make sure to click the filters so you can find the properties that state that they allow pets. Then, make a shortlist of what you find and go from there. Keep in mind that in most cases, you will need to pay an extra fee or a deposit to have a pet, so make sure that you create a budget ahead of time so you know what you can afford.
Landlords can charge this money in different ways. For example, a “pet fee” will likely be a one-time non-refundable payment, whereas a “pet deposit” is a fee that covers potential damage, and if there aren’t many issues, then you may get some of that money back when you move out. You may also be charged “pet rent,” which is a recurring cost that you’ll need to pay every month. Take the time to research ahead of time, so you know what to expect.
2. Make Them Comfortable
You will want to remember the needs of your pet during this entire transition. Many people get nervous about the idea of moving and living in a new place, and so do dogs. To make the change as easy as possible and avoid unnecessary commotion, you should get the dog used to the new home by bringing some of their favorite toys and sticking with their regular routines. It is also a wise idea to keep the dog by your side as you move, which will allow them to gradually get used to the space so it isn’t so jarring.
3. Avoid Backyard Damage
If you have a rental with a backyard, then caution will be necessary for this outside space. Not only are there potential dangers like fleas and ticks, but if your dog is especially rambunctious and they cause a lot of damage, then it will be unlikely that you’ll get your deposit back, and you could actually owe money. For that reason, it is smart to take the proper precautions.
That should start with ensuring that you have lids on your garbage and recycling cans, so your dog doesn’t use what’s inside it to cause havoc. If your dog loves to dig holes, then that could cause damage to the lawn, the plants, or the fence, so with the approval of your landlord, consider an alternative solution, such as installing a sandpit for digging. This is a place where you can put all of your pet’s toys and other favorite things, and they can dig to their heart’s content without causing an issue.
If the landlord says no, then you should consider bringing your dog to the park regularly so they can let loose and unleash that pent-up energy.
4. And Indoor Damage
While the backyard is important, a larger priority may be ensuring that your dog is well-behaved when they are indoors as well. If they bang up the walls and soil the carpets, then getting your deposit back may be close to impossible. So, make sure that your pet is restricted to one room while you are out of the house, and then let them move about while you’re at home, so things don’t get out of control.
If your dog does have an accident, then try to clean it up as soon as possible, so it doesn’t become a permanent stain. You can typically remove fresh stains with water and some paper towels. For older marks, you should start with an odor neutralizer and then use a cleaning product to remove the discoloration.
While it will likely be nearly impossible to avoid every stain or mark, you should be proactive to keep the rental in mostly tip-top shape.
5. Keep Them Smelling Fresh
On the topic of odors, you should also make it a point to do what you can to keep your pet smelling nice and fresh as often as possible. Remember that even though you are allowed to keep a dog in your unit, not every person who lives in or near the building will have a pet, so if they detect foul odors, they may complain, and you could be put in a tough spot.
While it is best to be proactive in this regard, if you are detecting a scent, then you can remove those pet odors from your home by throwing blankets and area rugs into the laundry. You can also spread a layer of baking soda over the problem areas. Let it soak for a couple of hours before vacuuming it up, and the space should smell fresh and clean.
Also, instead of just fixing odor issues as they occur, you can be proactive and place some fresh-smelling, dog-safe plants around the home. Plants like marigolds and African violets are a great choice because they look beautiful, and they’ll help to neutralize the smells of the area.
6. Visit the Vet
Throughout your stay, you must keep up with your regular veterinarian visits, so your dog stays current with their vaccinations. Not only will this keep them safe, but in the unfortunate event that your dog bites someone at a nearby property, it’s important to show them proof of all current vaccinations so you can put them at ease. Then, you should make sure that you help the victim with whatever they need, so they don’t come back to sue you or cause friction within the neighborhood later on.
In the end, living in a rented space with a pet can be a great experience, but you will need to take the proper precautions to avoid unnecessary issues around the home. Consider the tips discussed here, and you’ll make life easier for you and your landlord.
