Top Tips on how to Pick the Right Property for you and your pets
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By Bryony Van Niekerk
Finding a property to rent or buy that fits your needs is hard enough. Add pets into the mix and suddenly the challenge becomes ten times more complicated. These days it feels like more and more places are either not pet-friendly at all, or they come with a long list of restrictions; size, breed, number of pets… you name it. It doesn’t seem to matter whether it’s a complex, duet or estate. In a country where the majority of households have pets, particularly dogs who also offer the added benefit of security, it’s quite perplexing that we seem to be becoming less and less pet-friendly. Unfortunately, this has a ripple effect. Many people are forced to give up their pets when they cannot find suitable accommodation, placing even more strain on already overwhelmed SPCAs and animal shelters.
Anyway, just like Brent Lindeque from Good Things Guy, I digress.
Searching for a new home is a very exciting experience but it can be a bit daunting when taking everything into consideration. For you, it might be proximity to work, schools and shops. For your pets, it’s a completely different checklist, things like whether there’s enough space to run around, or whether the property sits on a busy road that could be dangerous for a wandering cat.
So, before you fall head over heels for the first place with a cute kitchen and a decent braai area, here are a few important things to consider in ensuring it works just as well for your pets.
LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION
Choosing a location is one of, if not, the most important aspects of picking a property. Some neighbourhoods in South Africa are simply more pet-friendly than others, so if you have some flexibility, spend time exploring different areas before making a decision.
Things to take note of are pavements, parks and pet supply stores. The pavement point might sound strange, but some areas don’t have them at all which can make walking your dog quite dangerous, especially if it’s a fairly busy street or neighbourhood.
A local park is also a major draw card, particularly if it is fenced. Having a safe space where your dog can stretch their legs can make a huge difference and may even compensate for having a slightly smaller garden at home.
GET THE RULES UPFRONT
I have seen this happen time and time again. Pet policies in complexes and estates are not always explained in detail and everything seems fine until you’ve signed the lease, moved in and settled down, and then suddenly a nosy neighbour or the HOA appears at your door informing you that you’re in violation of the rules.
Always ask for the official pet policy and get written permission for your pets before signing any lease or purchase agreement. This protects you from unpleasant surprises later on.
OUTDOOR SPACES
Suitable perimeter fencing that your pets cannot squeeze through or jump over is the obvious one here, but there are many other things to consider as well. Is there enough shade or a place for them to shelter from inclement weather when you aren’t at home?
Take a moment to look at the plants in the garden too. Some popular garden plants can be toxic to dogs and cats, so it’s worth checking before your pet decides to sample the landscaping.
If the property has a swimming pool, make sure it is properly fenced, particularly if your pet hasn’t grown up around water. Pets can easily fall into a pool and panic if they cannot find a way out.
It’s also worth considering the neighbours. Do they have pets? And if so, how secure is the boundary between the properties? A solid brick wall is ideal as it prevents animals from seeing and interacting with each other. Palisade fencing, on the other hand, is far less ideal. Smaller pets can be pulled through the gaps, and the “devil fork” tops can pose a serious injury risk
BUILT IN FEATURES
While outdoor space is important, the inside of the house matters too.
Practical features such as easy-to-clean flooring like tiles or sealed hardwood are often preferable to plush carpets, which tend to trap pet hair, smells and muddy paw prints.
Another popular trend for pet owners is walk-in wash stations for dogs. This is a wonderful addition to any pet-friendly home, but especially for owners of
large breeds that can’t easily be lifted into a bath, or in older homes that don’t have a suitable shower.
If you’re considering an apartment or a home with a balcony, make sure railings and windows are secure. Cats in particular are incredibly curious and can squeeze through surprisingly small gaps.
