Everything you need to know about renting and owning property with pets

Many animal lovers believe that pets are an extension of their immediate family, so when it’s time to move, their furry four-legged friends are moving too. This means looking for a property that is pet friendly, which can be difficult to do when many properties have a strict ‘no pets allowed’ policy.

If the landlord or body corporate doesn’t allow pets on the premises as per the lease agreement or rules, it’s best to follow guidelines to avoid any possible misunderstandings.

Some landlords allow pets on the premises and sectional title properties that allow pets will request written permission from the body corporate. While this is so, it’s important to know what types of pets are allowed, as rules may only allow certain types of pets but prohibit others. For example, some landlords and body corporates allow cats, but prohibit having a dog on the premises.

It’s important to know what type of animal to get. Certain types of animals may not be suited for certain spaces. For instance a big dog in a one-bedroom apartment with no garden space is not suitable, so choose accordingly.

The pet needs enough space to adjust to its new environment. Any hazards that the pet could come in contact with must be put away. For example potted plants, which need to be kept away from the animal as certain plants can be poisonous.

It is important that the animal is vaccinated. This will prevent the animal from picking up preventable diseases from other animals and possibly spreading them.

Regular visits to the vet and ensuring that the animal is spayed or neutered is right up there with vaccinations. Animals that aren’t spayed or neutered tend to make a lot of noise, especially during mating season and this could be frustrating for neighbours.

A clean environment is also important, as pets are messy and can often leave odours. A regular cleaning of carpets, couches and other furniture is necessary to remove dirt and fur.

Ensure that the animal doesn’t damage property. If the animal damages any property, alert the landlord and get it fixed. Training your pets can be beneficial in helping you manage their behaviour, especially if you own a dog.