It’s no surprise that pet-friendly housing in India is a tough call at all times. But at the same time, we love fluffy, four-legged companions. Being a dog person or a cat person takes one side when the other is societies and residential places that do not allow pets.

Over the past decade or so, millennial have majorly entered employment sectors. This has greatly changed lifestyles. With prices shooting up to the sky, millennial are prone to incline towards Paw-renting over parenting. Primarily because adopting and taking care of a pet is far less tough to maintain than a child. 

While the Indian government prohibits housing societies from evicting people who have pets or who feed stray animals, discrimination persists. Some reasons could be vague though most of them include poor hygienic conditions or damages that prior pet owners have created. 

Laws That Protect Pet Owners and Animal Lovers:

Animal Welfare Board of India has laid down guidelines that protect animal rights and give green signals to animal lovers. The basic ones that every animal lover must be aware of are:

• Under 51A (g), it is the duty of the citizens to take care of non-human citizens of the country. This includes animals.
• Resident Welfare Association (RWA) cannot legally propose a prohibition on the keeping of pets, even if a bulk of homeowners agree for it.
• People who feed street dogs are advised to vaccinate and sterilize the dogs as well.
• Govt. of India, Animal Birth Control Rules 2001 states that no sterilized dog must be relocated.

Pet-Proofing your House

If you already have a pet, you have probably faced your fair share of pet-related problems. If you are planning on getting a pet, you must consider pet-proof housing to make it as safe for them as it is for you. Pet-proofing house does not only secure it for the pet but also makes it look clean.

• Avoid Carpets or Rugs: 

Most housing in India do not have carpet flooring. Carpets have seasonal use and even so, are limited as pieces of attraction. This is a plus point as carpet flooring is tough to maintain. Carpets tend to get stained easily and are tough to clean. Pets, when not trained properly, dirty the rugs not only by defecation but also by shedding. Hardwood flooring is a preferable alternative to carpets.

• Avoid Open Wiring: 

The West has wiring sorted. Most of it is in their walls but that similarity remains absent in India. Open wires could get your pet caught up or fiddling with it. This is highly dangerous due to the risks of knocking appliances down or shocking your pet.

• Ensure That Your Trash is Covered: 

Uncovered trash bins are already unsanitary on their own. Having that in a house that has pets is worse if they meddle with it.

• Furniture Must Not Be Too High: 

If you have high furniture, make sure that your pets have steps to reach it. Not doing so might leave a lot of scratches around.

• Matching Upholstery: 

Certain breeds tend to shed more than others. While cleaning is always the answer, some strands can always be missed out. Moreover, constantly cleaning is not a possibility for people who work. Hence, having similar coloured upholstery like sofas, cushions, ottoman chairs to your pet’s hair colour could really save a lot of time.

• Pet-Proof House Plants: 

As modern interior decoration is gaining pace, indoor plants are getting popular. While they clean the air (along with their respective benefits) for us, they might be poisonous for your pet. Common plants like Aloe, Branching Ivy, Caladium, Chrysanthemum, Cornstalk, Fig Trees, Ivy Arum, and many more are deadly for pets, both cats and dogs. As a pet owner, you must do your share of research before you buy these plants or adopt a pet.

• Sharp-Ended Furniture Must Not Be Left, Naked: 

Pets, especially dogs, have a very playful nature. Running around in the house, they are prone to get injured by sharp-edged furniture.

• Store Fragile Displays High: 

This goes without explanation. If you have a pet dog, make sure your furniture is sturdy so little movements do not knock show pieces down. If you have a pet cat, having sturdy furniture might not be enough so you might need to store them in cabinets.

Also Read: 8 Must Have Amenities in Your Housing Society

• Sturdy Toys: 

Toys that break or tear easily could choke pets. Hence, sturdy toys for playful pets is a must.

The unconditional love and joy of a pet is an unparalleled feeling. Gift your pets the feeling of safety and security, pet-proof your house!