There’s a lot of planning that goes into your move to a new city. You spend hours researching the place, looking at PG and hostel listings, checking reviews, and talking to friends and family who live there. And then D-Day arrives. You gather all your belongings, say goodbye to your parents, hire packers and movers in Hadapsar, Pune, and are ready to set off on your new adventure with your four-legged friend.
A new city, and so much to explore, you just can’t wait. But hold on, you just found out that the PG that you booked has a no-pets policy. There’s no way you’re going to leave your pet behind, but at the same time, you don’t know what to do. You feel all your grand plans start to crumble.
If you’re worried about facing a similar situation, hold on to your hats. Yes, moving to a new city like Pune with a pet can be a little tricky but it’s not impossible. There is a variety of paying guest options and hostels that you can book that do allow pets. So, if you’re looking for a place for yourself and your furry friends, we’ve got a guide to finding pet-friendly accommodation that will definitely help you out.
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When you’re on the lookout for a pet-friendly place, you might be a little lost as to where to start. That’s why you have to be strategic in your search. Of course, doing a quick check of pet-friendly accommodation options online can be a good starting point, but reaching out to resident managers or brokers who own pets themselves or who have found apartments for other pet-owners may narrow your search.
Reach out to friends and family members who share your love for animals and ask them for any leads. You could even approach a pet store or animal shelter in the neighborhood that you’re planning to live in and see if they’ll be willing to guide you. If a particular place that you shortlist isn’t very overt about their policy make sure you double-check it first before making any deposits or signing any contracts.
Don’t try to turn a no into a yes
Sometimes you may fall so in love with a flat or a PG that you want to settle there despite their restrictions against pets. In such a situation, it’s best not to try to force them to accept your application. There may be many reasons for which a landlord rejects tenants with pets such as damage to property or even previous negative experiences.
Especially, if there is a housing corporation or a managing committee that’s taking the decision, you’re unlikely to be able to shift their point of view. However, if you’re dealing with an individual landlord or if your building allows some pets and not others, you might have a better chance of success if you prove yourself to be a responsible pet owner.
Provide evidence of your responsibility
You may be a great pet parent and potential tenant, but your landlord doesn’t know that. You need to gather proof of how responsible you can be as a pet owner so that they have no reason to reject you. Some documents that can work in your favour include a reference letter from your current landlord, documentation that your pet has been trained by a professional, a note from your vet, stating that you’ve been up to date on vaccinations and sterilization, etc. These documents will act as proof that your pet is less likely to be disruptive or a nuisance, helping you get the accommodation of your choice.
Bring your pet with you to view the property
If you’ve found a place that’s pet-friendly on paper, it’s a good idea to bring your pet along with you during a viewing or apartment tour. This will give you an idea about how your pet reacts to the building, whether the weather and the flooring are suitable for the animal, what modifications you might have to make to ensure your PG or flat is better suited for your pet, and more.
If the accommodation is small or has several steep flights of stairs, you might also have to consider practical constraints like space for a litter box or how much time it’ll take you to walk your dog. Taking your pet with you when you view a property will help you get a better idea of what to rule out.
Prepare to pay a higher price
There are no two ways about it. Finding a great pet-friendly place will be a little pricier than renting any of the regular PGs in Pune. Your landlord might charge you a slightly higher rent or an additional security deposit for your pet, and you’ll also have to invest in any modifications you need to make to your accommodation to make it safe for your pet.
Your furniture and other items are also likely to undergo more wear and tear so you might have to bear the cost of maintenance or repair. So, make sure you’re budgeting for these additional costs when you’re planning to move with your pet to a new paying guest accommodation.
And there you have it. These simple tips will help you find accommodation that’s perfect for you and your pet in Pune. So, go ahead and put them into action.
