A Comprehensive Guide for Pet Ownership in Bangalore

Table of Contents

• Introduction

• What is a Pet-Friendly Community?

• Best Pets for Home

• Finding Pet-Friendly Apartments in Bangalore

  • Pet-Friendly Amenities

  • Recent Guidelines

• Challenges in Renting Pet-Friendly Homes

  • Availability Issues

  • Deposit and Breed Restrictions

• Bengaluru’s New Pet Guidelines

  • BBMP Mandate Overview

• Pet-Friendly Design & Living Tips

  • Flooring and Materials

  • Outdoor Space

  • Activities and Toys

  • Safety Measures

• Making Your Home Safer for Pets

  • Pet-Proofing Techniques

  • Avoiding Toxic Plants

• The Sarjapur Advantage

• Conclusion

Introduction

India is seeing a huge rise in pet ownership, with 32 million pets currently, growing at over 12% every year. In 2021, India had over 27 million dogs, and by 2026, this number is expected to reach 43 million, showing how more and more people are welcoming pets into their lives.
According to a study, 6 out of 10 urban Indians own a pet, with Millennials and Gen Z leading this pet revolution. Cats and dogs are the most popular pet choices, followed by birds, fish, and hamsters. Another major shift in mindset, quite evident among Millennials and Gen Z, is that they consider their pets as their family members and proudly identify themselves as pet parents. With this growing pet-parent community, builders and developers in Bangalore are catching on, making it easier for pet parents to find their ideal homes.

Why is a Pet-friendly Community Important?

Homes equipped with features that facilitate pet care, such as designated play and exercise areas and easy access to parks and open spaces, are considered pet-friendly communities. Finding pet-friendly communities is crucial because many housing societies don’t allow pets or have strict rules about it. Modern Spaaces values and understands that pets are integral members of households and are influencing home-buying decisions for many individuals. We have made conscious efforts to create an inclusive, safe, and comfortable living environment for both residents and their pets; hence, all our projects are pet-friendly.

Best Pets for a Home in India

Low-maintenance fish, small birds, hamsters, and guinea pigs offer a playful presence with a relatively low maintenance commitment. However, be sure to provide them with a properly set-up cage to ensure their well-being.
For those who prefer furry friends, the best pet dogs for a home are Indian breeds popularly known as Indie dogs, as well as foreign breeds such as German Shepherds, Golden Retrievers, Labradors, Pomeranians, and Pugs. These are popular picks because they are quite intelligent, easy to train, and highly adaptable to apartment living. Additionally, adopting an Indie breed can be highly rewarding, as they tend to be healthier and more resilient to local climates and diseases compared to foreign breeds.

Finding an apartment that is pet-friendly is easier than ever in Bangalore, the most pet-friendly city in India according to recent surveys. Many gated communities and villas boast pet-friendly features and amenities, as long as responsible pet ownership is practiced. Recent guidelines from the Animal Welfare Board of India favor keeping pets in apartments and societies. Here’s what this means for pet parents:

• No Ban on Pets :

  RWAs don’t have the authority to ban pets, even if most residents vote for it.

• Responsible Ownership :

  While barking might be a concern, it’s not a reason to restrict pets altogether. Responsible pet ownership, including proper training and addressing excessive barking, is key.

• Bylaws Overruled :

  Society bylaws cannot enforce pet bans. Your right to have a pet is protected

Why is it Difficult to Rent a Pet-Friendly House?

While it’s becoming easier to find pet-friendly apartments for rent, there can still be challenges:

• Limited Availability :

  Not all buildings have pet-friendly amenities, so the selection of pet-friendly options might be smaller compared to non-pet-friendly options.

• Higher Deposit :

  Some landlords might require a higher security deposit from pet owners to cover potential damage.

• Breed Restrictions :

  Some buildings may have restrictions on certain dog breeds due to size or potential temperament concerns.

Bengaluru’s New Guidelines for Pets and Feeding Community Animals

In an effort to promote responsible pet ownership and humane treatment of community animals, BBMP (Bangalore Bruhat Mahanagara Palike) introduced new guidelines on 26 th September 2024. Here is a breakdown of the new mandate.

Instructions for Pet Parents

• Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs) :

  Ensure that bylaws support animal welfare and do not harm pets. RWAs must allow pets in common areas and lifts, though leashes are required, muzzles are not.

• Pet Ownership :

  Associations cannot ban pets. Citizens have the right to care for the environment and choose pets.

• Pet Care :

  Owners should maintain pets with regular grooming, deworming, vaccinations, and neutering.

Instructions for Feeding Community Animals

• Feeding Hours :

  Feeding is restricted between 11:30 p.m. and 5 a.m.

• Food Choices :

  Avoid raw meat and sugary biscuits, as they can cause hyperactivity in dogs.

• Consistency :

  Feed animals regularly to reduce restlessness and aggression.

• Waste Management :

  Do not leave leftover food on the roadside to prevent rodent issues.

• Timing and Location :

  Refrain from feeding during busy public times to prevent potential aggression.

• Human-animal coexistence :

  Public institutions should avoid scaring away animals and consider designating feeding areas.

Pet-Friendly Design & Living: Tips and Ideas

• Suitable Flooring :

  When choosing flooring for your pet, prioritize their safety and well-being. Avoid slippery flooring options like polished wood and laminates, as they increase the risk of injuries from slipping. Invest in flooring that can handle your pet’s playful antics. Look for tiles or hardwoods with a textured surface for better traction and scratch resistance.

• Easy Maintenance Materials :

  Pets can be messy, so investing in easy-to-clean materials is essential. Fabrics like Crypton and microfiber excel at repelling stains and spills. Leather or high-quality leatherette adds elegance and is also easy to maintain. These materials can be cleaned with a simple wipe-down, ensuring your furniture stays fresh. Their durability allows them to withstand scratches and claws, making them ideal choices for pet-friendly households.

• Custom-Outdoor Space :

  Make sure your terrace or balcony is completely secure. Invest in sturdy fencing or netting to create a safe space for your pet to explore. For pups with a strong burrowing instinct, consider creating a designated digging area filled with sand or shredded paper. This provides a safe outlet for their natural digging urges and protects your precious landscaping. Create designated areas for your pet to roam and explore. This could involve planting pet-friendly grasses or providing climbing structures for adventurous ones.

• Engaging Activities & Toys :

  Keeping your furry friend entertained is key to preventing boredom and destructive behaviour. Invest in a variety of toys like rubber chews, scratching posts for feline friends, climbing structures for adventurous climbers, or activity tunnels to spark their curiosity. Opt for decorative baskets or bins that complement your home’s decor. These stylish storage solutions keep toys organized and easily accessible with open tops, allowing your pet to grab their favourites for a fun-filled play session whenever the mood strikes. With a little planning, you can create a space that’s both stimulating for your pet and aesthetically pleasing for you.

• Wallpapers and paints :

  Pets, like toddlers, love to explore, which can lead to messy and scratched walls. Consider opting for pet-proof wallpaper – these innovative materials are designed to withstand playful swats and adventurous claws. Alternatively, wipeable paints paired with sealant coatings give you the perfect result. These solutions allow you to effortlessly wipe away messes without compromising the beauty or integrity of your walls or furniture.

How to Make Your House a Safer Place for Pets?

Ensuring your home is a safe environment for pets is crucial for their well-being. Here are some pet-proofing techniques:

• Cover Sharp Edges and Corners :

  Like children, pets can injure themselves on the sharp edges of furniture. Use corner guards or covers to eliminate potential hazards.

• Pet-Safe Floor Cleaners :

  Avoid harsh chemical cleaners that can irritate your pet’s paws and respiratory system. Opt for natural, pet-safe options like neem-based herbal cleaning agents.

• Designated Space :

  Create a designated area for your pet, whether it’s a cozy corner for resting or a play area with toys. Having their own space helps them feel secure and reduces the chances of accidents.

• Avoid Toxic Plants :

  Many common household plants can be harmful to pets. Choose pet-safe alternatives instead. If you have existing toxic plants, relocate them to areas your pet can’t reach.

  • Aloe Vera: Toxic to pets, causing gastrointestinal upset.

  • Philodendron: Toxic to pets, can cause oral irritation and vomiting.

  • Pothos (Money Plant): Toxic to pets, can lead to oral irritation and gastrointestinal issues.

  • Snake Plant (Sansevieria): Toxic to pets, may cause nausea and vomiting.

  • Peace Lily: Toxic to pets, can cause oral irritation, difficulty swallowing, and vomiting.

  • Jade Plant: Toxic to pets, can cause vomiting and lethargy.

  • Lilies: Highly toxic to cats (even small amounts can cause kidney failure), and can cause vomiting and diarrhea in dogs.

Opt for pet-safe alternatives. If you have existing plants that are potentially toxic, relocate them to areas your pet can’t access, like high shelves or hanging planters.

• Feeding Area :

  Designate a specific area for feeding your pet to minimize mess and prevent them from accessing human foods like chocolates, onions, raisins, and garlic which can be poisonous or hazardous. Invest in good quality crate bowls for dogs because they are spill-proof, space-saving, and help train the dog for easy access to food and water.

• Safety Precautions :

  Take preventive measures such as securing cabinets with pet-proof locks to prevent access to harmful substances, keeping electrical cords out of reach, and installing window screens to prevent falls.

The Sarjapur Advantage

Sarjapur Road emerges as the perfect choice for pet parents due to the presence of numerous pet-friendly establishments. The area not only offers urban conveniences but is surrounded by lakes and green zones, making it an ideal location for those seeking a balanced and pet-friendly lifestyle. Sarjapur Road stands out as an ideal destination for homeowners who adore their pets, thanks to its diverse array of pet-friendly services tailored to meet every need. Whether you seek pet-friendly dining spots, a lavish pet spa, engaging in activities for a day out, or reliable boarding facilities when travelling, Sarjapur Road has you covered.

• Mighty Paws :

  A cozy cafe with affordable continental dishes located on Kasavanahalli, Sarjapur Road. Their welcoming atmosphere extends to your furry friend, so you can both enjoy a delicious meal together.

• Zoey’s :

  Located in Kodathi, Sarjapur Road, this rustic-chic spot offers Italian cuisine in a pet-friendly environment.

• Paws Paradise Dog :

  Comprehensive canine care solutions, including training, spa treatments, access to a swimming pool, daycare, and boarding services located in Sarjapura.

• Wille’s Pet Paradise :

  Bangalore’s largest doggy playground in Mullur, Sarjapur Road, offering amenities such as a spacious indoor-outdoor cafe, luxurious boarding options, spa treatments, and a well-stocked pet shop.

• Tug Of Fur pet store & spa :

  offers pet grooming and spa services with a nearly perfect 4.8-star rating on Google Maps.

In conclusion, the trend of pet-friendly living in Bangalore is on the rise and is expected to continue growing. With more people in the city embracing pet ownership, developers are adapting to this niche market, offering a variety of housing options and amenities to create a harmonious living environment for both residents and their pets.

Modern Spaaces embraces a progressive approach, evident in our pet-friendly projects and the amenities provided. This extends to our office culture as well, with Snoopy serving as our mascot!

Ready to find a forever home for you and your furry friend?

Explore pet-friendly homes with Modern Spaaces. Visit our experience center today or explore online at www.modern spaaces.com.