58% of apartment rentals accept animals: How to maintain your property with a four-legged companion at home?

The conditions for renting an apartment in Chile are increasingly strict. And that’s it There are landlords who are more wary, due to their own experiences or those of loved ones with difficult tenants.

This puts those who have a four-legged friend in the family in difficulty: Many are forced to continue a long search for a rental where pets are accepted, and there is no shortage of the most daring who smuggle their little ones.

But the outlook is not as bad as you think. According to a recent study by the real estate broker Humou , 58% of apartment owners accept pets, a figure that has been increasing in recent years.

What yes, After signing a contract, we have to do everything in our hands and paws so that hopefully the next tenant can bring their pet as well. to enjoy apartment life.

This is the scenario of pets and rentals, and the recommendations of specialists for caring for the property where they live together.

Last year it came into force the new law on real estate co-ownership which establishes, among other things, that No building can prohibit the presence of domestic animals in apartments.

However, Don’t confuse them: owners can decide whether or not to allow animals. in rented apartments.

That said, Houm’s 2024 study showed that 42% of its users who rent through its platform prohibit the presence of animals, while 58% allow it.

But historical data shows a positive situation for animal lovers, since In 2019, only 22% of owners accepted animals in their rentals.

That’s to say, The current figures are more in line with modern life and families in the country, Well, according to the survey Cadem 8 out of 10 Chileans own at least one pet.

What about the figure that doesn’t allow pets in rentals? The most likely, according to Paola García, trainer of real estate advisors in Houm, is that There are owners who “prioritize property maintenance and avoiding damage.” This is a requirement that we also respect.

Good impressions and good examples could change the perception of those who trust others to take care of their service. As? Putting our feet to work to take as much care as possible of the places we rent.

“Dogs, cats or other types of pets can really adapt to apartment living. There are even several studies which reveal that it improves their quality of life,” he begins to explain to The third Keka Leiva , professional dog trainer and master’s degree in clinical ethology.

But it’s not just a matter of putting them in place and that’s it. According to the expert, There are different strategies that can be implemented into the routine of animals to avoid destruction and accidents that can damage property.

Fernando Carrasco, veterinarian of The cool dog house who assures L.T. What The damage that pets could cause depends on several factors. “For example, if we have a large breed pet in a small apartment, it will have high anxiety levels, especially if it doesn’t go out much.”

That’s to say, Stress, loneliness and boredom in pets are the main enemies of an apartment.

The two experts therefore agree on the fact that The most important thing will be to adapt and enrich the animals’ space. For example, If you have one or more cats, having scratching posts will be essential so that they do not attack the sofa, curtains or walls. If possible, it will be good to place the shelves high so that they can climb.

In addition, it is important to clean your litter box daily, not only to avoid bad odors in the apartment, but also to check that there are no health problems (for example, bloody stools). and to be able to act in time.

And of course, We must not forget safety nets, “because cats can jump great distances and cause some accidents” said Dr. Carrasco.

On the other handIf you have dogs, there are many cognitive stimulation games on the market in which, for example, the dog must try to get food. So, they have challenges that keep them busy and expend energy so as not to eat the TV remote later.

“One idea would even be to recycle egg cartons, cardboard, empty plastic bottles or comfort rolls and make a hole in the middle to put the food in. So, there is no need to buy a lot of them or spend resources on these activities,” suggested ethologist Leiva.

This would be the ideal activity, especially “if we have to go out to work, go shopping or go on a recreational outing.”

But It is essential to devote good time to the daily walk : “Often we go out with the dog to do his business and that’s it, and the walk is not enough so that the dog can de-stress and reduce its anxiety level.

And if the dog has a grass catcher (some trendy boxes that have grass so they can relieve themselves without having to wait for the walk), keep it clean and water it so urine doesn’t build up.

In addition, for both dogs and catsThis summer, it’s a good idea to freeze some of their toys “so they can entertain themselves and enjoy cooling off,” says Carrasco.

Regarding hygiene at home, with or without an animal, it must be done carefully and regularly to avoid bad odors. and possible infections.

“The dog is a dog and he will smell like dog. And the cat will smell the cat. Just like we have our smell, so do animals. But hygiene remains important. For example, there are guardians who change the dogs’ litter or grass more frequently, or who clean the sandbox often and prevent a strong odor from being felt,” explains Leiva.

However, the expert warns that The common practice among dog guardians of wiping dogs’ paws with wet towels after returning from a walk may not be the best idea. “It is not recommended to do a lot of sanitation, especially because the products, although natural, can irritate the dog’s skin and paws.”

“Having the skin always damp can cause excess dermatitis and fungus. It would be better to better control the route or the place where we take him for a walk.

AND To put an end to bad odors, such as urine, Leiva offers an enzymatic detergent, effective compared to human cleaning products “which mask the odor of our sense of smell, but the animal sense of smell continues to sense it”.

If despite the above, Your pet continues to get excessively dirty, destroying and breaking everything in its path, it is best to consult a trusted veterinarian, as sometimes this can be a health problem. and not just behavioral.