A few years ago it was problematic to find an apartment complex in a main Indian city that would rent to pet owners. Pets were not welcome with authorities mentioning a variety of reasons some valid and some flimsy. Though no law prohibitions people from having pets, and Resident welfare associations have no power to throw out denizens with animal companions.
Today, it is stress-free to find an apartment complex with pet-friendly features and facilities. Acceptance of pets has become more common in both old colonies as well as forthcoming building complexes. Building complexes in localities like Koramangala in Bengaluru, now welcome pets as long as owners warrant hygiene and no trouble to other residents.
The newest rules passed by the Animal Welfare Board of India are in favour of keeping of pets in an apartment or a society. Some of the major points covered by these guidelines are:
• No RWA has the right to prohibition a denizen from keeping pets.
• This ban cannot be compulsory even if a majority of people are in favour of this ban.
• A ban on a pet cannot be based on null and void reasons like a dog barking.
• A ban cannot be hosted regarding the size of pets in a society.
• No society by-law or regulation can authenticate a pet-related ban.
Pet-friendly housing features
But with the changing demographics and rising demand for pet-friendly housing, developers and architects are integrating pet facilities in the design of individual homes. Apartment developments coming up in Bengaluru now feature rooms with pet-sized furniture, custom-built cabinets for food bowls and nooks with heated window seats. There are some complexes that even come with a dog pool separate from the people pool.
Developers are also making special rooms for pets like veterinary clinics, day boarding, dog-walking services, grooming stations, miniature dog parks, and rooftop dog walks with special cleaning systems. Some builders are adding insulation between walls and floors to soften pet noises, mainly barking.
Smart devices to watch over pets
The improvisation of smart technology and home automation has added another dimension to pet-friendly features in apartment buildings. Latest mobile applications allow you to set up cameras in your apartment so you can use your smartphone to check up on your pets while you are away at work.
With the help of these smart gadgets, you can also lessen some of your own fears about what your pet does when you are away.
Technology is also simplifying communication with your pets even if you are not at home. Dual mode pet monitors not only keep a watch over your pet’s activities but also let you communicate with them. All you have to do is turn on the mic on your phone, and your pet can hear you at home and react to you in real time.
Conclusion
After many years of prohibiting companion animals, apartment complexes in many major Indian cities are now accepting and welcoming them. Some developers have even started using pet-friendly features as a marketing gimmick to promote their properties.
Like any additional facility or amenity, pet accommodations experience extra investments and maintenance costs. However, pets are like family and most owners will do anything for them, when it comes to keeping them happy and healthy, irrespective of cost.