Being a pet owner has numerous perks, but it also comes with a few hurdles, especially if you live in a rental. For one, you’re constantly worried about pet damage, and in the UK more than 85% of landlords have had their property damaged by pets.
Moreover, if you have to leave your furry friend home alone while you go to work or run errands, it’s likely that you also worry that your pet might get up to no good or cause a nuisance to your neighbours while you’re not around.
The Renters Reform Bill was introduced in May 2023 and has made finding a home easier for pet owners. Landlords are no longer able to issue a blanket ban on tenants living with pets, so we can expect to see more pet-friendly houses and apartments in the country, and pet-friendly communities are likely to be built in the coming years. But while rental apartments are about to become more welcoming to our furry pals, we still need to make sure that they’re on their best behaviour to avoid disturbing the neighbours and incurring the ire of landlords and property managers.
Being a pet parent who lives in a rented flat can certainly be challenging. Fortunately, new innovations on the market can help you keep tabs on your pet while you’re away and keep your landlord happy at the same time. Here are some of the best gadgets to have if you leave your pet alone in your rental.
Smart food dispenser
One thing that pet owners have to be aware of is how much noise their four-legged friends make. Dogs have a tendency to bark when they’re hungry, and according to experts, you’ll know that your pooch needs to be fed if the barking is continuous and maintains a steady pitch. Meanwhile, cats will meow excessively when they’ve decided it is meal time. If you don’t want your pet to cause a racket while you’re away, consider getting a smart food dispenser for your home.
This type of feeder can be programmed to dispense food several times a day, and you can schedule feedings according to your pet’s needs. Some smart feeders even come with a camera so you can monitor your pet remotely while they eat. Devices like the Cat Mate C200 Automatic Feeder, the PetSafe Six Meal Feeder, and the Aqara Smart Pet Feeder will keep your pet fed at the right times and prevent them from making too much noise while they’re alone at home.
Smart pet door
If your dog or cat is trained to go on bathroom trips outside, you’ll need to install a smart pet door to allow your pet to go in and out of your rental. This device works with an app and a collar tag so it can be programmed to automatically open when your pet approaches. You can also control the door remotely so it only opens at certain times, and track your pet so you know if they left or if they’ve arrived home. Some of the best smart pet doors in the market include the Pawport, the Plexidor Electronic Dog Door, the Cat Mate 254 Electronic Cat Door, and the High Tech Pet Products Automatic Pet Door.
Interactive pet toys
Some pets get bored if there’s no one to interact with at home. Bored dogs can engage in destructive and antisocial behavior, such as barking incessantly, chewing furniture, and digging into couch cushions. Bored cats tend to overeat, scratch furniture, and shred curtains and bedsheets. To keep your pet happy and simultaneously ensure that your rental stays in good shape while you’re out of the house, you need to provide a few smart or interactive toys.
Dogs would love something like the Kong Wobbler Interactive Treat Dispenser, which is a weighted toy that dispenses an edible treat through a small hole. Pooches also love educational toys like Nina Ottosson’s Puzzles, which are designed for dogs. Meanwhile, cats will absolutely adore the Valonii Laser Cat Toy, which is an automatic cat-safe laser that can be placed anywhere in your home. With this nifty gadget, cats of all ages will have a great time chasing and pouncing on the moving light until you get back home.
Leaving your pet at home in a rented house or flat can be worrisome. Thankfully, some smart gadgets and tech can help to keep your dog or cat fed and entertained, and even give them access to some outdoor time. Consider adding these gadgets to your home to keep your pet happy and avoid getting on your landlord’s bad side.
