Preparing Your Rental Home for a New Puppy: 8 Tips and Tricks

Photo credit: Conner Baker

Expecting a new arrival? We’re talking about the small and fluffy kind. While you probably can’t contain the excitement for your latest addition, it comes with extra planning, especially if you’re renting rather than owning your place. Once your landlord gives you the green light, it’s time to start prepping your space to make it as welcoming as possible for your new companion without breaking any rules.

Not sure where to start? We’ve got you covered with our top tips and tricks to make sure your home is pet-ready when it arrives.

Dog Kennel Fences

One way to keep your new pup safe and your rental property intact is by setting up a dog kennel fence. This keeps their play and living area contained, reducing the risk of them tearing up the garden and getting you in trouble.

These free-standing, purpose-built kennels come in various shapes and sizes, giving your dog plenty of space without feeling too confined. You can choose the size to suit you and your dog’s needs, whether you want something spacious like a 10×24 or a more compact 8×10 for a smaller breed. Some standout features of a dog kennel fence include polyurea smart flooring, shingle roofing, and poly decking, so you can rest assured of their fantastic quality.

Lay Down Fur-Free Mats

Photo credit: Giorgio Trovato

One of the tips we can give you for finding pet-friendly rentals from the outset is to consider the flooring. Remember, if you introduce a little puppy to your home, they will shed hair at some point. To avoid this from happening with your newest family member, lay down some fur-free mats.

Go for strong, durable fabrics like canvas or crypton. While something like a suede might tempt you, it has a huge reputation for soaking up fur, so stay clear.

Give Them a Feeding Station

Just like you enjoy having your own spot to eat, your pup deserves the same! An amazing solution for keeping their mealtime organized and mess-free is providing them with their own dedicated feeding station.

More and more homeowners are taking maintenance into account when it comes to pet ownership. About 39% have thought about opting for feeding stations for their furry companions to clean things up a little. All it takes is a small corner of your home. Buy a feeding set and a mat to keep the area clean, and your pup will be dining in Michelin-starred style in no time.

Set Boundaries

Setting clear boundaries for your furry friend is a great way to keep them out of areas in your rental that you’d rather they avoid. Since you likely won’t have the option to make major changes to the space, collapsible walls are a simple way to divide up rooms without any permanent additions.

If you’re easing them into having more freedom, a dog gate could work, too. It allows you to gradually introduce them to different rooms as they get better behaved. Once you can trust them in one area, all you have to do is move the gate to a new location until you’re comfortable letting them roam free.

Select Your Plants Wisely

Who doesn’t love a touch of greenery to brighten up their home? Plants bring that fresh, natural vibe we all love, but with a pup in the house, you’ll need to be a bit more mindful. Some plants, as beautiful as they are, can be toxic to dogs, so it’s essential to choose wisely.

Common household plants like begonias, daffodils, foxglove, and daisies can pose a risk to your little dog. If you have any of these, it might be time for a swap. Safer alternatives like fuchsias, camellias, or creeping thyme are better options, so you don’t expose them to any unnecessary danger.

Separate Cleaning Areas

You don’t want to be cleaning in the same area as your dog, do you? You might love them and all, but it’s important to keep some things in your home separate so you don’t catch any germs. Luckily, you can split up your cleaning spaces to ensure everyone gets their own designated washing area.

If you have a bathroom in the hallway or downstairs in your rental property, you could keep that specifically for your dog. Add as many pup-friendly products as you like, like a hand-held shower, splash guard, and towel rack for their stuff.

Don’t Forget Storage

Similar to us humans, pets have a lot of items that need to be stored away. If you don’t stay on top of this, you’re only setting yourself up for a messy home; imagine all those toys sitting around in your sitting room; it doesn’t sound like a pretty site.

These days, you can purchase all kinds of box storage units to keep things more tidy. Whether you would like a simple container with a lid for easy access or just want a small bucket, you’re spoiled for choice.

Get Your Hands on Some Blankets to Protect Your Funiture

Chances are, some of the furniture in your rental belongs to your landlord, and the last thing you want is your dog to damage it and end up with a bill. Protecting the furniture with blankets is an easy solution that will save you a lot of hassle in the future.

Let’s be honest: dogs will always gravitate toward the couch, even if they have their own bed. To keep them from wrecking anything, it’s smart to have a blanket on hand for when they want to snuggle up beside you. There’s no need to spend big; just grab a basic, waterproof type of cover just in case they can’t make it to the toilet.

Get Your Rental Home for Your New Puppy With These Tips and Tricks

Now that you’re all set with these handy 8 tips, you can prepare your rental for your new furry arrival. With just a little planning, you can make your space practically disaster-proof from their muddy paws.

Ready to find a rental home that’s perfect for you and your new puppy? Visit June Homes to explore flexible, pet-friendly rental options designed to suit your lifestyle!

Fully-furnished rooms and apartments with flexible lease. Apply today and move in tomorrow.