How to Make Your House Pet Friendly

It’s no secret that COVID-19 saw a huge increase in the number of pets joining households around the world. Whether you currently have pets or are deciding to add a furry friend to your family, this can impact your search to buy real estate in Malta or Gozo. Not all Malta properties are perfectly suited to having furry friends. So how can you turn your current or future home into a safe haven for your animals?

Whether it’s a gorgeously converted house of character, a luxurious penthouse apartment, or even a cosy ground-floor maisonette we are talking, there are ways to adapt your home to better accommodate your pets. And we’ve listed our favourite ones for you down below.

1. Carefully consider your flooring

Before buying a furnished house for sale in Malta or when selecting the flooring for your Malta property, we recommend selecting an option that is cool, firm, and easy to clean. For instance, tiles are relatively scratch-proof, easily washable, and offer a fresh place for your pet to snooze – perfect. Crisp wooden floors are another great alternative. Carpets on the other hand? Big no-no. That is unless you’re OK with pet hair and unwanted pests inhabiting your carpets and giving you allergies. 

2. No white, no way

This may seem obvious but always bears repeating. If you’ve got pets in your home (or are considering taking that step in the future after buying a hot property for sale in Malta), white finishings are never a good idea. Instead, opt for warmer-toned fabrics that won’t dirty too easily, and won’t contrast with the colour of your pet’s fur too much. Additionally, smooth fabrics like leather (for sofas) are ideal too, since they don’t absorb odours, and can easily be wiped down. 

3. Plants are poison! Not always, but they can be

That’s right, sometimes the most harmless-looking plants can wreak havoc on the insides of your furry companions if ingested. So, make sure you’ve thoroughly researched the plants in your home and established whether they are harmless to animals. If not, ensure your houseplants are safely placed out of reach to avoid any unexpected surprises.

4. Chemical caution

Your pets are likely to stick their mouths and noses anywhere and everywhere, which means that you need to be particularly vigilant about the kinds of products you let into your Malta property. After all, you don’t want them swallowing any harmful chemicals. 

Luckily, nowadays, there are loads of organic, pet-friendly alternatives to the more harmful cleaning substances on the market. And, if you’re struggling to find your chosen products locally, take your search online! A bit of e-shopping never hurt anybody. 

5. Beware of electrical hazards

Just like babies, your pets will bite into pretty much anything – including dangerous wires attached to electrical supplies scattered in your house in Malta. Ensure that any cables are always neatly tucked away and out of reach to prevent any accidents. 

6. Space, space, space. Do you have it?

Some animals require more space than others, so consider both the indoor and outdoor spaces available to your pet before bringing them into your house or before purchasing a house in Malta or Gozo. Buying property in Malta like a villa, larger maisonette or an old house of character with a garden is perfect for bigger dog breeds, as they allow them space to run around freely and burn off some steam. 

Conversely, while your pets might love your outdoor area, there is the hot Mediterranean summer climate to consider. So, make sure your pets have constant access to both the interior and exterior of your home during the summer months so they can regulate their body temperature accordingly. 

If you live in an apartment or decide to buy an apartment for sale in Malta, however, smaller dog breeds and/or cats are probably a better option. If you’ve opted for a pup, before buying a hot property for sale in Malta check in with your neighbours ahead of time to guarantee they are comfortable with barking and other noise that may occur.

7. Remove sharp objects

Always, always be aware of sharp items lying around your Malta house. Clear the floor of any precarious objects to avoid some very expensive and potentially life-threatening trips to the vet.

8. Block those exits 

How many times have you heard heart-breaking stories of animals running away? If you’d like to dodge the heartache (and hassle) of trying to find your pet after its strayed from home, examine your Malta property for any possible escape routes and seal them. Build high gates, make sure doors are always kept closed, or even block off specific parts of your home to your pet. Think ahead and ultimately, put your mind at rest! Read more about the ideal pet for your house or how to make your house move as smooth as possible for your cat.

Are you thinking of buying property in Malta or looking to move into a different Gozo or Malta property to accommodate your pet’s needs? Get in touch with one of our expert and friendly agents today and they will help you find the right house for sale!