How to Pet-Proof Your New Manhattan Apartment

How to Pet-Proof Your New Manhattan Apartment?

Finding an apartment in a pet-friendly building in Manhattan can be challenging. So, if you managed to find one, you are lucky. Whether you own or rent, protecting your home from damage is important, and this includes damage caused by your furry family member. That is important because any damage can reduce property value or cause you to lose your deposit. Here are some tips on how to pet-proof your new Manhattan apartment.

Tips on how to pet-proof your new Manhattan apartment

Anyone that has had a puppy or kitten knows that pets are very similar to toddlers. They are very curious and love to explore any new place. Unfortunately, just like toddlers, they can also be unintentionally destructive. It is natural to scratch all surfaces and chew on various items. Not to mention that pets can also be pretty clumsy, like toddlers. A dog might accidentally break things with its tail, while a cat might break something while jumping on furnishings. At the same time, they can also get injured in the process. So, here are some tips on how to pet-proof your new Manhattan apartment.

Choose the right flooring

If you own a pet, flooring is the first thing you should address in your new Manhattan apartment. You need floors that won't scratch, stain or retain odors, so you must analyze your options and decide which would work best. Here are some of your best options:

●      Laminate floors are one of the best solutions for pet owners because they are easy to clean and water resistant. Plus, even if they scratch, it’s not that noticeable. However, they can become slippery when wet, which can be uncomfortable and dangerous for your pets. Therefore, make sure you keep them dry while your pet is around.

●      Vinyl floors are efficient since they can withstand clawing and are easy to clean. Furthermore, one of the best parts about this material is its quietness. That means it will reduce clawing and jumping noises. But once again, you must keep them dry. Otherwise, they can lift and produce mildew.

●      Carpets are a great solution, particularly for tenants. Since you cannot redo the entire flooring in your rented apartment, you can at least protect it. One of the most significant advantages of carpets is that they are much more comfortable for you and your pet. However, the downside is that they quickly absorb fluids, thus retaining odors and staining.

●      You can invest in a waterproof carpet if you’re worried about frequent peeing incidents. Of course, this is not as soft and comfy as a traditional carpet, but it’s practical in cases like this.

Carpets help protect your floors and are more comfortable for your pet and yourself.

Pet-proof your furniture

Both cats and dogs love sofas and comfy chairs. The problem is that they cover them in pet hair and sometimes even potty stains. Not to mention that cats enjoy scratching your furniture. So, how can you protect your furnishings? Firstly, make sure that you groom and brush your pets regularly. Do not forget to trim their nails as well. Secondly, use lots of washable blankets and slipcovers. Thirdly, spread lots of scratching posts or chew toys around the house to provide an alternative for your pets.

Remove fragile items from your new Manhattan apartment

If you have valuable and fragile furnishings and home accessories, removing them from your apartment might be the best option. Because accidents happen, no matter how many safety precautions you take. So, you should consider renting some storage to ensure the safety of your belonging. Plus, you never have enough storage space when you live in an apartment. So, if your home is getting smaller by the day and you can never find what you need, that’s a clear sign that you need some extra storage.

Protect your pets from electricity

Electrical wires and cables are hazardous. On the one hand, they represent a tripping hazard for your pets. Because, just like toddlers, when pets get excited, they don’t pay attention to these things. On the other hand, they love chewing on and playing with everything that isn’t a toy, so they risk getting electrocuted. Therefore, you should use floor cord covers or hide wires and cables behind baseboards.

Hide or remove anything that might be toxic

We all love decorating our apartments with plants because they brighten up the place, look great, and can increase oxygen levels. However, our furry friends also enjoy chewing on them. The problem is that many indoor plants are toxic for pets. So, you should do some thorough research before buying plants. Of course, if you have a dog, you can also solve this problem by positioning the plants out of reach. Unfortunately, this doesn’t work for cats since they are good climbers.

Make sure you decorate your new Manhattan apartment with indoor plants that are not toxic for pets.

Moreover, it’s not just plants that you have to worry about. Cleaning products are just as toxic for animals as they are for humans. So, you should keep them under lock and key. Furthermore, you should hide away food as well. Anything left out in the open can become a target for your pets. And it’s not just that they will gain some weight, but some human food can harm pets. Therefore, if your Manhattan apartment has ample storage space, you should use it.

Conclusion

As you’ve seen, pet-proofing isn’t all that different from child-proofing.  When it comes to how to pet-proof your new Manhattan apartment, you have to consider the safety of your pet and your belongings. However, be advised that no matter how many safety measures you take, accidents can still occur.

Best Home Upgrades for Your Pets

The number of pet owners in the US is getting larger by the day. We are not only referring to the people living in houses with yards; nowadays many apartment dwellers and renters choose to live with a furry or feathery friend. Since they love them so much, it is natural that they would try and do all that is necessary to make their pets safe and happy. That means that sometimes you need to make some home upgrades for your pets in order to make your living space their living space too. If you are planning to move any time soon, here is your opportunity to make your new home pet-friendly before you move in!

Plan your new home layout with your pet in mind

Just like you would do if you were to move with a baby or a toddler, you should plan your relocation with pet very carefully. The plan should include not only the actual moving but pet-proofing and pet-friendly upgrades that should be done in your new home too. Informing your movers from companies such as dynamicmoversnyc.com that you are a pet owner gives you a chance to get some practical advice for the moving day. Now, let's get back to the upgrades. Here are some of the ideas for you to think about, and we will discuss them later on:

• Making it easy for your pet to enter your new home;

• Creating a designated eating area;

• Making a sleeping nook for your pet;

• Creating a play area for your pet to enjoy - this will be one of the home upgrades for your pets that they will like the most;

• Planning a bathing station.

Before you dive into any of these projects, make sure that you set the budget and stick to it. There is nothing that we wouldn't do for our pets, but there is no need to go overboard with the expenses.

Pets tend to be messy, but that is no news. What is new is that manufacturers offer special materials nowadays that are designed to endure longer. If you are upgrading your new home you can choose stain-resistant paint, stain-proof carpets or even scratch-resistant hardwood flooring. On the other hand, if you are buying a place as-is, you might want to make a home inspection before purchasing to check if it is safe for your pet. 

Making it easy for your pet to enter your home

If you would like to adapt your new house to your animal friend's basic needs, you will have to install a pet door. Changing the entire door can be rather expensive and it can be difficult for you to find one that fits your home style and your pet's needs, so maybe you should build in a pet door into your existing one. Most of them are made of unsightly plastic material, but luckily for you, the Internet is flooded by amazing DIY ideas that might cost less and look better than the store-bought ones.

Unfortunately, installing a pet door is not an option for you if you are moving to an apartment downtown. But, if your animal friend has a designated potty area on your deck or patio, maybe you can help them reach the area by making a balcony door pet-friendly. Of course, you should first check whether the policy of your building allows for such adaptations.

Creating a designated eating area can be one of the home upgrades for your pets

Are you one of those pet owners that constantly trip over water and food bowls in your home? Or you have a clumsy pet? There are a few solutions to this problem. You may buy some specially designed bowls that are a bit more difficult to overturn or you can opt for an upgrade that is a permanent solution. We are talking about a pull-out drawer that can act as a feeding station. You can install it in your laundry room, mudroom, hallway or any other place you find suitable for your pet to have its meals at. If your future home is an apartment, then we suggest that you use the bottom drawer in one of your kitchen cabinets for this purpose. The eating stations are one of the home features New Yorkers will pay extra for. So, why wouldn't you make your own?

Making a sleeping nook for your pet

It will probably be difficult for your pet to part with its old home, so your job is to make it as stress-free as possible. You can do that by creating a special area where your friend will relax after a long day of playing, running or waiting for you to come back from work. There are some home upgrades for your pets even the owners living in small apartments can try. And we know that the majority of pet owners in Manhattan have the issue with space. For instance, a cabinet in your living room or anywhere else in the house can serve as a pullout bed for your pet. You can have it custom-made with upholstered cushion. Just like you would call Manhattan professionals if you are planning to relocate to that part of the city, you hire a carpenter and have this bed made for your pet.

Creating a play area for your pet to enjoy

Your pet probably misses its natural environment. We get it that it is very difficult to spend much time outside in nature especially if you live in Manhattan, Bronx or any other urban part of the city. That is why people started opening playrooms where you can take your pet to play and run even if the weather outside is rainy or snowy. So, why wouldn't you make a playing station for your pet in your home just alike? Research the Internet and you will find an abundance of ideas!

Planning a bathing station

A lot of pets do not like taking a bath. Even though you might consider yourself lucky for finding an NYC building with pet amenities, your dog might be terrified to walk by the door of a dog salon. You can alleviate the stress they undergo whenever it is time to get cleaned by making a bathing station at home. One of the best home upgrades for your pets is modifying a shower in a way that you can easily use it to keep them clean. Replace your showerhead with a pet-bathing nozzle or build a separate bathtub with a pet-friendly faucet if you can afford it. Or, you can simply convert your shower into a walk-in.

Don't be surprised if your pet, especially if it is a dog, refuses to enter the station at first. It will resist all that is new and different from their previous home. Just be patient and persistent. The most important thing you can do for your pet is to be by them just like they come to us when they feel that we need their support. 

Luxury Amenities are Going to the Dogs - In the Best Way Possible

Owning a pet in New York City can be challenging – Will they get enough outdoor space? Who is going to walk them when you are putting in long work days? Will the building I want to live in even allow pets? As more and more New Yorkers get pets, these questions have become ever more important for Developers looking to attract well-off city dwellers. So, are the amenities going to the dogs? Yes – but in the best way possible! 

If you are looking to ensure your dog is living its best life, there are buildings across Manhattan that are offering your canine companion the best of the best when it comes to amenities and services. The buildings below, of course, allow residents to have pets, but the first step in searching for a home in New York when you have a pet is letting your Broker know. Some buildings do not allow pets at all, while some only allow cats, or have some restrictions related to size and breed.

We’ve rounded up some of the buildings with the best Pet Amenities across town-

Waterline Square

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The Starchitect-designed Waterline Square project features a host of amenities, of which lavish pet amenities are included. The good news is, whether you choose to live in One, Two, or Three Waterline Square (perhaps based on your preference for architects including Richard Meier, Kohn Pederson Fox, or Raphael Vinoly), you will have access to the Waterline Club which includes over 100,000 square feet of amenities.

For your four-legged friend, the Waterline Club will offer an indoor playroom for dogs to socialize as well as a dog washing salon and dog training studio. 

50 West Street

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Rising tall above lower Manhattan at 778 feet, 50 West Street is a new development glass tower that arrived with the wave of revitalization happening Downtown. While residents will enjoy stunning River and Harbor views from the homes as well as luxe amenities for themselves, pets will be able to enjoy a dedicated amenity space as well – 200 square feet for the pets to be exact.

Additionally, 50 West has partnered with a top-notch Vet and Groomer so you don’t have to worry about where to take your pet. They will make house calls right to the building. Rumor has it the Groomer is the same one that fashion designer Isaac Mizrahi uses.

15 Hudson Yards

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Hudson Yards has a lot of buzz surrounding it – from it being the biggest development project to more intricate details of businesses and stores moving into the area, this project is seriously transforming the Far West side of Manhattan. Part of the project includes both Rental and luxury Condominiums. 15 Hudson Yards has received a lot of attention as a condo within the project.

The luxurious building from Realted Companies will offer Residents access to services from Dog City. Related Companies founded Dog City in 2011 when it launched inside MiMa in Midtown Manhattan. The company offers onsite boutique pet services for building residents ranging from everything from grooming and walking to play dates. Annual membership starts around $250 with services such as Grooming being an additional premium at time of service.

555 Ten

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This Midtown Rental building from Extell offers, perhaps, some of the best pet amenities that can be found in the city. 555Ten is an Extell building, and Extell is known for their extensive and over-the-top amenity offerings throughout their buildings – think One Manhattan Square!

If you want your pets to be able to live their best life, 555Ten offers everything to help make that possible. Amenities for pets include a Pet Spa and Veterinary Clinic by Throw Me a Bone. There is also a daycare facility and covered outdoor play space to ensure your dog gets the outdoor time it deserves.

Throw Me a Bone offers services including walking, training sessions, 2-hour play sessions, house call vet visits, and “Yappy Hour” where your dog can meet its fellow neighbors.

252 East 57th Street 

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Worldwide’s 252 East 57th Street may be located conveniently to the Second Avenue Promenade, but the building is also ensuring your pet can get pampered without having to leave the building. 252 East 57th Street is home to Spot 57 Play Space and Grooming Bar.

Spot 57 offers residents and their pets an array of services from walking to daycare. Additionally, there is an interactive play space for dogs to mingle and play on those rainy or snowy days when getting outside is difficult. In need of grooming? That’s also possible at the grooming station which included convenient sitting so you can wait while your pet gets pampered.