Have you ever considered choosing pet-friendly home properties? You’re not alone. According to Money, some home buyers have been asked why they plan to buy their first home, and their beloved pets were the third most common answer.
Owning pets can be one of the most rewarding experiences that come with living in your own home, but it can also be extremely difficult if you live in an area that doesn’t allow pets. Many homeowners search for years to find the perfect property to suit their lifestyle, only to find out after moving in that it’s not pet-friendly—not exactly ideal, but there are ways to make it work if you have your heart set on the property.
If you’re considering buying or renting a home and having pets are on your list of considerations, where you choose to live can play an important role in your pet’s happiness and well-being, so it’s worth taking the time to search for pet-friendly locations.
Research the Location
Before you move into your new pet-friendly home, do some research into which cities and areas of town are best for pups. Every neighborhood has its unique flavor, but there are some general guidelines to follow when looking for a great place to raise your dog. If you’re an apartment dweller and have no control over where you live, make sure your leasing office allows pets (this may depend on breed or size) before signing up with them.
But if you wish to buy a home, considering the city is important, too. You should find locations that are guaranteed safe for pets, especially when you’re going to walk them outside your property. Search for home listings that feature amenities like parks to play in and a community that you and your four-legged friend will love. When you can’t tell how pet-friendly a neighborhood will be just by looking at photos of its homes or apartments, search through its reviews to have an idea of what to expect before moving in.
Know If There’s a Yard
If you have any pets, it’s critical that you know if there’s an area they can roam free or if they will be living in apartments and on leash. Consider getting pet insurance if you’re moving into a property where pets aren’t allowed. You may also want to consider whether your community provides breed restrictions and if certain breeds are prohibited. This is especially important for large dogs like Bulldogs, Great Danes, and German Shepherds. It can be challenging to move with these types of dogs since many communities won’t allow them because they’re considered too dangerous.
Ask About the Neighborhood
When considering buying property in a pet-friendly neighborhood, the first thing you can do is to talk with neighbors and gauge their feelings toward pets. What are they like? How many dogs do they have? Where are they allowed to roam? Also, ask about local laws concerning animals on leash and running at large. If those laws exist but aren’t enforced, it could mean problems for you later. Though there’s not much more you can do about these kinds of issues before moving into an area; it never hurts to ask around.
Decide on Your Floor Plan
Before you bring your dog home, it’s a good idea to decide which room of your house will be his primary territory. For instance, if you have an open floor plan, and he tends to follow you around, having him near your heels might not be ideal. Or maybe you want him near, so he can keep an eye on things while you’re away at work or out of town. If so, that means no small room without access to outdoor space.
Choose a flooring that is easy to clean, too. While you should also choose flooring material based on its aesthetic qualities, it’s also important to think about pet messes. For instance, if you have a dog who sheds, you’ll need carpet with a low pile and natural fibers—like wool—for efficient vacuuming. Alternatively, hardwood might be a good choice if your pup doesn’t shed much.
Choose Your Layout Properly
Many people don’t take into account how their floor plan will affect their lives and, specifically, their pets. How many doors does your house have? Make sure that you have enough doors for your pets (and yourself) to quickly get in and out of your home. Does your home include an airy backyard, or do you live in an apartment complex without much outdoor space? In either case, consider a dog park within walking distance from your place or explore pet daycare services in your neighborhood.
Pets are a part of many families, and finding just the right home for you and your pets can be difficult. The most important thing to do when looking for pet-friendly housing is research ahead of time.
