Home Buyers
Shopping for a Pet-Friendly Home
We all love our pets and worry about their safety and well-being. If you are thinking about moving to a new home, make sure you consider the needs of all people and animals involved. Here is some advice on how to shop for a pet-friendly home.
House hunting can be both exciting and overwhelming. When looking for a new home, it is important to not forget about the little things that will make your house a pet-friendly home. You want to buy a home that works with all aspects of your life and is a safe space for the animals you love. There are many different things you can do to make your home more pet-friendly, as well as things to look for when touring homes that are helpful for pet owners.
Yard
Ensure that your pet has plenty of safe space to enjoy. When looking at homes, make sure there is enough yard space for your animal. It is easier to buy a home that already has a safe yard, as landscaping can be very expensive.
Safe Neighborhood
Consider the neighborhood itself and make sure that it has sidewalks and grassy areas. You also want to stay away from busy roads or airports as this can affect your dog's behavior.
Age and Ability
If you have older animals, a multi-story home or a house with hardwood floors may not be the best idea. This could be dangerous for your pet, especially if they have mobility issues.
How to Keep Your Pets Safe in Your New Home
Ensure that the home you are buying has your pet’s safety at the forefront. It is important to choose a home with the right layout and add security features that will make sure your pet is protected, such as:
- Tucking away loose wires and keeping anything that can be chewed on out of reach.
- Buying security cameras to monitor your pets when you are away.
- Creating a mudroom that doubles as a pet center and wash area.
- Buying gates to section off the house and keeping your pets out of places that are dangerous.
- Using non-toxic chemicals in-home materials to avoid illness to your pet.
- Tactile flooring is easier for your pet to walk on without slipping.
When you are looking at new homes, always consider your pet’s wellbeing. Your pets are members of the family and deserve a home that is pet-friendly. Finding pet-friendly homes is easier than expected and will improve everyone’s happiness. Contact one of our real estate professionals today for help with finding the best home for your pet, and you of course!