We in the Pacific Northwest absolutely love our pets so it’s no surprise that when families with pets looking for a new home, they are doing so with Fido in mind. You don’t want to neglect your dog or cat during the home buying process so if you plan on making your four-legged family member part of the home buying process, here are 10 tips for choosing the right home for you and your pet.
#1. A floor plan that works.
Is your dog or cat getting up there in age? A multilevel floor plan might not be the best idea. Getting up and down stairs is difficult for older pets just as they are with humans so finding a ranch-style home, single-story, or Rambler might be a better option.
#2. The yard.
Your four-legged canine will need to use the backyard from time to time so is there enough space for the size of your dog. Smaller dogs need a lot less space than large dogs such as great Danes or German shepherds so make sure you’re choosing the right size a lot for your animal as well.
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#3. Friends.
Do you want your dog to have friends? Of course, you are there best friend but you may want to browse a few neighborhoods with your dog to see if he or she gets along with other dogs in the neighborhood.
#4. Not so friendly.
Walking your dog in the neighborhood in which you want to buy is also a good way to figure out if this is not a good neighborhood for your dog. Other dogs might be nightmares and just by walking your dog through the neighborhood, you can tell usually who has dogs outside. If the barking is too much, you may want to choose a different neighborhood.
#5. Is there a park nearby.
If you don’t have a lot of space or backyard, you may want to park close by, or within a block or two to walk your dog to do enjoy some open space. Browse the neighborhood, check Google maps for parks in the area, and see if it’s something that fits your lifestyle.
#6. Local wildlife.
Domesticated pets don’t have to be the four-legged kind. If you’re planning on having chickens, you’ll want to make sure that it’s safe from coyotes, raccoons, owls, and possums. These can wreak have it on chicken coops, especially if you plan on letting them roam free out in the backyard. Small cats, bunnies, and small dogs can also prey victim so finding a home in a more residential area might be better than a rural setting.
Related: Can I Sell My House While Owning Chickens?
#7. Other spaces inside for the dog to relax and escape?
Some pets don’t like visitors so is there enough nooks and crannies in the house for a dog or cat to find shelter and peace and quiet?
#8.HOA rules.
If you’re planning on buying a home in a homeowners association or community association there may be rules on whether or not you can have a pet, how many, and the size. Be sure to check with the Association that there are no restrictions for the type of animal you have.
#9. The right flooring.
Carpet can be a pain with a cat that likes to scratch. Hardwood floors can get dinged and nicked pretty easily with the hard claws of a large dog. Take a look at the flooring on the home you want to buy to see if it will withstand your pet’s paws and playtime.
#10. Busy street.
If you’ve got a runner, choosing a home on a busy street might be a recipe for disaster. The last thing you’d want is for your dog or cat to bolt out the front door and across a busy street with the chance of getting hit or run over. This is something to consider when choosing a home on a busy street.
Give me a call. I love animals and I want to make sure that not only you love the home and it fits your budget, but is perfect for everyone in your family including the two or four-legged kind.
