Last Updated on August 21, 2023
When you have pet companions and want to buy a new home, there is a lot to consider. According to Realtor.com, about 95% of pet parents search for pet-friendly homes when looking to buy a new property.
Some things to think about are practical, such as a fenced-in yard, proximity to a local veterinarian, boarding options, and whether the neighborhood is pet-friendly.
A good point to remember as well: some HOAs have pet restrictions, which may not fit into the life you have with your companion(s).
The neighborhood
Take a solo walk around the neighborhood before walking your dog. This gives you the opportunity to see if there are a lot of strays and find out how close wildlife is to the home. What’s the sidewalk situation, and how busy are the routes? All of these need to be taken into consideration.
The home’s interior
Pet parents, just like you, put their pets first by ensuring the home they’re interested in is big enough to have an interior set-up that allows their companion(s) to play.
There’s also the matter of quiet time areas that have a ‘den’-like feel—maybe a back bedroom closet or a space under the stairs.
Another thing to think about is the type of flooring throughout the house. Is it too slick? Could it splinter? There are types of flooring that are pet-friendly and knowing what to look for is key to your companion’s comfort. This guide to pet-friendly flooring is worth bookmarking for future reference.
Other items to take into account are an easy-access bathing and personal care area and stairs in the house which can have an impact on an older pet. For pet parents with younger companions, check to make sure any stairs are safe.
It’s also a good idea to be in a bedroom that’s close to an outside door for accessibility to the backyard.
The home’s exterior
You know the outside of a home is just as important as the inside. Are there landscaping and plants to remove that could be poisonous? Pulling up edging and lawn fixtures that could seriously harm your pet companion’s health is also recommended.
Since a well-constructed, outdoor structure is a must, is the yard large enough to fit one with room to play? The better the structure, the better the investment for you and your pet.
NOTE: You wouldn’t naturally think about ROI when making your yard a pet-friendly haven, but you’d be surprised at how much a dog house can add to the value of your new home. Adding a luxury dog house to your yard is not only great for your dogs, but it also has an ROI of about 55 – 75%.
The move-in
Some suggestions for a smoother move-in day include moving your pet last, after you unpack as much as possible, so the home has familiar furniture and smells.
If your pet has anxiety issues, speak with your vet about herbs or medicines to calm his or her nerves.
You may also want to break out the potty training tricks and keep your pet on a leash until he or she understands the layout of the new home.
