Buying a new home means considering how everyone in your family will fit in the space, including your furry family members. Read the following blog for advice on making sure your new home meets the needs of your animal companions.
1. Does your pet stay inside or outside?
If your pet needs outdoor space, you want to make sure the homes you’re considering either have a fenced-in yard, or are close to designated dog parks or walking trails. If you want a home with a yard, make sure there are no plants that could be harmful to your dog, or ensure they’re removed before you move in. It’s also good to prioritize homes with shaded yards, or at least thinking about adding plants or items that can provide shade.
If you are a pet parent to a cat or other indoor animal, you’ll want to be sure there’s enough space for them to have a corner to call their own, so they feel at home in the house, too. Remember that you’ll need enough space for your animal’s belongings—beds, crates, feeders, etc.
2. Consider durability, ease-to-clean, and safety
While pets are wonderful companions, they can cause extra wear and tear on your home. Be mindful of the type of materials used in high-contact areas, like flooring and doors. Consider more durable, scratch-resistant, and easy-to-clean materials where possible, like vinyl or tile.
You’ll also want to consider the safety of your pets by considering whether your furry friend can easily maneuver stairs. If your pet is aging or if they have health concerns, you may want to prioritize bungalows or homes with minimal stairs. If you do purchase a home with stairs, consider runners to add to those areas so your pet doesn’t risk slipping and falling.
Another important thing to consider in terms of safety and functionality is the layout. An open floor plan gives your pet space to move around, and presents less obstacles for injury.
3. Research local by-laws and community programs
Some neighborhoods are more favorable to pet parents than others. Research things like leash, breed, noise, and vaccination laws of the area you’re thinking of moving into. You’ll want to thoroughly look into by-laws, condo ordinances, or other rules of the community before you settle on a new home.
Some neighborhoods have local community groups for pet parents to connect and enjoy planned activities together, which can be great for you and your furry friend to socialize and get active with other residents who have similar lifestyles.
4. Help your pet adjust slowly
Moving into a new home isn’t only a big adjustment for humans, it’s a big change for your pets, too. Help them get acclimated to the new space by bringing them along to inspections, and slowly introducing them to the new space during the closing and moving period.
You can help them warm up to the home with scent training, and treat offerings. You’ll also want to introduce them to all aspects of your new life, including the yard and the neighbourhood. The key is to make the transition less overwhelming by gradually introducing your pet to all the elements of their new life, and taking it at their pace.
Maintaining a regular schedule—one that they may already be used to—will also help your pet feel a sense of familiarity and normalcy. Keep meals, walks, and bed times the same. Depending on your pet’s personality, this may take a couple days or a couple weeks—or longer—for them to feel settled. Don’t forget to be patient!
Have more questions about buying a home as a pet parent? Follow these 5 tips for home searching with your furry friend, and connect with me for more information.
Ashley Horton Real Estate
Meet the only agent you need to ensure your real estate success in Charlotte and upstate South Carolina.
