House-Hunting With Pets: How To Find A Home Your Dog Will Love

Looking for a new home is a time-consuming process, and it can be a stressful one if you’re not sure what you want. Having a good plan in place and thinking about your needs ahead of time will ensure that you don’t waste valuable hours searching for the perfect place and finding disappointment everywhere you turn. When you have a pet, you may need to think outside the box a bit when it comes to all the things your new home should have. Look at it from your dog’s perspective, especially if he’s older or has mobility or health issues.

It might be helpful to have a real estate agent who can help you look for all the things you want in a home; this way, you can narrow down your choices from a larger field and make an informed decision before you even take the time to take a tour.

Here are some of the things you should look for with regard to your pet:

Lawn space

Make it a point to look for a home that has a lot of room outside. Not only will this help you during colder months when it’s harder to take your pet for a walk every day, it will allow him to get some exercise in the safety of your own backyard. Look for a home that already has sturdy fencing; if there’s no fence, ask about whether there’s a city ordinance that will prevent you from putting one up yourself.

It’s also a good idea to check and see if the home you’re interested in has an outdoor faucet or water line that will be suitable for a hookup, especially if you have a large dog who enjoys outdoor baths.

A Suitable Layout

If your pet is older or has a disability, it’s wise to look for a home that doesn’t have stairs. If slick hardwood floors will present a problem, carpeting is always a plus.

Throw rugs can be trip hazards for older dogs, which might result in injury. Having carpeting in the home already can save you lots of time and money down the road, as renovations for pets can be pricey.

Location

If your pet likes to spend time outdoors or is adept at sneaking out when the door is open, look for a home that is away from a busy street or major intersection. This way, even if your pet does get loose from time to time, chances are he’ll be safe until you can round him up.

Previous Pets

It’s always a good idea to find out about the previous owners of the home and whether they had pets of their own. Animals can leave behind dander or bacteria that can make other pets seriously ill, and they also carry fleas, ticks, and other mites that can live in a home’s carpeting for quite a while.

Once you’re moved in, you want your pet to be comfortable and safe. Getting him acclimated to the new surroundings may take some time, so try to be patient and think about what he needs to be happy. Be sure to keep his old favorite toys around and place his bedding and food bowl in places similar to where they were in the old house to avoid confusion.

For more great tips on how to get your pet settled into the new home, head to Redfin.com.

Your Surroundings

Is the neighborhood pet-friendly? Look around for people walking their dogs, for fenced-in yards, and for signs that other animals live there. It’s also smart to look for pet-friendly restaurants and other locales nearby if you tend to take your dog with you wherever you go.

Finally, take a look at your potential new neighbors, as well, and find out if they have pets that might clash with your own. For more on what to look for in your new area, check out The Balance.

In conclusion, house-hunting doesn’t have to be a stressful experience. With some planning and a little help from a real estate agent who can assist you in narrowing down the options, you’ll find your dream home in no time.