Moving into a house with your pet advice, Online property animals help guide, Home cats and dogs tips
Moving into a house with your pet advice
26 August 2021
When you’re looking for a new house, it’s always very important to find one that your pet will love just as much as you do. This is especially true if your pet roams around on its own, such as a dog or a cat.
Many home buyers don’t consider the needs of their pets before they decide on their forever home, which can be a big mistake in the end. Your pet needs to be healthy and happy, just like you and your family, so take into consideration their needs and wants when you are searching for the perfect house to settle down in and make your own. Read on to learn what to look for in a house before moving in with your pet.
What To Look For In A House Before Moving In With Your Pet
Check out the back or front yard
If your beloved pet is of the barking kind, then you already know that it’s important to have plenty of space for them to run about. When you are searching for the right home, look for one that has enough yard space that you can allow your dog to go out and play when he wants. Not only will it be an enjoyable addition for you and your family, but ample yard space allows your dog the space he needs to run and play on his own. It also gives you space for other animals that you may want to bring outside, such as rabbits, cats, ferrets, and other small pets. Yards are great for the kids, as well!
If there are any obstacles in the yard, make sure they are pet-proofed. For example, cover any swimming pools your pets could get into, and make sure there is nothing they could chew up or ingest, such as toys or tools. Check the area for plants that could be harmful to cats.
Is there a fence surrounding the yard?
When you’re eager to let your dog or other pet have free rein in your yard, a quality, sturdy fence is going to be your first concern when you’re looking for a new house. Check out the property before you make an offer to make sure there is a fence that your pet, especially a dog, can’t get around or through. When you take a tour of the property, don’t just take the word of your realtor that the fence is good for animals.
Take a walk around the perimeter to check it out for yourself. Look for broken board panels or areas that your pet could slip through. Check for rusty nails and shoddy work. If the property doesn’t have a fence or you simply aren’t happy with the current one, consider whether you will have the extra money and time to repair it or build a new one.
Are there stairs in the home?
Many houses have stairs going up to the second floor and down to the basement. You may not even be considering whether or not there are stairs for yourself or your family. But you should consider any stairs if you own a pet, particularly a dog. Your dog may be young and spry now, but what is going to happen when they get older? Will they be able to run up and down steps to get to their food, water, bed, or to the door? If your dog is already elderly when you’re in the market for a new home, you want to make things as comfortable as possible for them. This means keeping them off of any steps as much as possible.
If your home will have steps, take into account where your dog or other pet will be in the home, whether you can carry them up and down the steps when the time comes, and if they will be happy and healthy staying on one floor if you can’t carry them.
Is there ample room indoors?
This question is true for any pet but especially when it comes to a dog. Dogs need space to run and exercise, even when they are inside. The bigger the dog, the more space they will need. Make sure the houses you are looking at have the space you need if you have pets. If you have smaller animals, such as a turtle, rabbit, lizard, or guinea pig, they will also need an area for their cage and a place to run around freely, if you take them out to stretch and play.
You’ll also want to consider the type of flooring the house has. With dogs, carpets aren’t always the best choice, especially if you plan to be letting them in and out into your yard all day long. If you must have carpeting, look for wall-to-wall carpeting that matches your dog so that it will mask the fur he or she sheds. However, ceramic tile or hard surface flooring options are the best. They will be easier to keep clean day after day.
How close are the amenities?
If you own a dog or cat, it’s pretty easy to stock up on food, treats, litter, and other supplies. But if you own a pet that needs to eat live food, such as a gecko lizard or a snake, make sure the house you are looking to buy is close to pet stores. You don’t want to drive an hour out of your way a few times a month to pick up live crickets for your lizard or live mice for your snake!
Check out the surrounding area to look for other amenities, such as dog parks and pet-friendly lakes. When the weather is nice and your dog is scratching at the door, it will be good to be close to areas that you can walk to.
Will you be close to a vet and emergency services?
Finally, check out the services near the houses you are considering. You may need to find a new vet if you are moving far from your current home, so you will want to make sure you have choices. This is especially true if you need a specialist for your animal, such as a small animal vet. It’s also a good idea to look for an emergency vet that takes walk-in patients 24-hours a day, seven days a week. You never know when an emergency will strike, so it’s good to have this information on hand as soon as you move.
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