When you are buying a new home, it is important to take into consideration the four-legged residents that will be living there, as well as the two-legged ones. What things should you keep in mind if you are house hunting and you own a pet?
Layout Of The House
When you are looking at the house layout, think about how it will accommodate your pet. If you have an old dog that can’t climb stairs very well, look for a home that is mostly one level.
Cats like to have little alcoves and quiet spaces where they can hide away. Think about where you would put the kitty litter box or the food bowls so that they would be practical and would not get in the way.
Be sure to also look at the yard. Is it fenced, so that you can let your dog outside to run around? Is there an outside hose that you can use for bathing your pet?
Is there room for a dog house? You might also want to avoid a house near a busy road, in case your pet escapes and runs into traffic.
Pet Friendly Neighborhood
Take a look around the rest of the neighborhood. Do you see that many other people have dogs and cats? Are there a lot of friendly people out walking their dogs? Is there a vet, a pet shop and a dog park nearby?
When they see your dog or cat, do people smile and say hello? A neighborhood full of pet-friendly people is a great place for you and your furry friend to live, because you will feel welcomed. You might even make some new friends to go on walks with!
City Ordinances
It is a good idea to know about the local city ordinances when it comes to cleaning up after your pet. In many places, failing to scoop up your dog’s droppings when taking him for a walk can lead to a very expensive fine! This is a mistake that you don’t want to make when you move into a new home.
Clarify The Rules For Unusual Pets
Most people have dogs and cats, but if your animal companions are a little less common, you might need to check the rules. If you own a goat, chicken, donkey, sheep or any other farm animal as a domestic pet, check with the proper officials about the zoning regulations and ordinances in the area you are buying your home.
These are just a few things to consider on behalf of your pet when you are buying a home. For more real estate advice, contact your real estate professional.
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