It's commonly said that man's best friend is his dog. For many, these four-legged furry friends are a deciding factor in many of the things we do in life, and buying a home with your dog in tow is no different.
So... are there things you need to consider when buying a home if you're a pet owner? You bet! A big move won't only impact your life, but your dog's life, too.
Is there enough space, inside and out, for you AND your dog?
The size of your dog (and how many people are in your family) should be something you consider when finding the right size space to call home. As an example, if you're the owner of a larger breed dog such as a Saint Bernard or Great Dane, buying a condo or townhouse may be out of the question. Not only do they need space, but so do you, and a smaller home may not offer you the same luxuries as something with a little more square footage inside or out.
How close is the nearest dog park, trail, or other recreational space?
Staying active is important for many dog breeds. Taking them for walks or letting them run free (in a safe environment like a dog park) is key to having healthy, happy dogs. When looking for nearby dog parks, it may also be good idea to check out how much traffic comes through the neighborhood. If it's located on a busy street or near a major road, you may want to rethink the location... just in case Fido was to slip out the front door or back gate one day.
Are your [potential] neighbors too close for comfort?
Some dogs are barkers and some are not... but all dogs can and will bark from time to time. Paying attention to how close your potential neighbors are located to the new home is something you should do, especially if you have a barker on your hands. You definitely don't want to be viewed as that new neighbor.
Is your workplace (or reliable friends/family) nearby?
A dog can only be left alone for so long, so you probably want to consider the proximity of your job to your new home. If it's farther than you'd like for making sure you're home at a decent hour to take your dog out, you may want to consider how close it may be to friends or family you can depend on to let them out if you can't.
A few other things you may want to consider that we didn't mention above...
- Does the home have a fenced yard?
- Is there a doggy door already installed?
- Is the flooring the right type for your dog?
- Does the yard offer shade or other good spots for your dog to relax while outside?
Buying your dream home is a big accomplishment, but ultimately, the home you buy should be one you, your family, and your pets will be happy in for a long time to come. When you go into home buying with these tips in mind, you'll be one step closer to finding the right home for you and your pooch.
