All pet owners know that a pet isn’t just a fixture, they’re a part of the family. And just like any other member of the family, they require a lot of care. When we say ‘pets’ we’re not referring to goldfish, but dogs and cats. Like humans, in order to have a healthy existence, pets require attention and affection. The lengths pet owners often go to ensure their pets have everything they need and more is astounding, but oftentimes they neglect to account for them when house hunting.
When house hunting, especially in competitive markets, finding an ideal house can be very challenging. Finding a layout you like on a nice property in an ideal neighborhood that’s in a good school district, in addition to many other factors, is not easy. Buyers tend to pounce on the first opportunity they get, often neglecting the needs of their pets.
A pet-friendly environment is an essential aspect of a successful home purchase. The last thing you want is a stressed pet when acclimating to your new stomping ground. A home or neighborhood that is not conducive to your pet’s contentment will compromise your contentment.
1. Community Pet Standards
Not all communities are pet friendly, in fact, some even have by-laws regarding pets. Before purchasing a home, ensure that you meet all the criteria and aren’t stuck in a situation where you’re in a community that doesn’t allow pets or places a restriction on how many you can have. Certain communities also have breed restrictions on dogs that are perceived as more aggressive.
2. Backyard & Neighbourhood Parks
If you have medium to large breed dogs or outdoor cats, they’re going to need plenty of room to roam. It’s suggested that larger dogs be walked for 1 hour a day. Having a yard large enough for them to stretch out is a start, but proximity to parks is essential. Also, take a look at the type of park, some parks are more pet friendly than others with designated off-leash areas and other pet-friendly perks.
3. Flooring
The ideal flooring for your pets is resistant to scratching, allows your pet some traction, is comfortable, and easy to clean. Make sure the flooring on a prospective home is suitable or contemplate if you are willing to upgrade it. If upgrading, speak to a flooring expert about the best options to meet those criteria and from there it depends on what your preferred style is. Carpeting, for example, is great for comfort and traction but is difficult to clean and will get torn up. Hardwood is easy to clean, but your pet will be slipping all over the place and scratching up your floor.
4. Stairs
Stairs can be a hazard to pets, a slip can result in a devastating injury to your fur baby. No matter what type of flooring you have, if your stairs aren’t carpeted, consider installing a stair runner so that your pet can get proper traction when ascending or descending the stairs.
