A Pet’s Perspective

For most families, pets are just as much a part of the family as anyone else. When looking to buy a new home, there are several factors pet owners may want to consider, so as to make everyone’s life easier in the long run.

First off, think about the area or neighborhood. Are there HOA rules and restrictions on barking dogs or wandering cats? How strict is the community on noise ordinances and what are the leash laws? Those who go the extra mile for their furry friends may want to make sure there’s a nearby dog park, trail or doggie daycare center.

If selecting a new veterinarian, find out where the nearest emergency animal hospitals are. A Sunday evening is not the time you want to be scrambling for an after-hours vet. Also, don’t forget to change ID tags and chip information as soon as possible.

When looking at the house itself, consider stairs and the age of the pet. Will they be able to get around the home, including to and from the door, comfortably? Make sure there’s a cool place for animals to be in the height of summer.

Doggie doors can be an imperative for busy owners, so consider where the best place to allow in-and-out access would be, and how easy will it be to install a door (through the garage, a sliding glass door, etc). Also consider yard space for pets, as well as fences. Do a thorough check of the fence and gate, looking for loose boards and areas easy to wiggle through. Also consider road traffic. If your dogs are known to escape on a regular basis, a busy street may not be the best option.