5 Tips for Dog Owners to Keep in Mind to Find The Perfect Home

Are you a pet parent who’s looking for a new home? You may already know you’ll have to take a few things into consideration when you’re out searching for spots, but you may be wondering how you can make sure you find a place that will make you and your dog happy. Before you start looking at listings, commit these helpful hints to memory and begin your search well-prepared.

Find a Dog-Friendly Neighborhood

If you plan on spending time exploring with your pup, it’s a good idea to look for an area with plenty of dog-friendly spots. Look around for dog parks so you can socialize your dog with other pets. Think about being able to bring your furkid along for weekend beers and brunches, and check for dog-friendly restaurants close by. You can check for Fido-friendly activities in each neighborhood here. Being able to walk to fun activities will make it so much easier to get out and enjoy some bonding time with your pup, while you both get used to a new neighborhood.

Consider Your Daily Commute

When you work full-time, you know you still need to take care of your canine kid. If you can snag a new home near your work, making time for midday walks will be a lot easier. You also won’t be worried about making it home on time for dinner and evening potty breaks. Found you perfect place but it’s not close to your work? Factor in daily petcare into your new home budget. Hiring a dog walker is a great way to take pressure off you on busy days and a wonderful option for getting your dog out for exercise while you’re away.

Look for a Home That Fits Your Dog and Your Budget

When you’re out looking for that perfect new home, think about your daily life with your dog. If you have a large, active dog, you’ll want to have a little more space. Smaller dogs may not need all that room to run around. If your dog is crate-trained, you’ll want to make sure there’s room to set that up. Be sure to pull together your budget as well, before you start looking. The median sales price for a home in Seattle is $660,000. Include any necessary utilities, such as electric, gas, and sanitation, as well as repairs, into your final financial plan and stick to that budget.

Be Aware of Pet Fees and Restrictions

Depending on the type of dog you have, you may need to be careful about any neighborhood or building-specific pet policies. Some areas may attempt to restrict so-called “dangerous” breeds or even animals that are above a certain size, even when you plan on buying. Breed-specific rules have recently been repealed by the state, but it’s still helpful to be aware in case you come across any outdated covenants or have issues with your new neighbors. Additionally, there may be fees or licensing costs for owning a pet, so factor that into your overall house-hunting efforts.

Think About Outdoor Space

Walks are a good option for getting pups out in the city, but some dedicated outdoor space will make late-night potty breaks a little easier. If you can find a place with a yard or shared, secured outdoor spot, it could be better for you and your pet. To really keep your dog secure, look for a yard with a fence or think about installing one before you move in for good. Thanks to the internet, it’s simple to find fencing professionals and prices for your specific area. In Seattle, you can expect to pay between $1,739 and $4,189 to have a wood fence installed. Wanting to stick to an apartment? Not to worry! There are plenty of ways to create puppy balcony spaces.

Looking for a new home can be exciting, for you and your dog! Keep this article handy as you search for your perfect home and you can be sure you’ll find a spot that will keep you, and your furkid, happy. Good luck to you and your pup!

Author: Cindy Aldridge, guest contributor with OurDogsFriend.org
Photo Credit: Dirtie Dog Photography (Baby, available for adoption at Pasado’s Safe Haven)