Pets are part of our families, so it makes sense to think about them when buying a new home.
We love our pets! Nearly 80 million households include a dog or cat, and the vast majority of us pet owners think of them as members of the family. So, of course you want them to love living in a new home as much as you do!
Here are a few important things to consider when buying a home with pets:
Outdoor Accessibility for Pets at Home
When choosing to buy a new home as a pet owner, you should think about the accessibility and availability of trails, parks, and other outdoor spaces where you can walk your dogs, outside of a private yard. Especially if you're planning on moving to a city like Houston. Are there pet-friendly bars and restaurants you can visit? Maybe an official dog park?
Community and home developers are already adapting to accommodate our pet-centered lifestyles. Newer apartment complexes and neighborhoods are being built with public pet-washing stations and dog parks, not to mention many new homes have pet stations built in! In fact, the list of pet accommodations in some luxury developments can be truly mind-boggling, including pet parks, dog pools, pet fitness classes, and “yappy hour” social mixers! Amenities like these certainly do take a lot of stress out of owning a home with pets.
Home Floor Plan & Layout Accommodations for Pets
If you own elderly pets, you may want to consider buying a single-story home or a unit on the first floor to make getting around easier for them. Especially if there is an accessible and fenced yard available for your pet. You may also want to think about the type of flooring you have, as carpet (or even natural wood) might not be ideal for older pets prone to accidents or mobility issues. There are many non-porous flooring options great for living with pets, including wood-effect tile which is truly and honestly, very hard to distinguish from the real thing!
Home Environment for Living with Pets
When buying a home as a pet owner, you should think about their life when you’re away from them. Is your new home in a quiet part of town or are there outside noises that may upset your pet? Many pets can develop separation anxiety when exposed to loud noises. Is it easily accessible to a pet-sitter, dog-walker, or someone else who can help watch your pet? Is your pet the noisy one (like a talkative bird) that could disturb your neighbors?
There’s a lot to think about when buying a new home; pets just add another layer of important decisions to be made. Of course, 80 million of us wouldn’t have it any other way!
If you're a pet owner looking at buying a home in the city of Houston, Texas, check out our helpful city guide to find a list of local pet-friendly places! Download your copy FREE here.
Ronda's extensive business experience contributes a well-rounded dimension as the broker for Texas Living Company. Her passion for architectural design motivated her advancement from a career in marketing, business development and supply chain management in the oil and gas industry to residential real estate.