If you’re a pet owner who’s in the market for a new home, you’ve got more to consider than your average homeowner. In addition to ensuring that you’re going to be safe and comfortable in a new home that you can afford, you’ve got to find a home that’s going to be safe and comfortable for your pet as well.
To help you in finding the right property for you and your loved ones, here are three things that pet owners should consider when buying a new home.
Be Careful With Stairs
If you’re someone who wants to have a home with multiple levels, you should first think about how this might affect the lives of any pets you have or may have in the future.
According to Becky Blanton, a contributor to Homes.com, stairs can be very hard for small or old dogs to navigate. This can severely hinder their ability to get around your home safely and easily. Additionally, other pets can have a hard time with stairs or with the heights that are often involved with having stairs. So before you get a home that has a lot of stairs or even multiple levels, make sure you consider how this feature might make life harder for your pets.
Get Enough Outdoor Space
For many pets, especially dogs, it’s important that they get to have time outside each day. However, if you don’t have immediate access to outdoor space at your home, it can be hard for you to ensure that your pet is getting the outdoor time that is necessary.
Because of this, you should consider how much outdoor space will be available to you when buying a new home. Along with this, Audrey Ference, a contributor to Realtor.com, shares that you should also try to find a home that has a fenced yard rather than one that’s open. While you may have a pet that stays relatively close to home, having a fence around your yard will help protect your pet from any dangers and ensure that he or she can safely spend time outside.
Research Any Laws, Regulations, Or Rules You’ll Need To Follow
When you have a pet, there is a good chance that there are some additional rules, laws, or other regulations that you’ll need to follow in order to legally keep your pet at your home.
Sassafras Lowrey, a contributor to Apartment Therapy, shares that some communities have rules about what breeds of animals you can have, especially if there are a lot of kids in your area. And if you’re living in a neighborhood that has an HOA, they might have additional regulations about what pets you can have, where they can go, and what added measure you need to take in your neighborhood to keep everyone safe and comfortable.
If you’re about to get a new home for you and your pets, consider using the tips mentioned above to help you find the right fit for everyone in your family.
