Buying a home as a pet owner comes with unique considerations that go beyond just finding the perfect space for yourself. From ample yard space for your dog to play, to pet-friendly flooring that can withstand wear and tear, choosing a home that suits your furry friend’s needs is essential.
Look for a property with a fenced-in yard
For dog-owning homebuyers, the ultimate goal is often a picturesque, grassy yard where your dog can play safely behind a secure fence. According to Zillow research, 73% of buyers with pets consider private outdoor space to be very or extremely important. If a fully fenced yard isn’t available, a partially fenced yard is the next best option, allowing you to extend the fence and create a safe outdoor space for your furry friend to enjoy.
If there is a pool, make sure it is pet safe
A pet-safe pool is one that has a fence separating it from the rest of the yard, serving as a crucial safety feature to prevent kids and pets from accidentally falling in while unsupervised. Although many cities and towns mandate pool fences, not all do, making it an important consideration for pet owners. Even if your dog can swim, an unexpected fall into the pool when you’re not home could be dangerous, or even fatal.
Choose a neighborhood with dog-friendly amenities
When searching for a home, consider the proximity to a dog park within walking distance and local restaurants and cafes with dog-friendly patios. Features like sidewalks, greenways, pet-friendly parks, and pet watering stations are also great to have nearby.
Beware of Stairs
Dogs and stairs don’t always make the best match. Whether you’re considering a two-story house with a single staircase or a condo that requires climbing several flights, stairs can be a challenge for your dog. Stairs can be a hurdle, particularly for small or older dogs. Stairs can limit your dog’s ability to move freely around your home.
Find a house with a bedroom on the first floor
Be cautious of stairs part two, especially if your pet sleeps in bed with you and your bedroom is upstairs. If your dog is older or has short legs, getting them to bed might become a challenge. We suggest looking for a home with a bedroom on the main floor. Even if your dog is young and can easily manage stairs now, there will come a time when they may struggle.
Buy a house without carpet
Accidents can happen, even with house-trained pets, so opting for floors with a hard, impermeable surface is a smart choice. Carpets absorb stains, making them a challenge. We recommend homebuyers with pets consider hardwood, tile, or laminate flooring. In addition, if you can find floors that match your pet’s fur color, you can better hide the hair they shed.
Buy a larger home
Pets need space to roam indoors, so a 1,000-square-foot house might feel cramped if you’re sharing it with your dogs or cats. According to a Zillow survey, buyers with pets are nearly twice as likely as those without pets to purchase homes over 3,000 square feet. These larger homes aren’t just for the pets—pet-owning buyers are also more likely to have children, so the extra space is a must.
Make sure the home isn’t near dangerous wildlife
Depending on your location, it’s important to steer clear of properties near wilderness areas where wild animals could pose a threat to your pet. In the Southwest, this might mean avoiding desert areas where rattlesnakes could bite your dog. If you’re house hunting in the Southeast or Pacific Northwest, you’ll want to be cautious of homes near forests where birds of prey could snatch a small dog or cat. In Florida staying away from properties on lakes and ponds is wise due to the risk of alligators. Your safest option is a dense, urban neighborhood that isn’t adjacent to wild habitats.
Beware of properties subject to breed or weight restrictions
Some homeowners’ associations (HOAs), neighborhood covenants, or co-op boards have restrictions on the type, number, and size of pets allowed. Before purchasing a property, ensure it isn’t subject to rules that could limit the breed, size, or number of dogs you can have. Some neighborhood associations and property management boards prohibit certain breeds, such as Pitbulls, German Shepherds, Malamutes, Chow Chows, and Mastiffs. Additionally, some townhome or condo communities impose weight limits for pets or restrict homeowners to a maximum of two dogs. If you plan to expand your pet family, it’s wise to avoid properties with restrictive pet policies.
Ready to buy a home, but don’t know where to start with financing? Read Home Loan Options for more insight!