Wagner Realty
January
15
15
Pet-Approved Properties: How to Choose a Home for You and Your Pets
When you're searching for the perfect home, it's important to consider the needs of your entire household, including your four-legged family members. Our real estate agents understand that it's tricky to find a home that suits everyone in your family. Follow these tips to help you find a pet-friendly home that's right for you.
- Think About the Rooms and Spaces You Need for Your Pets
Before you even start looking at Sarasota homes for sale, take a few minutes to think about what spatial needs a potential home needs for your pets. For example, if you own guinea pigs or a lizard, you may want a small room that can specifically house their cage, like a guest bedroom or multi-purpose room. Or, if you're a cat owner, you'll likely prefer a home with an out-of-the-way place to house their litter boxes, like a spare bathroom or mudroom. Dog owners should consider the space they need for dog beds, toys, crates, and feeding supplies. If you prefer to purchase pet food in bulk, a home with extra pantry space ensures you have a space to stow your pet supplies.
- Decide How Far You're Willing to Drive for Pet Services
Pets usually require regular care, be it veterinarian care, grooming, or pet-sitting. Think about your lifestyle and willingness to travel when deciding how far you're able to commute to attend pet appointments. If you rarely travel without your pet and they're healthy, it might make sense to consider Bradenton homes for sale that have a longer commute to the vet or boarding facility. However, if your pet requires special medical care or if you frequently use a pet-sitter or boarding facility, you may prefer homes that are close to these businesses so you have a more convenient commute.
- Consider the Pet-Friendliness of the Neighborhood
When touring potential homes, make sure you spend some time evaluating the neighborhood and whether it's a good fit for your pet. What's a good fit will vary depending on the pets you have and their unique needs. If you own dogs, you may prefer a street that's safe for walks and exploring. However, if you own cats or inside pets, the walkability of the neighborhood is usually less of a concern. One thing to consider- while most pet owners try to keep their pets contained, they do occasionally slip out. Think about how safe the neighborhood would be if your pet were to escape. If your pet will immediately find themselves on a busy street, you might prefer a neighborhood with less traffic, a property that's farther away from the street, or a home with a fence to keep your pet safe even during unexpected situations.
- Look for Features That Might be a Safety Hazard
Keep an eye out for home features that might put your pet at risk. Homes with second-story windows are risky for cats, especially if you like to leave the windows open. Cats can push the screens out and fall or escape. If you know you like to have your windows open to enjoy a refreshing breeze, look for a property with screen doors or lots of main-level windows. Pools can also be dangerous for dogs and cats, especially if they're poor swimmers. If you decide to buy a property with a pool, consider investing in a pet-safe pool cover.
Purchasing a home as a pet owner requires a little more planning, but it's possible to find a home that works for everyone in your family. Ready to start your home search? Contact us to get started.