House Hunting with Pets: What to Know

House hunting as a pet parent is a little different than looking for a new home when you don’t have any animals to consider. The main reason for this is that you have to make sure that the property is suitable for your pets too. What might be an ideal property for you could have features that hinder your furry, feathered, or scaly friend’s happiness and safety.

To help you with your search, here’s what you need to know about house hunting with pets.

Will Your Pet be Spending More Time Indoors or Outdoors?

Depending on the type of pet you have, you’ll need to think about whether they will spend the majority of their time inside with you or out in the yard. If you have an indoor pet, you’ll want to ensure that they have the space that they need to accommodate where they sleep and to move around and play. While flooring can be changed, it’s also worth bearing in mind that carpets are easily ripped up by excited claws, and that wooden or laminate alternatives are easier to clean muddy paw marks from. If your pet will spend most of their time outdoors, a secure yard and shade with enough space to exercise and play are essentials for your property checklist.

Neighboring Animals

Some pets get along great with other animals while others need or prefer more space and to be as far away from neighboring pets as possible. Knowing your pet’s personality will help determine if they need a bit more space, and your real estate agent may be able to find out if any homes nearby have pets that you should know about. Remember that secure boundaries on your property and yard are essential if you have neighbors with animals too!

Are Stairs a Problem?

As we get older, our bones and joints become more painful. The same is true for our animals, who can also find it harder to move around as they did before. If you have a cat or dog and choose a home with lots of stairs, you may find that they aren’t able to go up and down them as easily as they age and are at greater risk of falling. Similarly, young puppies can lack the coordination needed to safely use them. Stairgates can help, but it’s important that you have somewhere on ground level where your senior pet can spend time and sleep.

What Pet-Friendly Facilities are Nearby?

You don’t only need to consider your own property when it comes to house hunting with your pet. You should also take into account what pet-friendly facilities are close by. For example, if you have a dog, you’ll want to make sure that there is a decent park or hiking route nearby so that you have somewhere safe for them to exercise. A reputable vet in the local area is essential, especially if you have an exotic animal, and a great pet store is nice to have too!

​​​​​​​If you’d like more advice on house hunting with a pet, please call Alchalel and Ramos in San Diego, California at (619) 517-8609 today.