I remember when we were looking for our first home in 2013, how important the space was to bring home a dog. We closed on our home on October 15 and our 8 week old pup, Harley, arrived on October 25th! We knew we were getting a dog before we bought our home, so making sure Harley would feel at home in our home was very important.
Did you know that 66% of households in the US have a pet? According to the World Animal Foundation and their latest research and data of 2023-2024, 86.9 million US households owns a pet, which account for 66%. This number increased throughout the pandemic as well. If your life revolves around your furry friends, homeownership is something you should prioritize.
35% of homebuyers are Millennials, and 32% of Millennials are pet owners! Right behind that, 27% of Baby Boomers are animal lovers! (According to PetKeen and Tegna) If you’re a pet lover like our team is, homeownership should be on your radar! So what pet-friendly features should you consider when buying a home? Let’s ask our pets!
Natural Light and Plenty of Windows
Every cat’s dream house is full of large, South-facing windows where they can stretch and nap in the sunshine! Cats will definitely appreciate a home with trees, bushes, or sidewalks right outside the window where they can scope out the action, like watching squirrels, birds, and people passing by.
Durable Flooring
Believe it or not, the visibility of fur will differ based on your floor color and your pet’s fur. Much like black pants and a yellow lab, their fur will be more visible on a darker floor. We have a black lab and had lighter color floors before we renovated. We know that a darker stain on our hardwood floors makes Harley’s fur slightly less visible! Our vacuum or Roomba is constantly running but consider hardwood flooring (distressed or reclaimed wood) or a engineered flooring like Luxury Vinyl instead of carpet as well for a more durable, easier to clean surface!
If your dog or cat has claws, during playtime they may scratch the flooring. If this is something that concerns you, making sure you have durable flooring is important, or you can just put a rug down!
Screened-In Porch and Sunrooms
Who doesn’t love sitting in the sunroom or screen porch, enjoying the great outdoors from the luxury of your warmer, dryer interior space! If you have a space like this, your dogs and cats will enjoy it too! Cats will especially enjoy this space – their natural desires to be outside will be met, while staying safe “inside.”
Fenced-In Yards and Landscaping
Take it from me, walking your dog at odd hours of the night (especially when they’re puppies) can be exhausting. Having access to a fenced yard is amazing! You’ll want to keep a close eye on your pet when they’re outside, but being able to stand in the doorway while they are outside during a snowstorm is amazing! Fencing in a yard can be costly, so if a fence is already in place, consider that a value when you’re looking for the perfect home.
There will be mixed opinions on this, but if you don’t like the look of a traditional fenced-in yard, consider adding an invisible, electric fence.
Also be mindful of the landscaping in your yard. Some plants and flowers are dangerous for pets so be sure to consult a list of toxic vegetation to ensure your yard is safe for your furry friend.
Sidewalks and Easy Access to Trails and Dog Parks
Just like easy access to schools if you have children, you’ll want to make sure there are safe places to take your dog for walks. When considering a home, research how long it will take to walk or drive to a dog park or hiking trails where they can wander both on and off leash.
HOA & Breeds
If you’re buying in a homeowners association, be sure to consult the by-laws prior to contract signing as some associations have breed restrictions.
Moving Day with a Pet
You’ll want to create an essential bin for moving day – here is what we would put in ours for our cats and dogs:
- Your pets food and treats
- Water bowls
- Collar
- Leash
- A familiar toy
- A crate to carry them in
- A clean litter box
- Any medicine they might need
If possible, have a friend or family member watch your pet during the move so your pet is somewhere safe, and you can bring them in to their new home with their bed and toys already set up so they immediately feel at home. Moving is stressful for anyone, pets included!