Purchasing a pet-friendly home

Are you house shopping with your furry friend in mind? Before you offer a bid, you’ll want to make sure that your dream home will also be a safe and comfortable space for your faithful companion. Check out this pet-friendly real estate primer.

Analyze the home’s layout. At first glance, you can assess whether a home’s property is spacious enough for your pet. Will your four-legged friend have enough room to live and play? A small yard and grassy area may be all your pets needs to thrive, but is the property fenced in for their protection? Inside the home, you should also consider the flooring. Will you want your pet to be on tile floors or carpeting? If there are stairs, will that be conducive to the life of an older dog or cat?

Learn about city ordinances. While you’ll be looking for safe places to walk your dog, as well as parks and grassy areas, also familiarize yourself with city and county ordinances. You may be required to obey leash laws and clean up after your pet in public areas. Contact the local parks and recreation department for a list of pet-friendly places.

Determine neighborhood and HOA rules. While single-family homes offer the most freedom for your fur babies, a townhouse or condominium complex may have rules to govern pets in accordance with the home owner’s association. There may be restrictions on the amount of pets you can have, and even rules about the maximum weight of each pet. Educate yourself on pet policies before you buy.

Finally, speak with potential neighbors to get a feel for the community’s pet culture. Making an informed decision for yourself, your children and pets will result in a happier outcome for the entire family.