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Since 2003, Dan Green has been a leading mortgage lender and respected industry authority. His unwavering commitment to first-time home buyers and home buyer education has established him as a trusted voice among his colleagues, his peers, and the media. Dan founded Homebuyer.com to expand the American Dream of Homeownership to all who want it. Read more about Dan Green.
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According to the 2023-2024 APPA National Pet Owners Survey, 87 million U.S. households have pets, and millions of pet owners move yearly.
Moving can be stressful for home buyers and their fur brigade – whether you’re moving out of your parent’s house, down the street, or moving out of state.
We built this guide for pet parents to highlight how to shop for homes so that when you buy your first home, it’s a home that meets your and your paw pals’ needs, too.
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According to the National Association of REALTORS®, 29% of U.S. households would move because of their pets and pet owners shared the top 3 traits for their ideal upcoming home:
First-time buyers house a wide range of pets and breeds. Dogs are the most popular household pets, followed by cats and freshwater fish.
The top 5 household pets in America are:
The next most popular pets among U.S. households are horses, reptiles, and saltwater fish.
The APPA study shows that Millennials are most likely to own pets (33 percent), followed by Generation X (25 percent) and Baby Boomers (24 percent).
Also noteworthy: 16 percent of Generation Z households have pets, and Gen Z is the cohort with the most fish, birds, and reptiles.
Two-thirds of people moving into a homeowners association consider the community’s pet policy before buying a home or moving in, and homeowners (57%) are likelier to have a pet than renters (37%).
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Source: 2023-2024 APPA National Pet Owners Survey
A good home for a pet meets your furry friend’s physical and emotional needs and keeps them happy.
In this section of the Home-Buying Guide for Pet Parents, we discuss three common features of pet-friendly homes. Not all great pet homes will have these three traits, but many will.
As you shop for homes, drive the neighborhoods and check for the following:
The basics of a well-built neighborhood for pets include:
Parks and green spaces allow pets to run, explore, and play with other pets and humans – bonus points for parks with dedicated pet space, such as dog parks and lakes.
Walking paths provide safety from cars, trucks, and cyclists; and protection from chemicals that spill on public roads. Walking also promotes healthy weight and bones.
Lastly, pets attract pets. A neighborhood with an abundance of four-legged friends is, by definition, pet-friendly, which means you and your pet can make new friends.
Find a neighborhood with all three elements, and your pets will happily live there.
Many municipalities enforce pet laws, which dictate how animals and residents interact. Some local governments go as far as to dictate which animals are disallowed in a community.
Before buying your first home with a pet, check the local pet rules. Ensure they’re favorable to you, your snout squad, and your animal-loving lifestyle.
Some of the common U.S. pet laws include the following:
Neighborhoods and homeowners associations may also enforce noise rules to which pets are subject. If your Fluff Squad is a vocal variety, check your local regulations.
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When you buy a home in a neighborhood with veterinarians or an animal hospital, life gets safer for your scruffy sidekicks.
Living near a veterinarian or an animal hospital means your pets can get help quickly in an emergency, such as after an illness or injury or ingesting dangerous foods. Immediate treatment is crucial in poisoning and life-threatening situations.
Buying a home near animal medical facilities benefits pets in other ways, too:
Buying a home near animal care helps keep your pets safe, healthy, and happy. Plus, it makes life easier and more enjoyable for you and your shaggy soulmates.
Source: 2023-2024 APPA National Pet Owners Survey
Pet-friendly homes make life easier for you and your pets, ensuring everyone feels right at home.
This section of the Home-Buying Guide for Pet Parents explores five common features of a pet-friendly home, including pet-appropriate flooring, easy-to-clean surfaces, and secure indoor and outdoor spaces.
As you search for your perfect home, look for the following pet-friendly features:
Pets are often messy, and your home’s flooring design affects how you and your pets live.
For example, vinyl, laminate, and tile floors are durable, easy to clean, and scratch-resistant, making upkeep easier. And bamboo doubles as a pet-friendly and eco-friendly flooring option.
Floors that work well for pets and their owners have similar traits:
Many homeowners also use area rugs and carpet runners to make flooring more friendly to their pets.
Pets need physical and emotional safe spaces inside your home, which are different.
Cageless pets should have a designated space for bedding, toys, crates, and food and water for emotional safety. Small pets in cages should also have specific areas, plus toys to keep them engaged and healthy.
For physical safety, the hallmarks of a safe indoor space include:
Also, carpeting or non-slip treads for homes with stairs can reduce the risk of your pets slipping and injuring themselves with a fall.
First-time home buyers with pets rank outdoor space as an essential pet-related aspect of buying a home.
According to the National Association of REALTORS®, 49 percent of pet-owning buyers want fenced-in yard, followed by a larger home (27%) and better pet flooring (24%).
Yards matter to pet owners.
Look for these essential outdoor features when you’re shopping for your dream home:
Also, for homes with perimeter gates, ensure the locks are functioning and secure to prevent your pets from escaping your yard and other pets from entering your yard.
Lastly, review the neighborhood bylaws for homes governed by a homeowners association to ensure your outdoor space and fencing meet local requirements. Neighborhoods may require a specific fence type, such as split rail, or limit your backyard fence to a particular height.
Helping your pets stay clean is essential for their health and happiness.
If you’re a “go-to-the-groomer” pet family, look for homes near reputable grooming facilities. However, if you’re a do-it-yourself pet washer, look for properties with ample space for bathing when shopping for homes.
Your next home could have indoor and outdoor bathing options for your pet.
To improve indoor bath time for your tail-wagging tribe, search for homes with oversized bathtubs or showers that comfortably fit you and your pet. Handheld shower heads make soaping and rinsing your pet more manageable, and non-slip surfaces keep everyone safe.
For pets who prefer outdoor baths, pet owners should search for homes with spacious yards and room for outdoor bathing options, such as wading pools or portable pet baths.
Hose access is paramount, too, to facilitate bath prep.
Good lighting and ventilation improve your pet’s well-being. When you’re shopping for a home for you and your pet posse, prioritize homes with these features:
Lastly, look for easy access for your pets to the outdoors, either through a dedicated pet door or another door in the home. Pets with access to fresh air and sunshine are happier and healthier than pets without.
Source: 2023-2024 APPA National Pet Owners Survey
Moving with a pet is a significant change for your pet and you.
Show patience as your lovable lump adapts to its new home and environment. Your pet will become familiar with the new neighborhood and comfortable in its new space in time.
This section of the Home-Buying Guide for Pet Parents shares proven ways to help your pet adjust to living in its new home.
Moving homes and neighborhoods is a big change for a pet.
Help your pet adjust by taking the move slowly. Allow your pet time to familiarize itself with the inside of your new home, giving them ample time to sniff and feel safe in the new space. Slowly introduce your home’s outdoor space, letting your pet move at its own pace.
Once your pet shows comfort inside and outside the home, gradually introduce them to the neighborhood. Take very short walks around the block. Allow your pet time to sniff and explore their new surroundings.
During your walks, bring treats and offer them as rewards for good behavior. Soon, your pet will associate the new neighborhood with positive experiences. Then, as your walking wagger gets more comfortable, gradually increase the distance of your walks and greet neighbors who are also outside.
For safety, note off-leash pets and stray animals you see on your walks, and watch for dangerous plants. Stay vigilant as your pet acclimates to new wildlife and vegetation.
Next, introduce pet-friendly parks and trails nearby where your furball can meet and socialize with other four-legged friends.
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Municipalities and homeowners associations often enact safety rules to protect their communities’ pets and people.
Following the local rules will help you be a better neighbor, avoid fines and persistent penalties, and keep your pet safe.
Local pet ordinances are public but must be sought out by residents of a community. To find your local pet ordinances, visit the official website of your new area or contact your local animal service department.
For home buyers in condominiums or planned communities, asking a neighbor for information can be a great way to get started.
Some common pet ordinances include the following:
Being a responsible pet owner fosters positive relationships within your community and with your neighbors and gives your pet a better life. Learn about your new home’s rules for pets before moving in.
On move-in day, set aside time to help your pets adjust and feel secure in their new home and surroundings.
Before bringing your pet to its new home, set up a space with a familiar bed or blanket, favorite toys, and food and water dishes. Also, create a designated area for potty events for animals that use litter boxes or similar devices.
Designated spaces make your pet feel secure and comfortable during the move.
Moving can be stressful for pets. They may feel anxious or unsure about their new home. To help them feel at ease, schedule playtime breaks, offer treats for good behavior, and make time to cuddle.
Then, after you’ve settled into your new home a bit, take your pet for a walk and explore the neighborhood and community. Be leisurely. Walk around the block or visit a nearby park. Let your pet sniff and set the pace, and only insist on going as far as your pet may want to walk.
By making time for your pet on move-in day, you can help ease their stress and anxiety, making the transition to their new home more comfortable for both of you. Remember, your pet relies on you for love and support. Be patient and understanding as they adapt to their new surroundings. With time, your pet will settle in and feel at home in your new space.
To help your pet adjust to new environments, establish a consistent, daily routine for them.
Pets thrive on predictability, and maintaining routine helps reduce their stress and anxiety during the transition. Patterns also make managing your pet’s needs more straightforward.
You can schedule several parts of a pet’s day, including :
Some pets adjust quickly to new environments, such as a home. Others take weeks and months to feel completely comfortable and settled.
To help your pet adjust more quickly, recognize that moving homes can be traumatic to pets. Offer praise and reassurance, and be understanding if your pet has setbacks or displays unusual behavior.
Pets adjust at their own pace.
Making new pet friends helps pets feel more comfortable in new environments and provides opportunities for socialization and play.
Owners should make pet introductions gradually and carefully.
Start with short, supervised interactions in neutral areas, such as a park on a quiet street.
Keep pets on a leash and allow your pet to sniff and explore new friends from a distance. Gradually, reduce the space between them as they become more comfortable.
Use praise and treats to reward your pet for calm behavior.
So long as play remains safe and friendly, allow your pet to play with their new friend while watching for negative body language.
If you see signs of stress or aggression, separate the pets calmly and try again another day.
Pets may be more receptive to each other after two or three introductions.
Remember that every pet is different. Some pets prefer the company of certain animals over others. Some warm up to new friends right away, and some take longer.
Remember: you should never force your pet into interactions if they appear stressed, unhappy, or uncomfortable.
With time and positive experiences, your pet will form bonds with other area pets and enjoy their new life in your new home.
This article, "The Home-Buying Guide for Pet Parents" draws on the author's professional mortgage experiences and references information found at these authoritative websites:
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