House Hunting with Your Pet in Mind

When looking for a new home, we create a list of desirable features that can go on and on. Some things on this list are negotiable, others are not. Before you begin your home search, you should definitely know what you’re looking for in a home. Among some of the most important things you’ll need to know are: size, location and cost. However, have you considered what your family pet’s needs are in relation to your new space? If you’re trying to accommodate everyone (your dog and cat included), don’t wait to assess the needs of your family pet before putting an offer on your personal dream home. Instead, build your list of desired home features to include some of the following amenities that will accommodate your family pet.

What to Look for in a Home with a Pet

A Pet-Friendly Neighborhood – Not every neighborhood is welcoming your four-legged friend with open arms. Be sure to check with the HOA before hand to see if your breed is allowed, if there are any pet restrictions and if your neighborhood is strict when it comes to following noise ordinances. You may also want to check if the city has breed-specific laws or limits on the number of animals per home.

Take a look at the location of the neighborhood in relation to walkability as well. Having a dog park or a local hiking trail nearby can make for happy walks with your dog. Cat owners on the other hand should consider the presence of local wildlife as the closer you are to nature, the closer you are to coyotes or other predators. Both cat and dog owners should examine the amount of traffic and proximity to a busy road for dogs that like to get out frequently and cats that prefer to roam.

Adequate Yard Enclosure – You’ll definitely need space for an enclosed yard and an enclosure that keeps pets in, while keeping critters out. If the homes you’re looking at don’t currently have a strong, fenced structure already in place, you’ll need to research how and if you can build one. Giving your pet a place to roam freely in the backyard is a must for any pet-loving family. Before you make the move, check with the local HOA once more to see what types of restrictions they have on fencing your property. You may have to use a certain type of material, and comply to a certain height in order to be permitted to build.

Pet-Friendly Floors – This is a big issue for pet-owners as the wrong floor can cause major headaches. You’ll want to stay away from wall-to-wall carpet and luxury hardwood flooring as both options tend to be very high maintenance even with the most well-behaved pets. Instead try to steer towards poured concrete, tile, luxury vinyl or laminate as a more pet-friendly alternative. All these options are scratch, stain and odor resistant which means they can withstand both pets and kids.

A Pet-Friendly Floor Plan – The size and layout of the home definitely matters for dog owners, especially large dog owners. Consider how much square-footage you’ll need to ensure that you and your pets have ample leg room. This is especially true if you’re considering downsizing. There’s nothing worse than feeling cramped in your own home. Another aspect of the floor plan to consider is in regards to a multi-level home. Remember to consider your dogs ability to go up and down stairs, especially as they age. You’ll also want to have carpet on the stairs, to avoid any slips and falls.

Finding your Dream Home in South Orange County

You’re definitely not in this alone. With a currently competitive market, and many different amenities to consider, trying to find the right home can be overwhelming. The good news is, looking for a new home in South Orange County just got easier with my new lifestyle search page. You can now find the perfect home that meets all your needs and an experienced  realtor to help you with the closing process all in one place. Click here to start searching and call me at 949-500-9714 when you’re ready to get started.