After 28 moves, our last six have been with dogs. For the most part, they are pretty flexible as long as they are close to the family. Three airplane trips were a little rough because it was tougher to get to outdoor,dog, restroom facilities. Right now, the dogs are two feet away and happy as usual.
Jaymi Naciri gives some updated data on home purchasers that are looking for the right environment for their dogs.
Data over the last several years shows that millennials are largely driven in their real estate purchase not necessarily by proximity to work or readiness for marriage and kids, but, instead, by their desire to provide a nice environment for their dogs.
Sometimes, people are awesome.
If you’re one of those people that are looking to move in order to create a welcoming home environment for your dog, or a dog you plan to bring in, here are a few things to look for.
A workable floorplan
Do you have an older dog? Getting up and down the stairs might not be so easy. Perhaps a ranch-style home is a better bet at this stage of your life.
A safe yard
When you’re looking at houses, you’re going to want to pay close attention to the outdoor space. Is there enough room for your pooch to run? Is the yard fenced? Is the fence in decent shape?
Other doggie friends
While you may not be keen to meet up with other humans and their pets during this time of social distancing, this too shall pass…right? And, when it does, you may want to make sure you’re positioned in an area that’s dog friendly.
Barking dogs
Then again, the neighbors’ dogs might be nightmares. Having mega-barkers around you is never fun, but it can be especially painful if that barking also gets your dog(s) going.
A park nearby
Even if you don’t have acres for your dog to explore, having a park nearby can be a great substitute.
The wildlife situation
Are you looking at areas where there are coyotes or other predators? You not only have to think about the danger factor but also what life will be like if you can’t put in as doggie door and have to leave your dog alone while you’re gone for large stretches of time.
Is it a busy street?
Dogs get out. It happens. Being in a high-traffic area could increase the possibility that your dog will be injured or worse by a car. Said Homes.com: “You may always have your dog on a leash, but what about those times they escape out the front door when you’re distracted or when a child or visitor or serviceman leaves the door open? Will they rush into a quiet cul-de-sac or a busy street?”
Nooks and crannies
If you do buy a two-story home, that unused space under the stairs would make a great dog hangout area!
Community rules
If you have or are considering a breed like a pit bull or German shepherd, you’ll want to make sure there are no restrictions in the communities you’re considering. Some condo and townhome communities may also have size restrictions, and they’re also may be limitations on how many pets you can have.
“Even if you own a piece of property, it’s not guaranteed that your pets will be welcome there,” said the American Kennel Club (AKC). “Depending on the number and the breed, there can be restrictions within a Homeowners Association (HOA), condo development, or even the city or state, at large.
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