Purchasing A Pet-Friendly Home

For many pet owners, a furry friend is like a member of the family. If you are thinking of investing in a new home in the near future, then you should keep the needs of your pet in mind as you evaluate potential properties. Purchasing a pet-friendly home will allow both you and your companion animal to be comfortable in your new surroundings.

Here are three tips that you can use to ensure a property will be as pet-friendly as possible while house hunting in the future.

1. Check for pet-friendly landscaping.

While you want your new home to have great curb appeal, the flowers and shrubs growing in a property's yard could pose a threat to your pet. It's important that you take the time to ask about all of the species growing in a home's landscape- including any bulbs that might sprout up later on.

Some plants (like azaleas or daffodils) can be poisonous to dogs when ingested. To ensure that you don't have to spend money on re-landscaping your new yard, look for a property with pet-friendly plants.

2. Check for a secure fence.

The addition of a fence can define a property's borders and add interest to its landscape. As a pet owner, a home's fence will also serve as a barrier between your animals and the dangers of the outside world.

To avoid having to spend money repairing an existing fence or installing a new one after you purchase your home, look for a property that comes with secure fencing. Vinyl and chainlink make great fencing options for outdoor pets, since a dog will not be able to easily chew through these materials.

3. Check for secure window screens.

If you have an indoor pet, it's important that the screens in your new home's windows are secure. Cats are especially prone to falling out of second-story windows, a phenomenon that veterinarians refer to as high-rise syndrome.

As you walk through potential properties during your house hunt, check to ensure that all of the screens in the windows are in good condition and mounted properly. This will give you the ability to open the windows in your new home to enjoy a fresh breeze without putting your indoor pet at risk of injury.

Knowing what to look for as you evaluate how pet-friendly properties are will help you locate a new home that meets both your and your pet's needs in the future.