Buying a Home With Pets

We love our dogs. They're not just pets, but they're part of the family. But while our dogs may be adorable, they can also wreak havoc on our homes. They also have different needs than we do, especially when it comes to their dwelling.

If you're in the market to buy a home and are bringing your furry friend with you, consider the following features for your next home.

Space For Washing

Depending on the type of dog you have, you may need to give him a thorough cleaning before letting him in the house. This is especially true for the rambunctious type that likes to frolic in puddles and mud.

Having a dedicated space to clean your pooch up before letting him loose will spare all other parts of your home.

Ample Yard Space

A backyard is the perfect space for your dog to burn off some energy and relieve himself when nature calls. If you've got a larger breed, you may need more square footage in your yard, while a smaller breed might only need a small space. 

Not only does the size of the yard matter, but so does the fencing. Ideally, your yard should be completely fenced in to prevent your dog from escaping and letting coyotes and other creatures from coming in. And if your dog likes to jump, consider the height of the fence, too.

Pet-Friendly Location

It would help if there were nearby parks, trails, and even off-leash dog parks in the area you're looking to buy in. While your yard may be a great place for your dog to get a little exercise, you also want to give him more room to move around and meet other dogs. Plus, they appreciate being off-leash on occasion, which will be a welcome break for you too.

Plenty of Indoor Space

Playing outside is obviously ideal for your dog, but what about days when the weather isn't so nice? Or what about all the other times of the day when you're not taking your dog out? It would be great for you to have lots of space inside for your pup to roam around freely without feeling cramped.

Ideally, you'll want to give your pet a dedicated space to keep his toys, bed, food and water, crate, and other belongings. It will give him a sense of his own personal space while helping to ensure that your dog doesn't mess up all other areas of your home.

Just make sure your home's interior is pet-proofed so they're safe. Protect wires, baseboards, sockets, furniture legs, and other items that you don't want your dog to chew on. 

Scratch-Resistant Flooring

A must-have for dog owners is flooring that can withstand the pounding and scratching it will take from your dog's nails as he runs, jumps, turns corners, and skids on the floor. Some of the best flooring materials for this purpose include tile, vinyl, laminate, bamboo, and cork. And even if you must have hardwood, there are certain types and finishes, such as hand-scraped hardwood, that will hide all scratches.

Otherwise, carpeting may be a good idea. Just make sure you've considered pre-treatment sprays to help make accidents easier to clean, a vacuum designed for homes with dogs, and a shampoo on occasion.