Home Looking? Your New House Wants These Canine-Pleasant Options

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Many of us haven’t worked from home for over a year, so it’s no big surprise that some of us – who haven’t moved yet – are looking for a new home. However, finding a good home for us humans is only part of the process. We also have to take care of our dogs.

In fact, a recent survey by the National Association of Realtors found that 43 percent of Americans would move into a new home to accommodate their pets. They are just as important as our children. (No offense, human children.)

With that in mind, the folks at Rover and my girlfriend’s new favorite website have released a list of 15 “emerging dog-friendly cities”. These cities are mostly in warm climates and have plenty of parks and dog-friendly facilities. Ideally, are they places where you and your dog can be the happiest and aren’t we all working towards them? Here are the five main cities:

• Denver

• Orlando, Fla.

• Anaheim, California

• Charlotte, NC

• Birmingham, Ala.

This is all fine and good if you can move where you want, but that’s not a reality for most of us who want to get around with our dogs. We can still help! We interviewed multiple real estate agents from Better Homes and Gardens, as well as Haylee Bergeland, CPDT-KA, CBCC-KA, and RBT – Daily Paws’ health and behavioral editor who recently moved herself.

“Every home buyer is different about certain things they want in a new home. However, it is important that you give your dog extra attention. So consider the additional costs of making a potential home more dog-friendly.” , she says.

Together they helped us make the list of must-haves for you and your dog’s new home.

The big one: a fenced yard (Duh)

The benefits of a fenced yard are second to none for dog owners. Name a room in your house that can be used as a playground, sleeping area, dining room and bathroom at the same time. You can not! This is the main request from home buyers who own dogs and who work with Sharae McIntyre, a sales rep at Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Paracle.

The story goes on

“It will seal the deal,” she told Daily Paws.

McIntyre, who has worked in real estate across the country for 15 years and now lives in Charlotte, says she’s even seen impressive dog-friendly backyards, enough to convince dog parents to overlook other shortcomings – like a lack of storage space – and to incorporate an offer.

CONNECTED: Moving Your Dog: How to Help a Dog Adapt to Your New Home

Several other agents agreed that often the main requirement of dog owners is to notify Daily Paws of a fenced yard. They are the best!

“In an ideal world, all houses would have a huge, fully fenced yard, but since this is rare, especially in large cities, a house with some kind of grassy area that is securely fenced off is great,” says Bergeland. “Your dog needs an easily accessible place where they can potty safely without any problems. Even if your new home is an apartment, make sure there is a green space, even a small one, that your dog can use . “

A dog friendly neighborhood

This spans multiple assets, but McIntyre customers usually ask for sidewalks specifically. We all love a good walk our dog – an activity that can benefit our pups both physically and mentally – and the best way to do it safely is on a sidewalk. They don’t want to walk in the street or through people’s courtyards.

For others, especially dog ​​owners, who may not have a garden, park, or dog park nearby, this may be more important. (McIntyre mentioned that people who live in urban housing developments might want a dog park nearby so their hopeless dogs have a place to know they can play.)

“A dog-friendly community is a must,” says Bergeland. “That means the neighborhood has sidewalks to walk around, grass, trees, and parks or recreational areas nearby – just a short walk away. Dogs need to be able to walk or hike daily, and they need to be able to Be able to sniff, tag, and explore the world around them for their best canine life. “

CONNECTED: This couple lives with 21 dogs, a small fraction of the hundreds they saved

Two other Better Homes and Gardens real estate agents, Fred Siegel and Faith Mattei, have also counted dog parks among the top inquiries from their pet parenting customers. Another one on Mattei’s list? A vet nearby. This is a trip you never want to take too long.

Courtesy of Kathleen Schilling

Pet perks in your home

We’d love not to mention the inside of you and your dog’s future new home. If your dog is older or in a condition that makes stairs inaccessible, you want to make sure they can get around as well as possible.

Homeowners also opt for no carpet (easier to clean accidents) or dog door to make life easier for them and their dogs. However, when it comes to dog doors, McIntyre urges people to make sure they are as safe as possible. You don’t want to give burglars an easy path.

CONNECTED: A Simple Guide to Protecting Your Home and Yard from Dogs

Building a new home or having the option to expand an existing lot is a real treat for your pup. Dana Hall-Bradley, owner of Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Fine Living, said she recently sold a property that contains plans for a dog shower. This is a pretty handy tool if your dog loves the mud.

Kathleen Schilling, a sales rep at Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Paracle, tells Daily Paws that her daughter installed something similar. Her two dogs also need frequent baths, which is why she has installed a tasteful dog bath for her Rottweiler on the terrace.

“It’s raised, with a drain, and matches the stones on your terrace, so you can hardly tell it’s there,” says Schilling. This is also a good reminder: with the necessary money and materials, you can make your current home more of a puppy palace. Take a trip to our DIY page for inspiration.