Anyone who has ever had a pet will know how they are like family. The American Veterinary Medical Association estimates that more than 48 million households own one or more dogs and more than 31 million households own one or more cats. Here are some ways to help plan a move and make it easier on you and your pet companions.
How to Find a Home in a Pet-Friendly Area
Many apartments and rental homes add fees when you bring pets. You might find it cheaper and easier to search for a home. Dr. Anna van Heeckeren recommends using local resources such as a local animal shelter, your real estate agent, and a humane society that may have information about pet-friendly housing options. Ask friends and family members who are pet owners for ideas and places to live.
If you don’t have a lot of money, see if you can stay with family or friends in the area you are considering relocating to. Arrange to stay with them for a few days, so you can investigate jobs in the area and housing options. Make sure they can accommodate your pet when you visit.
Explore the Area near your Home
You want to make sure the area where your new home will be is pet-friendly. In considering your new home, consider the size and the breed of your pet. For example, for small dogs, perhaps a smaller home where you can walk your dog outside for small jaunts would be enough. For larger dogs, you might need a larger home with a backyard for your dog to play and run or spend time outdoors.
More things to consider: are there vets nearby that provide the care you want? While this article about how to find the best vet mostly pertains to dog owners, the same questions can be asked for other animals, such as cats or hamsters or birds. Are there pet shops nearby to easily purchase supplies? Does the community seem open to pets, such as dog parks or people walking their animals?
Moving Your Pets Easily and Without Anxiety
Consider several steps to prepare your pet for travel. If you haven’t already, consider and check all local and state laws and regulations before purchasing your home. Now that you know you can successfully take your pet companion with you, visit your vet to get your pet checked out, including that all shots are up-to-date and other documentation. Prep for your animal before you travel. Make sure areas along the route allow for pets, and stop in places that are pet-friendly. Do not leave your pets in the car because this is unsafe. Make sure hotels you stop at along the way are pet-friendly.
Pet-Proof Your Yard and New Home
Make sure you pet-proof your yard at your new home. Whether considering a pet door for your cat or your dog, it is vital to make some changes to ensure the safety of your pet and to avoid damage when you can’t be there. One option is dog-proof trash cans. By using a dog-proof trash can, you can avoid your dog eating something unhealthy from the garbage that might make them sick and add up to costly vet bills. When looking for the ideal trash can for your home, read online reviews to ensure you’re getting something high-quality.
Other factors in pet-proofing your yard is to remove harmful plants such as castor bean, azaleas, and sago palm that can prove deadly to dogs. Also, you can add to your yard and make it the ideal spot for your dog by adding a shelter or doghouse, creating a do-it-yourself obstacle course to exercise and train your dog, or planting dog-safe shrubs such as crepe myrtle, orange grape, or tropical hibiscus.
Following the above can make finding a new home and creating an environment you and your pet companion will love much easier. Also, Mortgages for America and Homes for Heroes are two programs with realtors that can help you find and afford that new place.