Finding a Dog-Friendly Home
New Digs for Your Dog: Tips for Finding a Dog-Friendly Home
If you’re a dog owner, you probably know how important it is to factor your pooch into your criteria when looking for a new house. Your dog is more than just a pet; he’s part of the family. As a dog owner, you’re invested in keeping your furry friend happy, just as you are the rest of your family. Much depends on the size of your dog and his temperament. If yours is a large dog that likes to run and play, a good-sized yard should probably be a priority. You might also want to find a house that’s near a park or, better yet, a dog park. Remember that dogs can experience anxiety about moving to a new home, just as people can. While you probably won’t make a final decision based solely on your dog’s needs, maintaining a general sense of what kind of home makes sense for your dog.
Starting out
One of the first things you’ll probably do is get in touch with a real estate agent, an advocate and advisor who will guide you through the home-buying process. When you meet with your agent, make sure it’s known that you have a dog and that you want to factor him into your plans. Otherwise, your agent may steer you toward homes that are unsuited to a dog or into neighborhoods that have restrictions about pets. The median listing price for a home in Albuquerque, NM, is $234,000.
Locationding
A neighborhood with limited opportunities for walking and exercise isn’t going to be a good fit for your dog. Make sure you’ll be able to walk together in your new neighborhood or that there’s a park within walking distance. Some people like to find a home that’s not far away from work so they can stop by during the day and spend time with their dog or at least let him out so he can go to the bathroom without having to hold it all day. Typically, dogs need to go three to five times a day, which can be a real problem if they’re spending entire days alone with no access to the outside. If you can’t find a place near where you work, it may be necessary to seek help. If there’s no friend or neighbor who can lend a hand, consider hiring a dog-sitting or dog-walking service so your pet has companionship and gets some exercise every day.
Finding a dog-friendly neighborhood
Do some research before committing to a new home. Look around. Do you see other people walking dogs up and down the street or playing with dogs in their yards? Is there a dog-friendly park nearby where your pooch can socialize with other canines? If so, you’ve probably found a good neighborhood for dogs and dog owners. Dog parks are great places for your dog to play with other canines and for making connections with other dog owners. Dog Parks in Albuquerque
Services and amenities
Being a dog owner brings certain responsibilities. If you’re moving to a new neighborhood or a new city, you’ll need to find a veterinarian within easy driving distance of your new home. Many dog breeds don’t like riding in a moving car for long distances, so the shorter you can keep your drive to the vet, the better. It’s even better if there’s a pet supply store nearby.
If you can keep your dog’s needs in mind as you’re house hunting, it’ll make life easier for him and for you and prevent certain logistical problems that may crop up later on. Make sure your real estate agent is on the same page when it comes to finding a dog-friendly space. And bear in mind the need to find a nearby veterinarian and a public space for your pooch to play in.
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