There is no doubt that pets are part of the family these days, and believe it or not it can pay off to consider your dog before you buy or move into a new home.
There are several factors that you might want to think about before you move into an area, including fencing, neighbors and rules and regulations in the town. Here are a few thoughts on each one and some other things to consider as well:
Fencing/Dog Run
If you are moving into a new home--especially one in a subdivision--don't forget to ask if you can build a fence or have a dog run. Many of these communities have some restrictions on permanent fixtures, such as fences. Unless you want to get up and walk your pup every morning, it might be a thing to consider before you make that offer.
Even if you are buying an older home, the fence deserves at least a passing thought. Moving in and getting set up will be a priority, so building a fence may have to wait a while. If there already is a fence on the property, be sure to inspect it before letting the dog roam free outside unsupervised. Check for holes and weak spots--after all--your dog will!
Neighbors
Is there a dog next door? If so is it friendly? Having an aggressive dog next door can be a potential problem. If you have children, it can make for a nerve-wracking situation. If you have a dog, it can turn into one big barking contest and annoy everyone in the neighborhood. Once again, checking the fencing carefully can pay off--after all, you want to make sure even the nicest of dogs stays on his own turf.
Rules and Regulations
Don't forget to check with the city or town on what you need to do to comply with the rules on owning an animal. Are your dogs rabies shots up to date? Will you need to purchase a license for your pet? What are the rules in terms of dogs in the local parks and public areas? These are all helpful things to be aware of when moving to a new place.
Veterinarian
Although it might not be one of the top-tier items you will be thinking of when considering a move, a quick check to see where the closest vet office is might be a good idea as well. It might not influence your choice to buy a home, but it can help to have that information on hand just in case an emergency arises.
Groomer/Pet Store
A quick flip through the yellow pages is all it takes to check into these items. Once again, it doesn't mean you won't buy the house if you have to drive an extra 20 minutes to the groomer, but it can help to get an idea of what the lay of the land is. This works for other things besides pets as well. Most people look around to see where a grocery store or gas station is. After all, it doesn't hurt to do a little research.
Taking just a few minutes to look at how a house is set up in terms of pet-friendliness can pay off in the long run. While it isn't necessary to make it your focus, it can help to keep these things in mind when shopping around. Add them to your list of things to look for and you'll be more prepared overall.
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