A Dog Owner’s Guide to Buying and Selling a Home

The life of a dog owner necessitates extra responsibilities which revolve around the dog’s safety and happiness. These responsibilities include choosing a place to live which fits not only human needs and comforts, but a dog’s as well. Fortunately, much has been written to assist dog owners when the time comes to sell one home and move into another, preferably one that entails upgrades for both the human and the dog.

Seller’s Guide

There are some basic preparations that all homeowners should conduct before showing a home, but they are particularly prescient for dog owners. Realtor.com suggests that potential sellers do a thorough cleanup of the property, vacuuming any hair, deodorizing, and ridding the yard of any dog toys.

When it comes to selling, it is best to completely conceal the fact that you are a pet owner. Closetbox recommends that all signs of the dog – its bowls, toys, bed, etc. – be stored somewhere that will not be included in the showing. Fairly or not, potential buyers often associate dogs with damage, stains, and odors, even if none are apparent to the naked eye.

Lastly, Re/Max is spot-on in their tip that dogs should be relocated prior to the showing. After all, what good is all of the cleaning and rearranging if a potential buyer steps into a house and is immediately greeted by an eager pup?

This relocation also means lending the dog out to a friend, family member, neighbor or professional service. Regardless of where you choose to temporarily relocate your buddy, its absence will ensure that no negative interactions between dog and potential buyer occur, and that the buyer is not deterred from a sale because they are aware that you are a proud dog owner.

Buyer’s Guide

Buying a home fit for a dog is not as difficult as some may anticipate. There are many services that accommodate those searching for dog-friendly housing, but there are also tips to keep in mind without the need for such a service.

For one, the neighborhood must be dog friendly. While demographics in neighborhoods vary, one that is rife with dog owners is preferable, as it will give the dog and the human the opportunity for ample socialization when taking walks. The dog must also have plenty of room to run, whether that is in the home’s yard or the local dog park.

Pet Insurance U notes that a tired, well-exercised dog is a happy dog. This is why finding a home with a yard is ideal to both the owner and pup’s mind state, as trips to the dog park each and every time the dog needs non-walk exercise will prove taxing for most. Space for a quick game of fetch on your own property is one priority when searching for homes.

HGTV has compiled some valuable tips to make any home more dog friendly, including the creation of window seats to suit the dog’s curious mind and the utilization of protective covering that may be necessary for an excessive shedder or accident prone pup.

Essentially, a home buyer must prioritize the yard, neighborhood dog owner demographics, and even some essential interior features when choosing their home. If a dog is elderly, for example, stairs may not be a wise feature in the home, as the trip up and down can be taxing for the dog. While humans should come first in the purchasing process, there is no reason that both master and dog cannot be completely satisfied in their new living space.

Conclusion

It is understandable that most people feel overwhelmed by the prospect of selling and purchasing a home. However, planning and foresight are the two most valuable assets in reducing the stress of a move. The process of selling the house will be made easier if you take the steps to clean up after your dog, temporarily washing away all signs of its existence. However, purchasing a new home requires the owner to pay attention to its dogs needs and wants if it is to be a true dream home.