3 tips to choose a home that benefits your dog

New buyers commonly think about where to buy a house and what to look for in a property. Most want to find a quiet, friendly place with enough square footage to move around comfortably.

Interestingly, that’s also what your dog looks for in a home. If you own a dog or plan on adopting one once you secure a house, then it’s only right to choose a dog-friendly home.

Here are some considerations to remember for the happiness and safety of you and your pets when choosing a place to live.

Consider the basics

While you’re touring a potential new home, look for features that will keep your dog safe throughout the year.

Choose a dog-friendly home with adequate square footage so that you can live comfortably and your dog can get around easily without running into each other all the time.

Ensure that the square footage includes enough storage space in closets or the garage to store harmful chemicals, foods your dog shouldn’t eat, and other dangers.

You’ll also want to be smart about the flooring in your dream home.

Carpet is often frowned upon because it’s hard to clean doggy messes and excessive dog hair. Consider hardwood or vinyl plank, which looks great, is easy to clean, and is scratch-resistant.

Also, if you have an older dog, you should be careful about choosing a house with many stairs. They can be harder to navigate, and your pooch could get hurt.

Ensure good air quality

It’s vital that you investigate the air quality in the house.

Air pollution outside and inside can cause many negative reactions in dogs, from coughing and wheezing to nasal discharge and eye irritation.

A home may have bad air if there’s asbestos or radon present or if you have old appliances, so get a thorough inspection before you buy.

One way to improve even moderately poor air quality and make it easier to breathe is to add an air purifier.

A mobile air purifier can be used in the rooms you use most, reducing the spread of airborne viruses and bacteria and improving your respiratory health.

It can even make your air conditioner work more efficiently because there are fewer contaminants and airborne particles, so you and your pets can enjoy the house more.

Outdoor considerations

Since you and your dogs will likely spend a lot of time outside playing and taking walks, you want to find a home in a nice part of town with ample space to move around.

When finding a dog-friendly neighborhood, look for areas with plenty of sidewalks so you and your dog can travel without walking in the street.

Also, research the establishments in the new city and see if there are any dog-friendly restaurants or stores where you can go unimpeded.

While you want plenty of things to do in town, you don’t want to live in an overly loud area, as loud trains, backfiring cars, and other commotion can disturb you and your pet.

When researching neighborhoods, you can find a quiet home by going online or contacting the city for a map of the area that shows nearby airports and train tracks.

You can also make modifications to the home. An upgraded HVAC system will reduce noise in the house. So will proper seals around the windows and doors.

Having a well-fenced-in yard is also vital when choosing a home. You don’t want your dog to escape and get lost. There are many sturdy options when choosing a dog fence, including chain-link, wood, and vinyl.

There’s also the option to install a wireless or in-ground fence that can be less cumbersome. If there is already a fence at the property, ensure it’s in good repair so a dog can’t easily dig under or break through it.

What to look for in the city

While there are many great homes in the country or suburbs, you may need to do your research differently if you live in the city.

If you love the city and spend time outside with your dog, then look for an area with nearby recreation areas.

Many cities may seem overwhelmed by buildings, but some, like Minneapolis, have a park within 10 minutes for 98% of its residents, so see what your area offers.

Other cities, like Denver and Chattanooga, have strong outdoor cultures with people who crave time in the fresh air, so there are bike paths, nature preserves, and more.

Some cities have fewer homes and more apartments, and if you plan to rent, you’ll need to research properties that allow pets.

Many cities, like Austin, are famous for being incredibly pet-friendly, while other locations may not be. Call and ask beforehand so you don’t move just to find that you can’t bring your dog.

Final thoughts on how to choose a dog-friendly home

There are many considerations to make when you choose a dog-friendly home, so research properly.

Take the time to get to the right place, and you could have a house where you and your pets can make memories and grow old together.

Miles Oliver is a proud dog lover and an outdoor enthusiast. He often writes on his patio with a hot cup of tea and his 4-year-old border collie mix by his feet. When Miles is not working as a freelance writer, he is most likely mountain biking and roaming the great outdoors with his four-legged companion.