Moving to a home is an exciting step for people and pets alike. With more space to explore, a yard to play in and the freedom to create cozy, pet-friendly spaces, being a homeowner and pet parent is a winning combination.
Whether your pet is ready to make the move with you or you plan on welcoming one to the family soon after, here’s why your furry friend will love their new home and how you can make the transition easier.
Room to Roam
Let’s state the obvious — the biggest advantage to owning a home and a pet is all the extra space. With larger living areas, your pet will have more room to run around, explore and play. The increased square footage also means you’ll finally have room for the giant bed or scratching post your pet has been dreaming of.
The perk your pet will love the most? Easy access to the great outdoors. Gone are the days of walking down several flights of stairs just to end up in a small dog park. Being able to spend more time outdoors will lead to a happier and healthier lifestyle for your pet.
Freedom and Flexibility
While you usually can’t make many modifications to an apartment, owning a home gives you the freedom to meet more of your pet’s needs. Want to install a pet door so your pet can come and go as they please? Go right ahead! You can even design your backyard space to include things your pets will love, like outdoor pet furniture, a chest for their toys and pet-friendly plants for them to safely sniff.
Peace and Privacy
Apartments often come with a lot of noise and activity, which can be stressful for pets, but a home typically offers a quieter and more private environment. This peace and privacy can help reduce anxiety and make your pet feel more secure. Plus, with fewer neighbors in close proximity, there are fewer disturbances to disrupt your pet’s routine.
Preparing Your Home for a New Pet
If you’re a new homeowner and planning to bring a pet into your life, there are several steps you can take to ensure your home is ready for your new furry friend:
Pet-Proof Your Home
Before bringing a new pet home, it’s essential to make your space safe for them. Pet-proofing not only protects your belongings, but also ensures your dog or cat stays out of harm's way.
Secure loose wires, as pets — especially puppies and kittens — love to chew on things. If you have any houseplants, check to make sure none are toxic to animals and remove any that are. Setting up a gate to keep your pet confined to one area of the home is also a good way to safely introduce them to their new space before letting them explore the whole area.
Training and Routine
Establishing a routine helps your pet adapt to their new environment. Consistent feeding times and regular walks will help your pet feel secure and settled. Invest time in training your pet, as basic commands and house rules will help maintain order and ensure your pet knows what they are and aren’t allowed to do in their new space.
Create Cozy Spaces
You get to be comfortable in your new home, and your pets should be too!
To create an inviting space for your pet, think about their specific needs. For dogs, set up an area with plush blankets and a comfy dog bed for them to hang out on or curl up and take a nap. Cats, on the other hand, prefer vertical spaces to climb on, so installing a cat shelf could be just what your cat needs. If you have multiple pets, make sure each one has their own space to retreat to when they need some quiet time.
Maintain a Clean Home
Pets invite a little mess into your life, but that doesn’t mean it can’t be managed.
The real secret to being a successful home and pet owner is a good vacuum. Make sure you invest in one that is designed to handle pet hair and vacuum frequently to help control shedding. Choosing pet beds with removable covers will make washing them easy and keep your home smelling fresh. Regular grooming can significantly reduce shedding, so brush your pet’s coat and trim their nails to keep them healthy and reduce the amount of hair and dirt they bring into the house.
Ready to Find a Home You and Your Pet Will Love?
As the old saying goes, a house is not a home without a dog (or cat). Contact one of our Home Guides and start your homeownership journey today.
