Congratulations on taking the first steps in finding a new home for your family. Of course, your family may include furry friends and it's important that they feel at home just the same. As you tour homes for sale around town, our real estate agents have these points to keep in mind as you search for a pet-friendly home.

• Start with the inside.
  Before you start hunting for the best backyard space, remember that your dog or cat may spend most of their time indoors. There are certain features or floor plans that will facilitate pets. Mudrooms or outdoor decks are great places to give dirty dogs baths. Ceramic flooring is durable and easy to clean. Low windows and loft spaces give cats great places to sit while single-story homes give older animals the opportunity to explore the house without contending with stairs. Inspect that layout and features of the home from the perspective of your pet the same way you would if you had children or older adults moving in with you.
  
• Investigate if animals have lived in the home previously.
  This is one detail many pet owners may not consider. If an animal once called this property home, there may be damage throughout the house that you may not notice if you aren't looking closely. There may also be lingering odors that your pet can smell even though you can't. This could lead to problems if your cat or dog tries to mark their territory over the old scent.
  
  
• Inspect the outdoors.
  Big backyards are great for dogs but you need to make sure they're also safe. Is the property fenced in or will one need to be installed? Are there any hazards such as canals, lakes or hills that could pose a risk for your pet? The backyard will also be a living space for your dog which means you need to give the same consideration to its features as you would the inside of the home.
  
• Look for pet-friendly neighborhoods.
  If you have one or more dogs, they'll definitely need more than just a backyard to explore. After you find a home that you love, drive through the neighborhood and see how pet-friend it is. Do all of the streets have sidewalks where you and your furry friend can take a safe stroll? Is there a dog park nearby? Do you see other residents walking their dogs as well? You want a neighborhood that takes steps to cater to pets. If you're interested in a home with an HOA, investigate their bylaws to see what types of pets they allow. This also includes checking all county and city code requirements. Though you may have a teacup pig that you adore, some areas of town will not allow certain animals to be kept as pets.
  
  
• Search for pet-friendly towns.
  A pet-friendly neighborhood is a necessity but so are pet-friendly towns. Discover how far of a drive it is to the nearest emergency animal clinic. Find out where the local pet stores, groomers, daycare centers, and pet sitters are located. You may not need these resources right away but it's best to know how close or far they are before you purchase the home.

Your pet is part of your family and you want to do your best to choose a house that makes them feel right at home. If you would like more advice from our real estate agents to help you in your home search, feel free to contact us. We will gladly answer your questions and point you in the direction of pet-friendly homes for sale in great neighborhoods!