Picking a New Home with Your Pet in Mind: Top Tips for Pet Owners

Very few people stay in the same home throughout their adult lives, and whether you rent or own, moving is often inevitable. When you have pets, finding a new home that suits both your family's needs and your pet’s safety and happiness becomes a vital consideration.

While obvious factors like transport links and schools usually guide your choice, understanding what makes a home truly pet-friendly can be more nuanced. This guide explores key points to help pet owners find the perfect place to call home.

1. Renting or Buying? Being Pet-Friendly Matters

Renting with pets can sometimes be challenging, as some landlords or letting agents impose no-pet policies. However, it is not impossible. Renting privately often offers more flexibility. Honesty about your pets when communicating with potential landlords is crucial to avoid legal issues or fines.

When buying, be aware that leasehold properties or flats under management sometimes restrict pet types or numbers. Early consultation with estate agents or sellers can save surprises later, ensuring your new home is a suitable environment for your furry friend.

2. Assessing Your Pet’s Safety Outside the Home

The outdoors is as important as your home itself. Before stepping inside, evaluate the surrounding area for potential risks. Busy roads nearby may be hazardous, especially if your cat or dog could access the outdoors unsupervised. For cat owners, consider if there’s a safe, enclosed outdoor space or if your home has a suitable catflap.

Also, watch for other dangers like nearby railway lines, farms with machinery, or busy commercial areas. Assessing objectively whether you feel confident your pet can roam safely will help narrow down your choices.

3. Evaluating Neighbours: Human and Animal

Getting to know your potential neighbours is part of the process. For cat owners, areas with other outdoor cats might indicate a friendly environment, but introducing a new cat to established territorial cats requires caution to prevent disputes.

Check if neighbours have dogs, especially if their pets are loose in gardens or roam nearby. Understanding how their dogs might react to your pets helps reduce stress and avoid conflicts. Engaging positively with other dog owners can also reveal local dog-walking routes and community support.

4. Checking the Property for Pet Suitability

Inside the property, consider the following:

• Does the property have convenient outdoor access, such as fitting a catflap or an easy route for your dog’s toilet breaks?
• Is the garden securely fenced to keep your dog safe inside and prevent other dogs from intruding, especially important for nervous or territorial pets?
• Are there any hazards like toxic plants, holes, or sharp objects in the garden area that could be removed or mitigated?
• Is the layout of the home conducive to your pet’s comfort? For example, do floors offer traction to prevent slips, and is there enough room for exercise and play?
• Can the property be secured adequately so your pet is safe during times when you are not present?

5. Local Pet Amenities and Services

Beyond your home and garden, the neighbourhood’s pet-related facilities matter. Ensure veterinarians and emergency clinics are accessible, ideally within a short drive. Check for dog walking areas or parks where your dog can socialise and exercise safely.

If you rely on services such as dog walkers, pet sitters, kennels, or catteries, research their availability locally. These facilities make life easier during holidays or unexpected absences.

6. Understanding Your Pet’s Needs and Breed Considerations

Different pets and breeds have varying lifestyle requirements. For instance, active breeds often need larger outdoor spaces and stimulating environments, while smaller or more sedentary pets might require less space but more quiet indoor comfort.

Consider mobility aspects too—older animals or those with health issues might benefit more from single-story homes or environments with minimal stairs. Understanding these specifics ensures you select a home that supports your pet’s wellbeing long-term.

7. Trust Your Instincts - Take the Time You Need

Moving house can be stressful, especially when balancing your needs with those of your pets. It often takes viewing multiple properties to find the right fit.

Listen to your intuition; if something feels off, even subtly, don’t rush. Taking time to find a home where both you and your pet feel safe, comfortable, and happy is well worth the patience.

Remember, a well-chosen home creates the foundation for many joyful years together with your furry family member. Happy home hunting!

For those looking to add a new dog or cat to their lives, it’s important to find reputable breeders or adoption centres that prioritise animal welfare and responsible ownership. This ensures your new pet has the best possible start in life.

Find puppies and kittens for sale from reputable breeders and responsible rehoming organisations across the UK to give your new pet a loving and ethical beginning.