Your pets are every bit as much a part of your household as you are — but houses aren't usually designed with their four-legged residents in mind.
Here's how you can change that. Read on to learn our real estate agents' pro tips for making your home cat- and dog-friendly — and how to find the perfect pet-friendly home for your entire family.
Creating a Pet-Friendly Space
Making your home pet-friendly is for your benefit as well as your pets' well-being. It's all about keeping your canine and feline companions happy and safe while also keeping your home clean and free from damage.
- Get on their level. One of the first and easiest ways to assess your home is to approach it from your pet's perspective. Look for hazards, like exposed electrical outlets and wires, holes and cracks where pets might become trapped, small objects that could be choking hazards and anything toxic or harmful if swallowed.
- Designate pet areas. Carve out a hazard-free zone that can be your pet's dedicated area, including a comfy bed and some safe toys. It would help if you also had a designated feeding area with a consistent freshwater source.
- Choose pet-safe materials. The right materials will not only be safe and comfortable for pets but also easy for you to maintain. Hard surface flooring like vinyl, laminate, tile or bamboo is safe and easy to clean, while easy-care fabrics, canvas, denim, microfiber or tight-weave twill are resistant to stains and fur.
- Eliminate tipping hazards. Think about items of furniture or decor that could easily topple over if your pet jumps up onto or bumps into them. Consider replacing these items with safer, more stable pieces.
- Optimize your entryway. Choose an entryway that can be the dedicated place where your pet goes in and out. This can be where leashes and collars are stored, and it's a good spot for food and water dishes too. A doggie door is a great option if it makes sense for your home, and a pet washing station in the area is another great choice.
Finding a Pet-Friendly Home
On the hunt for your family's next home? Here's how to ensure your pets are also considered before you choose your next home.
- List your pets' needs and wants. It's common for would-be homeowners to create a list of 'needs' and 'wants' before they go house-hunting. If you're a pet owner, be sure to prioritize their needs and wants, too. For example, if you have a cat that loves to sit in the window, consider safely-screened windows to be a must-have. If you have an elderly dog who has a hard time navigating stairs, you can probably rule out second-story walk-ups.
- Consider the flooring. Pet-friendly flooring is definitely a plus when you have furry pals to clean up after. Consider the color — a dark carpet might not be ideal if you have a light-colored dog who sheds abundantly.
- Look for a pet-friendly yard. Every dog loves some green space to run around in. A yard is a great feature, even if it's a small one. If the yard is fenced in, so much the better. Also, consider pet-friendly landscaping. You don't want plants around that are poisonous to pooches.
- Scan the neighborhood. Look at the area around the house you want to buy. Are there good places to walk your dog in the immediate vicinity? How about whether there's a park, pet supply store and doggie daycare nearby?
Contact us today to learn more about finding a pet-friendly home in Chicagoland. We've helped countless families find the perfect homes for themselves and their furry family members.
