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A Pet-Lover’s Guide to Buying a New Home



Few things are more exciting — and stressful — than buying a new home. However, when you have pets, the home buying process becomes a lot more complicated. You will have to include the needs of your furry friends in your home buying checklist, and navigating a move is another story altogether! Thankfully, we’ve created a quick guide packed with resources to help you and your pets enjoy a successful move.


First, make sure you’re set with all the pet supplies you need to keep your pet happy and healthy during this major transition. You may need to stock up on items like high-quality food, secure playpens, or travel carriers before moving forward with your move.



Hunting for a New Home


As you tour homes for sale, look for features that will accommodate your furry friends.


● An enclosed patio so indoor cats can get some sun and fresh air.

● A large, fenced yard where your dogs can run around safely.

● Pet-friendly, traffic-calmed neighborhoods with design features to combat speeding.


Preparing Your Home for Sale


Selling a home can be tricky, especially when you don’t want potential buyers to find out you have pets. Here are some tips to keep in mind.


● Eliminate pet stains and odors. You may need to hire a professional to deal with deep stains or lingering smells.

● If possible, get your pets out of the home during showings.

Prepare yourself for the complex dance involved in buying and selling a home at the same time.


Navigating the Move


Pets don’t do well with change. Try to keep your pet calm and happy during your move so you can avoid anxiety-related behavior issues.


● Keep your pets confined in a quiet room during your move and transport them to your new home last.

● If you’re moving long-distance, be sure to tire out your dog before the long car ride.

● Moving can be especially hard on senior pets, so try to be extra gentle if you have an older animal.



Getting Settled


Dogs and cats can feel frightened and vulnerable in unfamiliar places, so give your furry friends a chance to adapt to your new home at their own pace.


● Move all of your pet’s familiar gear, bedding, and toys into your new home — even if they’re old and ratty!

● Maintain your pet’s normal feeding, walking, and sleep routine.

● Pets are very intuitive when it comes to picking up on our emotions, so try to stay calm and relaxed yourself.


If you have cats, dogs, or other pets, you may be feeling a little overwhelmed at the idea of moving your furry friends into a new home. Take a deep breath! People move their pets around all the time. With the right level of planning, your move is bound to be a smooth one!


Article submitted by Ryan Goodchild


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