A new home purchase is an exciting endeavour. Yet locating a home ideal for Fido may prove to be trickier than most prospective homeowners realize.

While most any structure can be built to be pet-friendly, not all existing properties on the market are suitable for animals. Locating a pet-friendly home may be most difficult for families or individuals with an already trained creature in tow.

Don’t let your furry friend dissuade you from navigating the real estate market. It is possible to locate a property that meets everyone’s needs, claws and sharp teeth not excepted.

1. 1. Take Note of the Floors and Surfaces

Our beloved four-leggeds require space to rove and roam. They also have claws and fur, lovable as they are. Bear this in mind as you attend open houses and check out property listings.

If a viable home has wood floors throughout, ask your agent or the seller about the quality of these hard surfaces. Some homeowners apply special scratch-resistant sealant to floors with pet claws in mind. Others install wood floors that are meant to take a lot of weight and potential damage. Some may not be able to retain a sealant.

In general, tile or concrete floors are often your safest option for scratch-resistant flooring.

In addition to flooring, analyze all home surfaces, keeping your pet’s habits in mind. Will your cat jump up on that counter there? Will your puppy press his wet nose against that window? If your dog likes to race through corridors, be cautious of homes with narrow hallways or cramped, accident-prone areas.

1. 2. Scope Out the Land

Take your creature’s needs into consideration as you examine the property. Most dogs will appreciate (and require) extensive land on which to run, play, and do their business. Even cats may desire the occasional midnight prowl.

Locate a property with a generous yard, as much as is feasible given your location. Urban-dwellers should prioritize properties that are at least proximate to enclosed green spaces.

If you’re keen to keep your pets away from zooming traffic and other neighbors’ yards, be sure the property can accommodate an electronic invisible dog fence or similar device, either above or below ground.

Note the health and nature of the lawn, if one exists. Is it well-sodded or will Fido be more likely to track mud, leaves, or other detritus into the house after an afternoon romp? A dwindling lawn may also require more landscaping or gardening attention (which can be time-intensive or costly).

1. 3. Familiarize Yourself With Waste Laws

Many neighborhoods in suburban areas will require pet owners to mindfully dispose of animal waste. If you anticipate taking your dog for a walk near your new home, be sure you are fluent in animal waste laws before you do so.

The same goes for monitoring your lawn (if a potential home is privy to one of these). Think about how you’ll manage your creatures’ doo-doo and how best a certain home can suit these needs. If you are unsure about animal waste laws, consult your agent, the seller, or county commissioner's office.

1. 4. Meet the Neighbors

As a pet owner, you are responsible for a living, panting being. Pet responsibility often requires civil engagement with neighbors and passersby. It frequently involves engaging with other pets, who may be more or less well-behaved than your furry friend.

As you browse houses, assess the neighbor situation. Will you be moving to a location brimming with other pet owners like yourself? Will your kitty be the only one on the block? How likely are these neighbors to respond positively to your creature’s habits? Sometimes open houses can help you gauge neighborhood pet ownership trends and politics. Otherwise, have a chat with your agent.

1. 5. Identify Local Dog Parks

If your dog loves to run wild or go for long walks, be sure that the properties you’re eyeing will honor this passion. Look for homes that are close to local dog parks, walking trails, or national forests.

If you are seeking a city-based property, keep transit in mind. Some pet owners can drive their dogs to nearby romping territory, but urban residents without vehicles are at a disadvantage here. Always err on the side of caution with respect to dog destinations.

1. 6. Work with the Right Agent

Most importantly, the right agent can help you secure a pet-friendly home that checks all of your home buyer boxes. If you’ve committed to purchasing a new home with Fido in mind, spend some time researching experienced local agents.

The best agents will be fixtures of your community, fluent in real estate ideal for critters, and appropriately licensed. They will also do their utmost to streamline the home buying process, link you with appropriate lenders, and work within your budget.

Find your agent at Realty Times or through the National Association of Realtors.