How to Choose the Best Pet-Friendly Home

Who doesn’t love pets in Australia? No one! Aussies are fond of pets, so it’s not surprising to see lots of them choose a new community where the needs of their fur babies are taken into consideration.

According to research, six out of 10 households include a fur member in the family and that was before a surge in animal ownership happened during the pandemic. Because of this, many Australian families are starting to think about pet necessities as well as their own when it comes to assessing real estate needs.

If you think you belong in this kind of family, then here’s a list of things you should consider when hunting for a pet-friendly home:

Size and Type of Home

Unquestionably, the size of the pet you own will dictate the type of home you need. For instance, big dogs or larger breeds such as German shepherds, golden retrievers, huskies and border collies do require plenty of space – sometimes a backyard – so they can move around freely. On the other hand, if you have smaller breeds like a shih tzu or a cat that’s relatively independent, then an apartment might already be sufficient.

Pet-Friendly Features

It’s crucial for pet owners to consider which features will enhance their ownership. What they need to think about is the lifestyle they plan to give their pet and, accordingly, select a property that suits these needs. Aside from this, they also need to consider what kind of an impact they’re going to have on the neighbourhood.

Feature-wise, a home with wooden floors is easier to clean than with a carpet. Additionally, check whether the layout or structure of the property has or can have an extra room or nook for your pet’s bed. Think also about sound insulation as well as pet doors that can also be fit for your fur member.

Luxury features like an outdoor shower can be beneficial too in terms of making bath time more manageable. Another is orientation which may also be essential especially if your pet likes to bask in the morning sun.

Now, if you’re one of those who own smaller breeds and would like to rent an apartment, our advice is to keep an eye out for innovative additions in new developments. Consider looking at apartments that offer smart home technology to make your and your pet’s life easier.

Lastly, communal spaces nearby where you can take your pets for their every day break outdoors is also another consideration you have to make when on the hunt for home as a pet owner.

Outdoor Space

Another thing to think about when home hunting is whether there will be a lot of dog-friendly green spaces around. Check if there are parks that have sections for dogs to run off the leash or if there are enough open spaces to walk around your pet for exercise.

Pet Stores, Vet Clinics and Amenities

Of course, as a pet owner, it is worthy to consider the location of the pet shops, day care, and vet clinics nearby. Are they too far away from where you are? Proximity to pet facilities and healthcare is not only convenient for food, accessories or supplies, but it is also very important if your pet needs grooming, has a medical emergency or is getting a bit older.

Council Regulations

Every council has different rules when it comes to pet ownership. When looking at a specific location, ask yourself whether you need to register your pet with the local council or shire. Do they have particular rules like cat curfews? Is the area pet-friendly?

Make sure there is the legal capacity built into the development and check if the strata title includes that the residents can have pets in the future, especially if it’s an apartment project.