Dog ownership is becoming more popular each year. As of 2021, 63.4 million US homes own dogs, and 95% of all pet-owning families consider their dogs part of the family.
So it’s no wonder that those in the market for buying a new house also want to make sure they’re finding the ideal home for their pets. It’s also a good idea to look for some extra features to make pet ownership more manageable, especially if you’re looking to adopt a high-energy puppy like English Cream Golden Retrievers, which is growing in popularity.
Here are seven dog-friendly home features that will make your tails wag when looking at a new property, as even our very own, Kalipso the Chihuahua can testify for:
1. A fenced-in yard
This first entry may seem obvious, but if you’re looking for a house in the suburbs, a fenced-in yard is a must. If you have a giant dog or high-energy puppy, a fenced-in yard allows them to run their energy out without taking it out on your furniture. If you have a smaller yard, you could easily have pet-friendly artificial turf installed and not have to worry about all that yard work!
Unless you’re planning on moving to the country where your pets can roam free, a fenced-in yard gives your dogs a safe place to run.
2. A bathing station or mudroom
Having an outdoor area for your dogs to run doesn’t necessarily mean you want them to bring the outdoors inside onto your clean floors. That means looking for an already-established bathing station or mudroom is worth the investment.
A bathing station will help keep your pets and your house clean from dirt and mud your pets would otherwise shake out all over your furniture.
3. Stylish and functional food storage
Food and water bowls can block foot traffic and create a big mess if you trip over them. When searching for your forever home, look for places like nooks and cubby holes for food and water dishes.
Also, keep in mind that you’ll want storage areas for food. This storage nook could be a cabinet or drawer built into a kitchen island or a place in the pantry.
4. Pet doors
Pet doors are a great feature that can reduce the number of messes your dog makes in the house because the dogs can let themselves outside as much as they want.
It’s essential to make sure you choose a doggy door with a panel you can close at night to keep out burglars and raccoons.
5. Central Vacuum System
If your furbaby sheds a lot, or you like breeds of dogs that do shed, having a central vacuum system can make pet hair cleanup a lot easier. A central vacuum system is also great for cleaning up general dirt and debris from the air.
6. Dog-friendly neighborhood
When looking for a house in a neighborhood, it’s a good idea to observe the traffic. Low traffic is excellent for walks, and you won’t have to worry as much about your dog running in front of cars if they manage to bolt past the front door.
Sidewalks and nearby parks are additional must-haves for a dog-friendly family.
7. Hardwood flooring
Hardwood floors make life easier when owning a pet. Accidents happen, and it’s so much better when they’re easy to clean up.
Wrapping up
You may not be able to find a home with all of these features built-in, but having them in mind while you house-hunt can give you an idea of what you’re looking for in your forever home.
