According to the National Association of REALTORS®, 95% of pet owners consider their pet’s needs when buying a home.1 Whether you are moving with a pet or planning to adopt after you move, choosing a pet friendly community and creating pet-safe spaces at home will make you and your pets happier. Here are tips to help make your new home more comfortable for your furry family members while also retaining the style and comfort you desire.
Choose a pet-friendly community
If you’re a dog owner, then dog-friendly community amenities should be high on your list of priorities. Many communities have nearby dog parks where your pooch can enjoy unleashed play time and meet the other neighborhood dogs. Some communities also offer walking trails or are in close proximity to dog friendly hiking trails, which is ideal if your four-legged friend enjoys exploring the great outdoors as much as you do.
Create pet-friendly spaces inside your new home
Moving to a new home can be an adjustment for some pets. You can help them feel welcome by creating safe indoor spaces. Try placing a cat tree in an area where your kitty can survey their new territory, preferably by a window. Position dog beds in an area away from high traffic, but close enough to family gathering spots that they feel included. Indoor play yards are ideal for rambunctious puppies who need a dedicated and contained area to play before they’re fully house-trained.
Make your outdoor space safe for pets
Whether you have a large yard with a big lawn, a small patio, or rooftop deck, you can create a safe outdoor space for your pet. First, consider pet-friendly ground covers to protect your pet’s delicate paws from hot surfaces. Hardy plants like clover, dymondia margaretae, buffalo grass, bluegrass, and fescue will stand up to pet traffic and incorporate more natural materials to your outdoor area. Hardscape options like rounded stones, pavers, and composite materials are also attractive options that are easy to maintain and gentle on paws.
As we head into summer, everyone in the family will appreciate shady spots where they can relax. Outdoor pergolas, covered patios, shade trees, and umbrellas are all great options depending on the available space and HOA regulations, if applicable. In addition to shade, your pet should also have access to a water source, such as a bubbling fountain. If your pet is a digger, a shaded sandbox will give them a contained space to play that isn’t your new flowerbed.
Choose pet-friendly plants
Rabbits aren’t the only pets known for munching on the greenery. When planning your landscaping, choose pet-friendly, non-toxic plants like coral bells, asters, daisies, and roses. Many popular plants like sago palms, holly, ivy, and milkweed are poisonous for our four-legged friends. Even those that aren’t listed as toxic can still wreak havoc on a dog’s intestinal system. Bringing greenery inside your new light and bright home is a must, so keep Fido in mind when choosing houseplants. Avoid selecting toxic houseplants like philodendrons, peace lilies, and pothos, and opt for non-toxic houseplants like money trees, African daisies, or a spider plant. For both indoor and outdoor plants, place potentially harmful potted plants in hanging baskets, raised planters, or on plant stands so they can be out of reach for your animals.
Find the perfect home for your whole family
Tri Pointe Homes offers a range of community amenities and home designs to meet the needs of every member of your family, whether they have two legs or four. Take a virtual tour or visit one of our new home communities to find your new dream home.
