It’s no surprise that home designers and builders often plan homes with pet friendly amenities in mind. The Canadian Veterinary Medical Association reports that approximately 38% of Canadian households have a car or dog. It’s not just a matter of being pet friendly, but rather a question of giving your pets environmental enrichment.
Here are some pet environmental enrichment features to look out for:
Private spaces and play areas
As you walk through the home, take note of private areas that can be used to house a cat litter box. Rooms or nooks that are accessible to your cat but still isolated enough that odor won’t be an issue are ideal. And look for other areas around the house that can also be used for car trees, shelves and roaming space.
For dog owners, private spaces will also be ideal for bed placement and smart storage for toys and food.
Finally, look out for a laundry room with an industrial sink or a second bathroom that can double as a built-in dog wash.
- Flooring
Homes with flooring and surfaces made out of pet-resistant materials such as concrete or porcelain tile are ideal, however, you can always update this yourself if necessary. The Animal Behavior College also recommends stone, vinyl, laminate or cork, noting that durable and milder-resistant designs are best.
And as an added benefit, Cesar’s Way notes that “hard floors are preferable to carpet [because they] can provide a cool spot for your dog to lie on hot days.”
- Outdoors
A large backyard with space to run, play and dig is ideal for dog owners, although once again this isn’t a deal breaker if the home is near a dog park or in a walkable neighborhood. Similarly, a yard with a desert landscape or sparse greenery can be converted into a more pet-friendly area with a water feature, grass and shade.
Fencing is important for both cat and dog owners, and if you have an outdoor cat, consider walls that they can walk along over wire fencing.
- Other things to consider:
If the home has a pool or hot tub, is it fenced off?
Is there a proper storage area for yard care items?
- What about the neighborhood?
Consider the neighborhood as a whole while you’re looking for homes. Does it have sidewalks and is it easily walkable? Is there a nearby dog park and if so, does it have dog waste stations?
Walk around the neighborhood to see how the other animals are. Talk to any pet owners you encounter and ask them how they find the area. And the presence of local vets and groomers in the area is also a good sign and indicator that you’re in a pet-friendly neighborhood.
MY MISSION
It is always my first priority to ensure that you find the home of your dreams — with an extra special spot for your pet. I will take the time to sort through all the various condo rules and restrictions so that you can move into a great home stress-free. I will make sure that no one is left behind — four-legged furballs, feathered flyers and Nemo wannabes included.
I want to help you find the purr-fect home so call me directly at 778.835.5621 or fill out my contact form to learn more about how I can get you into the right Vancouver condo or single family home.
Finding a condominium in Vancouver that accommodates both humans and their furry counterparts can be difficult. This is why it is my mission to help you search for a new home you can share with your cat, dog, fish or bird.
Contact Sheldon Coxford and utilize his expertise and knowledge helping you to make an informed decision with your Real Estate investment. If you have more questions or want to buy a property please don’t hesitate to contact me. I can be reached any time direct on my cell phone at 778.835.5621 or via email [email protected]
I look forward to speaking with you soon.
