Pet Owners and First Time Home Buyers: What You Need to Know

So you’ve just purchased your first house, and now you want to add a pet to your family and make that house a home. You’re becoming pet owners. How exciting!

For many first-time home buyers, the prospect of getting a pet feels like coming full circle and settling into home ownership. It does pay to do it carefully, though. With this in mind, here are some things that all first time pet owners and home buyers should consider before bringing a fuzzy friend into the home.

It’s important to get the right pet for your living situation

Have a small condo with no easy access to outdoors? A cat or a small, low maintenance dog is likely a better choice than a large, active breed. While many people believe that dogs, cats, and other pets can adapt to virtually any living situation they’re placed in, this isn’t always true, and getting a pet who is mismatched with your living situation can lead to an unhappy time for everyone.

Pet-proofing your home will help preserve its value

Nobody wants to get a pet and then be confronted with huge repairs thanks to said pet. With this in mind, pet-proof your home before you bring the newest member of the family home. If you’re planning on getting a cat, pull up things that the cat will want to play with, like the drawstrings on your blinds and any low-hanging vines or plants.

If you’re getting a dog (especially if it is a puppy), be sure that you have a good place to feed and water the pooch, and toys to discourage it from chewing your favorite shoes. You’ll also need leashes, grooming implements, and beds. While these steps help ensure your new pet’s comfort, they also protect your home and contribute to ensuring that having a pet doesn’t mean repairing chewed rug, shredded table legs, and soiled carpets.

Getting a pet requires long-term evaluation of your home

Say you want to get a Golden Retriever. While your home may be perfectly set up for said dog right now, it’s important also to take a long-term view when considering your house’s suitability for said pet.

Do you have steep stairs that an older dog will have a difficult time navigating? Is there enough outdoor area at your home to facilitate easy potty breaks and short walks? If not, is there a safe place around your home that you can take the pet out into, even if it is old or young?

By evaluating the suitability of your home on a long-term basis, you can easily ensure that the living situation works both for you and for your new friend.

Getting a pet can be overwhelming as a first time homeowner

If you’ve purchased a fixer-upper and you’re neck-deep in renovations, now may not be the best time to get a pet. While there’s no doubt that having an animal brings joy, laughter, and love into the home, it can also be overwhelming and stressful for first-time homeowners.

With this in mind, be sure that you’re ready for the commitment, and that you’re not too busy with other things when you first decide to bring your new pet home.

Smart First Time Pet Owners Prepare Their Home

Getting a pet is an exciting prospect, and these smart tips can help you ensure that your home is ready, safe, and welcoming for your new furry friend.