If you belong to over 100 million Americans who live with their pets, especially dogs, you need to look for a neighborhood that suits your lifestyle. Looking for a place to move in with your pets is quite a challenging task. A dog-friendly neighborhood does not only mean the presence of veterinarians, groomers, and pet stores. You also need to make sure that the place can easily accommodate your canine companion.
You can refer to the following tips to help you with your search.
Ask the locals about their neighborhood
The easiest way to know if the neighborhood is dog-friendly is to ask the locals living in the area. You can specifically ask dog owners. Information from dog owners is essential. They'll be the ones to tell if the neighborhood has sidewalks, dog-friendly, the streetlight is well-lit, and if people are walking alone at night.
Check if the area has dog-friendly spots nearby
The presence of pet supply stores and the vet's office is one of the good signs that the area is dog-friendly. It's an indication that the community cares about the animals' welfare. It shows that the neighborhood keeps the animals healthy and controls its population.
You can also check if the area has places to roam, such as dog parks with off-leash hours and walking trails. This is a clear sign that pets will be welcomed and loved.
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Take a virtual walk
Before going into the neighborhood to check it personally, you can get it a virtual walk around the area. You can surf the internet to check the district that you're eyeing. You'll be able to see how the sidewalk and the neighborhood look through your computer or smartphone. This can help you determine if the area is a potential new spot for your new home with your pets.
It's a great and inexpensive way to check the place for a fenced yard, pedestrian-friendly intersection, and other homeowners walking around with their pets.
Check the HOA for rules involving pets
If the neighborhood you're considering has a homeowner's association, make sure you scan through their rules. It will tell you if homeowners in that area can own a dog, or if there are specific dog breed or size restrictions.
Checking the HOA rules is crucial because even if the location has plenty of dog parks, it could be possible that your 100-pound dog is not allowed in the area.
Bring your dog on a real-life walk in the area
While a virtual visit is an excellent way to narrow down your options, a real-life walk with your pal will help you make your big decision. Try visiting the location on different days of the week and at different times of the day. You will know the varying noise level, traffic, the crowd at the dog park, and sidewalks.
Although choosing a dog-friendly neighborhood is challenging, it does not have to be stressful. The first thing you need to do is to research before making any move. Don't hesitate when asking a lot of questions. But if you want to be free from all these, you can always hire a real estate agent to help find a great place for you and your canine companion.
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