I work with clients to make sure we’ve identified all of their housing needs, especially those that will make a good home for their pet. We might uncover new things they hadn’t considered or discover a few must-haves for their new home. I always ask my pet-parent clients specific questions so we can identify the floor plan that will best accommodate their pet. Will they need a fenced yard, how well does their pet do on stairs, will they need a walk-in shower for bathing, etc. There are many things pet-owners should consider when preparing to buy:

 Pet owner restrictions and local laws. 

Before purchasing a home, you’ll want to check local pet laws and restrictions and how they might affect you, your pet, and your lifestyle. Especially important if moving to a new city, pet-owners should familiarize themselves with breed-specific laws within the city and state. It’s also a good idea to check the law for legal limits on the number of animals you can own in your home; you could be required to hold a kennel license when housing multiple animals. For example, in North Carolina a permit is required if you have 3 or more dogs or cats. Good to know, right? 

If considering condo living or a home with an HOA, they, too, often have pet restrictions you should be aware of. You can read more about those here: HOA Rules Home Buyers Should Watch Out for, to Protect Their Pets. 

Whether the neighborhood (or your neighbors) is pet friendly. 

This one can be tricky but it’s oh so important! The last thing you want is to buy a new home, move in, and discover that your new neighbor despises animals. You can’t always meet the neighbor, but you can increase your chances of that happening. Look at potential homes in the evening hours when neighbors are more likely to be home, or view homes during an open house when others in the neighborhood are taking a peek and you can ask them and the selling agent ‘what they know’. You can drive around the neighborhood at specific times of the day to get a feel of the traffic, and whether or not it’s a pet friendly environment. For your pet’s safety, avoid choosing a home that is directly located on a busy street.

The home’s layout, flooring, and features. 

To make sure you and your pet are comfortable in your new home, it’s important you take the time to assess all of the home’s features, inside and out, and the layout. You’ll want to consider your lifestyle and what that will look like in this new home. Do you have a big dog that needs additional space? Does your pet spend more time outdoors or in? Do you have more than one pet and they need space to run and play together? Will your cat need a window ledge to nap in? Is your dog older and unable to climb stairs? Do you need wood or laminated flooring instead of carpet? Do you need a spot for that litter box or a closet for pet supplies? Is a walk-in shower necessary for bathing? You’ll want to consider every aspect of a potential home. And with a clear understanding of your needs you’ll be able to make the right decision when choosing a new home.

The front yard, back yard, and fencing. 

You don’t want the front yard to rest on a busy, high-traffic street. All it takes is an open door or fence for your pet to dart out into traffic. If the home has a fence, inspect it well; you’ll want to make sure it’s high enough your dog can’t jump over it and be aware of any loose boards or a faulty gate that needs repaired. If the yard doesn’t have a fence, review the HOA and condo restrictions to make sure you’re allowed to add a fence, as well as the requirements for the materials, style, and size of the fence. 

Accessibility to local pet services. 

Maybe not at the top of the list for everyone but definitely something to consider. How accessible is your home to a good veterinarian or emergency care? Can you purchase pet food nearby? Where’s the nearest pet-supply store? Is there a pet salon or groomer close? You’ll want to consider whether or not you can get the services you need for your pet within a reasonable distance.

 What pet-friendly amenities are nearby. 

If you enjoy walking your dog or spending time with your pet outdoors this one is a must. Look for green spaces for your pup. Ask your agent and drive around to discover if there are dog parks or trails nearby. Look for any pet-friendly restaurants in the area or other pet-friendly spots.  

Purchasing a new home is an opportunity to buy something that both you and your pet can enjoy. It should make your life easier, not harder. Consider everything that is important to you. Your budget might not get everything on the list but together I know we can find something that you and your family, and pets, will love.

An experienced pet-friendly real estate agent knows what to look for from an HOA and condo association, and if you have pets, you’ll want to work with someone who has that experience. They can help you understand what restrictions, if any, do exist and how that might affect your current lifestyle with your dog, or other pet. 

There are advantages to HOA and condo living but it’s not uncommon for them to have specific guidelines relating to pets. It’s something that you should fully understand before deciding to buy a home. Even if you don’t have pets now if you’re considering it for the future, you’ll want to know what you’re getting into.

 There are HOA rules that home buyers should watch out for. An HOA or condo association might limit the number of pets you can have, only approve of specific breeds, have a weight limit, require pets to be spayed or neutered, or limit your ability to build the fence you need. I know what to look for in those documents, I’ll make sure you have a full understanding of what you’re signing up for before we make an offer. 

Here are the most common HOA rules and pet ownership restrictions buyers should watch out for:

 Documentation Requirements: Associations have a responsibility to ensure residents and their pets are safe and most will require all pet-owners to complete a registration process and have up-to-date documentation at all times. This includes licensing, vet records and proof of vaccinations.

 Limiting Number of Pets: An HOA might limit the number of pets, or dogs, in a single household or per square footage. It’s not uncommon to see a restriction of two pets per household. 

Breed Restrictions: Breed restrictions are not an uncommon practice. An HOA or condo association might restrict certain breeds that are deemed dangerous; they may not be allowed at all. 

Size and Weight Restrictions: The community might say dogs are allowed but limit their size. Especially common in condo living, there could be a maximum height or weight requirement.

 Leashing Laws: Leashing rules and regulations are common practice in any neighborhood with an HOA and for condo associations. Even if your pet is well-trained, you will be obligated to abide by the rules set-forth by the association. You might be surprised to learn that this could also apply to cats, although not as common, leash laws don’t always apply to just the dogs. They might even be as strict as to tell you the type of leash you’re required to use. Usually, the rules will insist that dogs will not be allowed in common areas if off-leash and that they cannot be left unattended on patios or outside spaces. It’s definitely something to consider when choosing a home.

 Proper Waste Disposal: Yep, there’s even rules about dog poo. Most HOA’s will insist owners pick up after their pets and properly dispose of waste. They may or may not provide the bags and cans for you. Part of being a responsible pet owner is cleaning up after your pet; the regulations set by the association will most likely specify that you have to tie up any waste in a bag for proper disposal. You can expect this rule to be heavily enforced. 

Nuisance Behavior: Depending on how specific the associations CC&Rs (Declaration of Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions) is, there may be provisions in place related to noise and nuisance behavior made by pets. The rules might specify a quiet time or make a simple statement about nuisance behavior which can either assure you or make it more difficult to enforce if it happens to be your neighbor that’s the nuisance. If your dog loves to bark and be heard or is often left home during the day without you, this could be problematic. Let’s talk about this together so we know exactly what you need to accommodate your lifestyle. 

Fence Requirements and Restrictions: An HOA might restrict the addition of a fence or limit the height, location, or type of fence allowed. Oftentimes, fencing has to be uniform throughout the neighborhood and that will determine the color, material, and style that can be added. It’s rare that you have total freedom when it comes to adding or updating a fence. 

An HOA’s covenants, restrictions, and rules keep neighborhoods looking neat and tidy, it discourages certain behaviors, and provides a sense of community. Extra efforts are made to provide a peaceful and safe neighborhood and there are plenty of reasons you’d want to adopt that lifestyle; we just need to make sure that we find that right one that welcomes both you and your pet.