The home buying process is enough to make the most patient among us pull out our hair. When you have a pet, there are even more responsibilities to add alongside house hunting, negotiating, packing, moving, unpacking, and every other step in the process.

Fortunately, you can make the experience a little less overwhelming by taking the time to prepare and making good decisions along the way. Oberer Homes hopes to share some information and advice about buying a home and moving with your furry family member in tow!

Finding the Right Home

When it comes to buying the perfect home for your family, you must consider your pet. Visit any home you are considering to get a feel for the neighborhood. Is it pet-friendly? Are there aggressive pets nearby?

Also, you want to think about the layout of your home. For instance, if your pet is approaching or in their golden years and you choose a two-story home, you will need to figure out a way to provide them a living space downstairs. Hypoallergenic flooring and a zero-entry door are also worth considering, even if you have to make modifications.

Preparing for the Move

Moving can be especially stressful for pets because they are creatures of habit. Anything outside of their normal routine can cause him discomfort or even anxiety.

Start packing up your belongings at least a couple of weeks before your move, and introduce one or two moving boxes each day to help your pet get used to the change of scenery. If you will be keeping your pet in a travel carrier, make sure they are used to it before moving day arrives.

Moving day

There will be a lot of movement on moving day, and possibly a lot of strangers. It might be a good idea to have a friend, family member, or a pet sitter watch your furry loved one while you and the movers get all of your tasks handled. But if your pet must stay with you, make sure they have a secure area where they feel safe.

Securing the Perimeter

Having a great backyard is important, especially if you have a dog that thrives on exercise. Plus, you don’t want your pet wandering off through the neighborhood, nor do you want outside threats coming onto your property. That’s why, if your new home doesn’t already have a quality fence, installing one should be a priority.

The average American homeowner pays around $4,500 to install a new fence, though your final price will depend on how big your fence is, the materials used, and other factors. Search online for fencing near me to find local contractors who can provide you with estimates. Just make sure any candidate you consider is licensed and insured.

Helping Your Pet Acclimate

When you begin to move things into your new home, one of the first things you should do is create your pet’s living area. Make sure they have familiar toys and bedding, food and water, and plenty of space to move around.

Also, try to stick as close to your pet’s normal routine as possible. For instance, take them to the bathroom, feed them, and walk them at the same times each day. And consider staying home for the first few days to provide extra comfort to your pet during this time of transition. A little extra playtime may not hurt either!

To help keep your moving experience as stress-free as possible, be sure to diligently prepare and consider your four-legged family member at every turn. Following the advice above will help to ensure your pet stays comfortable during the move and adjust quickly to their new living environment. Most of all, however, show your pet lots of affection during the transition!

Are you looking for an experienced homebuilder in Southwest Ohio to help bring your dream home to reality? Visit Oberer Homes today! (937) 531-5505