A Dog-Owners Guide to Buying a House

Is your house pet-friendly?? If you live in Madison or are thinking of making a move, Madison is an incredibily pet-friendly city. It is home to nine off-leash dog parks and there are more than 60 dog-friendly businesses in Madison so you’ll never have to leave Fido alone.

But what do you look for when searching for a house that Fido will be happy in? Here are some tips:

Easy access to the outdoors – Be sure to check about access points to the backyard. Is there a sliding glass door or back door that can be used? It’s best not to have to access the backyard through a garage.

A fenced yard (real or invisible) – Your pup will need a space to run and play as well as to take care of business. A fenced yard will make it easier on the pet-owner to let Fido out, especially in cold winter months.

Durable flooring – Scratch resistant flooring such as tile, cork or bamboo are good choices for dog-owners. If you prefer carpet, low-pile is easier to keep clean.

Sidewalks or trails nearby for walking your pup – While a nice-size yard is a good idea, your pup will also need exercise. Look for neighborhoods that have sidewalks or walking trails close by for your daily walks.

A designated space for food and water – No one wants to be tripping over the dog food bowl. Look for a space that can be designated for the food and water bowl. This could be a mudroom, first floor laundry or even a small space in the kitchen.

Proximity to Vet clinics – Ask friends and neighbors for recommendations. Be sure you also know where the closest emergency vet is located in case of an accident.

Bathing options – It’s true, spring in Wisconsin is sometimes call “mud-season”, and if you have a dog a “dog wash” would make your life so much easier. The one in this photo is included in the laundry area, but carving a space out in the basement or a mudroom would also be advantageous.

Let me know if you have a dog and give me a thumbs up if this was helpful