April 24, 2018.
If you think moving to a new home is stressful for you, imagine how your best friend feels. Boxes scattered everywhere. New smells and new sounds. Plus, mommy or daddy acting a little more anxious than usual.
Is it better to own a home if you own a pet?
There are big advantages to being a homeowner and a pet owner. For one, officially owning a home means you may be able to give your pet a more stable and permanent environment. “Not all landlords will rent to those with pets, which may limit the number of homes available to renters,” Kelly Zitlow, Vice President at Cornerstone Home Lending, NMLS #164330; AZ BK #0908763, says.
For two, pet owners who become homeowners may also save money. A long list of rules and regulations apply to renters with pets, Zitlow explains. “Those that will rent to people with pets many times charge additional fees, such as a pet deposit. If a pet owner is interested in renting a condo, they will need to be sure the HOA allows pets. Some condo HOAs limit the size, weight, and type of pet,” Zitlow says.
“I went to four different lenders before Cornerstone, and none of them were able to follow through.” – There’s a better way to mortgage. Click here to download the app.
For most people, pets are part of the family — and this is again where owning a home may put you in a better position than renting.
Compared to the rental agreements for apartments, houses, and condos, homeownership normally means:
- Fewer breed restrictions, if any.
- More safety with fenced-in yards, gates, and pet doors.
- Options to customize property to better meet a pet’s needs — i.e., building a dog run.
Millennials — also likely to be first-time buyers — are starting to show interest in buying a house for just this reason. They want more living space to accommodate their pets, as a generation that leans toward having children later in life, if at all.
5 ways moving to a new house affects your pet — from their perspective
If your pup could talk, this is what he or she would want you to know before you move into your new place:
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1. Show me my new digs.
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Dogs love routine, so if you’re moving to a new house, they’ll be thrown off if they also have to deal with a new vet, a new pet store, or a new dog park. Before you move, take your furry pal to these new places to get them acclimated to the territory. Help them socialize with other neighborhood pets and people. It may seem like an extra task now, but the more comfortable your pet is with your new home, the more comfortable you will be, too.
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2. Is it adventure-ready?
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As soon as your dog steps into your new home, they’ll want to thoroughly inspect it to see what they’re in for. Before you let them go on that adventure, check for open windows or gates, out of place cords and wires, and chemicals in the water. Look for anything that could spell trouble for your curious creature. If you have a backyard, consider letting your pet explore that first. The American Kennel Club recommends taking a dog to the backyard of a new house right away to help them acclimate. This will get your dog excited about all that their new home has to offer.
Close on a house on time — and make a new friend while you’re at it. Get in touch with a loan officer who cares.
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3. You’re bringing Mr. Squirrel, right?!
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Your pup’s favorite chewed-up toy is like its security blanket. Resist the urge to buy new toys, food, water bowls, blankies, and beds right away. While you may be excited about all the newness in your home, your pet needs to know that nothing has changed. In fact, before you even bring your dog into your new home, place all of its old favorites in spots that are similar to where they were in your old home. Familiarity is key for a dog in new surroundings.
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4. Are the other dogs cool?
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Your dog prides itself on being by your side through thick and thin. What you might consider an ordinary walk is your pet’s opportunity to find out what’s going on in the neighborhood. Tour your new neighborhood with your pup as soon as you can. Introduce your pup to the neighbors and the neighbor’s dogs. This will make your pal feel more comfortable, and it will help you meet a few new people, too! Plus — if your neighbors meet your dog, they’ll be more likely to help out if it gets loose from your yard. Cesar Millan also recommends checking out other neighborhood animals for safety — barking dogs, roaming cats, and other critters can affect your dog’s daily routine.
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5. Why are you stressin’?
kinglouiedog/Instagram
Even though dogs can’t speak our language, they can understand how we are feeling. There’s a perfectly logical explanation for this: Our dogs crave a strong bond with us because, like humans, they’re sensitive to the hormone oxytocin, Swedish researchers learned in 2017. Dogs soak in our feel-good vibes (oxytocin), and they pick up our stress response, too. When most people move, they get easily stressed out, and their daily routine changes. Try to keep things consistent for your pet. Feed it at the same time and get some time together on the couch. If your dog senses your anxiety, they may mirror those feelings and have a harder transition.
If you’re moving with a pet, you’ve got a lot on your mind already. Let us take care of the rest. You can use LoanFly to get prequalified from anywhere and manage your mortgage on-the-go. Search for houses, upload loan documents, check your loan status, and stay in touch with your loan officer 24/7 until you reach closing day.
For educational purposes only. Please contact your qualified professional for specific guidance.
Sources are deemed reliable but not guaranteed.