Our furry friends make the days brighter, often pets serve as emotional support animals, while at other times, they are just good buddies to humans. If you have a best friend who walks on four, consider finding a friendly and safe neighborhood for pets. Moreover, if you are a property investor or a property manager, you will be more likely to get a bigger number of tenants if you invest in a property in a pet-friendly neighborhood.
Finding the right area for your pets’ safety is tough if you are new to a city. You should consider multiple factors that might affect your decision. Some neighborhoods are inhabited by street animals that pose danger to small pets, others lack pet shops and groomers. You can make a decision based on a few observations.
1. Street Animals
Before deciding to purchase a house, you need to remember that investing in a property is not a light subject, as you can’t simply buy a new one when you find faults in your current possession. Therefore, if you wish to move in with pets, or adopt furry buddies somewhere in the future, observe the neighborhood.
Often, some areas are full of homeless street animals, who might be very cute, but pose a threat to small cats and dogs. Due to their competitive nature, untrained dogs tend to be aggressive toward unfamiliar pets. Because of this, you need to make sure that your dream house is located in a neighborhood with a minimal number of stray dogs and cats.
2. Sidewalks
You will have to let your dog go for a walk at least once a day. Therefore, it’s best if you find a neighborhood with sidewalks near your property. A narrow sidewalk could become an issue as you might have difficulty keeping your dog away from cars and bicycles.
3. Other Pets
One thing you should be looking for is a neighborhood with many pet owners. If an area is full of people with pets, that means that there will be other pets for your furry friend to play with. If you see many healthy and happy dogs walking around the streets of the neighborhood, it is a good sign.
Moving into an area with lots of pets will also be beneficial for you personally, as you might bond with your neighbors over pets and have a lot to talk about. You might get advice from owners who’ve been living with pets for a long time, or they could babysit your pets if you ever have to take a trip.
4. Vets & Grooming
It’s crucial to have a veterinarian close by in case there are any emergencies with your pet. It would also be a convenience if you didn’t have to drive your pet for hours for simple checkups. Therefore, if you wish to find a neighborhood that is perfect for you and your pets, it’s best if you find a home in an area with a veterinarian’s office.
Your pet will grow his or her hair and nails out often and it will cause discomfort to them. They will need a lot of care and attention to always look cute and most importantly, feel free, see well, and walk without big and sharp nails getting in the way.
Having groomers within walking distance is going to be a great convenience for you and your pet. You will not have to worry about spending much on gas or cabs to move your pet around town and the pet won’t have to suffer from long hair in their eyes for long.
Moreover, as a property investor, pet owners are more likely to get interested in your rental if it’s located near pet service businesses.
5. Pet Stores
Just like grooming and veterinary services, pet stores near your area will make your life much easier. When you run out of pet food, shampoo, or other supplies, you can easily run to the store and get them if you move into a pet-friendly neighborhood with pet stores.
You can define the pet-friendliness of your neighborhood by its number of options for pet stores. You might find some stores too expensive, or some of them might not have the specific item you need, therefore, it’s best to have several options.
6. Restaurants
If you want to go out to eat but don’t want to leave your furry friend behind, you might want to look for pet-friendly restaurants and cafes. There are even some businesses that have specific pet themes so you can bring your pet along to enjoy an evening out with you.
It would be most convenient and comfortable for you if such restaurants were near your home. Therefore, when searching for the perfect pet-friendly neighborhood, you should consider the number of pet-friendly restaurants around the area.
7. Dog Parks
Dogs, especially certain breeds, need a lot of space to run around and play with other dogs. Dog parks are perfect for pet owners who only have small backyards and just one pet. You can take your dog out in a park to get fresh air and enjoy life with other dogs.
Moreover, your pet needs some exercise and training. The best option for you and your furry little friend will be to take them to a dog park as often as possible, maybe even once a day.
Therefore, if you find a neighborhood with a dog park in the region, you will save yourself a lot of inconvenience and time. Not only will you be able to relax in the comfort of your living location, but your dog will be happier as well to enjoy walks to the dog park more frequently.
Final Thoughts
There you have it! The most important factors that might have weight on your decision. If you live with pets and they are like family to you, you will need to take great care of them. Therefore it’s important to know that you are moving into a neighborhood where other dangerous animals won’t harm your pet and there will be a vet to take care of any issues immediately. It’s also nice to enjoy activities within the neighborhood, like walking and playing in parks!
It’s important to remember that finding the perfect pet-friendly neighborhood may take some time and research, but with patience and persistence, you’ll find the perfect place for you and your furry friend.