Hey everyone! Are you planning to buy a new home with your furry companion? You're in the right place. I'm Lisa Salt with RE/MAX Vernon Salt Fowler, your pet-friendly realtor in the Okanagan and Shuswap areas. Today, I'm here with my buddy and unlicensed assistant, Vito the wonder dog, to share some essential tips for pet owners on the hunt for their perfect home.

1. Finding the Right Home for You and Your Pet

Every pet has unique needs that are crucial to consider when house hunting. Your pet is part of your family, so their comfort should be a top priority.

For dogs like Vito, a spacious yard is ideal. If your current home doesn’t have one, frequent trips to the dog park can help keep them happy. On the other hand, if you have a cat, they might appreciate a safe window sill or a catio. Make sure there’s a private spot for the litter box too. The layout of your home should comfortably accommodate pets of all ages and abilities. For instance, a house with many stairs might not be ideal for older pets.

2. Finding a Pet-Friendly Neighborhood

The right neighborhood is key to your pet's happiness. Look for areas close to parks, especially dog parks. Vernon has some excellent dog parks you should check out. Proximity to veterinary services and pet stores for essentials is also important. Additionally, the community's attitude towards pets can make a big difference. A little research can help you find the most welcoming spots for your furry friends.

3. Checking the Zoning Bylaws

Not everyone thinks about zoning bylaws, but they’re crucial, especially if you have multiple pets or unusual pets like chickens, a potbelly pig, or an alpaca. Different areas have rules about the number and types of pets allowed, as well as fence heights. Check these bylaws before making a decision to avoid any future issues with neighbors or authorities.

4. Prioritizing a Pet-Friendly Home Layout

A pet-friendly home layout is a game-changer. Open spaces for play inside and outside are essential. Consider easy-to-clean floors to handle the messes that come with pets, especially in areas with rain or snow like Vernon. Secure outdoor areas are also a priority to keep your pets safe.

After You Move In

After purchasing your new home, don’t forget to update your pet’s tags and microchip information. This is crucial to ensure they can be returned to you if they get lost during the transition to a new neighborhood.

• Quick Checklist for Home Buyers with Pets
• Look for a home with pet-friendly features.
• Ensure it’s close to essential pet services.
• Check the neighborhood vibe towards pets.
• Verify zoning bylaws for pet ownership.
• Choose favorable home features to accommodate your pet.
• Update your pet’s information after the move.

Keeping these points in mind will help make your new house a happy home for every member of the family, especially our pets.

That's it for me and Vito the wonder dog today. We hope these tips help you and your pets find the perfect home. Remember, a little preparation goes a long way in making your move smooth. Don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe for more pet-friendly home tips. Check out our next video for more pet tips. Wave goodbye, bud!

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About the Author: The article above, Ultimate Guide for Home Buying PET OWNERS: Finding a PET FRIENDLY Home 101, was provided by Lisa Salt, an authority on Vernon BC and area real estate and a leader in the field of real estate blogging and vlogging.  Lisa and her group have helped literally helped thousands of families buy and sell homes since 1993. 

Looking to buy a home in the Vernon/North Okanagan area?  Check out "Everything You Need to Know About Buying a Home" article. It’s free of charge and will save you a ton of time!

Looking to sell?  We use the latest technology to get our clients’ homes sold quickly and for as much money as possible.

We help people buy and sell real estate in the following Okanagan/Shuswap areas: Vernon, Armstrong, Enderby, Lake Country, Lumby, Westside and Salmon Arm/Shuswap.

Call or Text 250-549-7258 or email webinfo@saltfowler.com