Pet Friendly Resources

The perfect home reflects the needs of you and your pets

Our pets are members of the family and it’s important to consider their needs when selling or purchasing a new home. According to a survey by the National Association of Realtors, about 66% of U.S. households either own a pet or plan to get one and almost 90% of households with pets say their animals play a role in their homebuying decision. The perfect home reflects your needs as well as your pet’s and finding a pet friendly community greatly impacts whether you’ll buy that home or not.

Finding a Pet Friendly Home

In order to accommodate their pet, 43% of U.S. households would be willing to move or change their living situation. When looking for a new home, pet owners most often look for homes with large fenced in yards, sturdy flooring that can withstand pet use, and a large enough home with space for all family members. Approximately 81% of Americans said their home considerations were dependent on their pets.

Getting Your Pet Ready for the Move

Once you’ve found the perfect home, it’s time to get your pet accustomed to the moving supplies. Packing boxes and loud packing tape can make your pet uneasy so have a few treats ready to help ease their anxiety. Packing tape can be a terrifying sound if a pet has never heard it before so positive associations can help calm them. 

Leave moving boxes out prior to packing. Allow your pets to become content with their (temporary) new world of packing boxes. If they are showing anxious behavior, try positive association with that favorite treat. Toss it over by the boxes and use positive reinforcement if they are doing what you want.

Maintaining your pet’s routine during the moving process can also lower their stress. Dogs and cats love having a routine and keeping walk times, feeding times, and play times consistent can help lower their stress and make them feel secure with you.

Even taking your dog for a walk in the new neighborhood can help acclimatize them to the new environment.

Provide Lots of Physical Exercise

Your pet may be feeling a little anxiety with the disruption of boxes in their space. Now is an important time that your furry family member is getting lots of exercise. If they are a swimmer, that’s a great way to get a lot of energy out. If they love to catch Frisbees and play fetch, or use a laser pointer that could be purchased from a dollar store. If your young, energetic dog is trained to jog alongside you, that’s also a great way to get your dog worn out. Exercise is a great stress reliever.

Locating Pet Support in the New Area

Moving to a new house requires you to find new grocery stores, banks, and other stores. Finding the closest parks to walk your dog or finding a new vet is just as important as locating the nearest supermarket. Brevard County has an abundance of dog parks such as the Brevard County Marina Dog Park, the Wickham Dog Park in Melbourne, Fl., or the Viera Bark Park, to name a few.

Pet services can be very helpful, especially if you’re planning a longer vacation or can’t be there for your pet during the day. Local dog training services can also lend a hand if you’re struggling to train a new pet or need extra assistance after the move. 95% of home buyers with pets look for animal-friendly communities, and finding the perfect vet and outdoor parks can make all the difference. 

Pet Safety in the New Neighborhood

When you’re ready to let your pet explore the new home, make sure you inspect it for any dangers beforehand. Check for any health hazards like misplaced cleaning supplies or rodent traps. You should also prepare an emergency plan in case you need to evacuate. Make sure you have a plan for how to shelter your pet, whether it be at a hotel that accepts pets or at a pet shelter. Keep in mind that pet shelters require all pets to be current with their vaccines, have their animal tags, any medications, crates, pet food, and any toys they may need. 

Keep Your Dog’s Brain Entertained

Kong toys filled with peanut butter or his favorite treats, toy dispensers, and puzzle toys are interactive and a great distraction for your dog while you are packing boxes.

Take Walks through your New Neighborhood

Taking them for a walk prior to moving in is a great way to reduce your pet’s stress and anxiety. It will acclimatize them to the new smells and sounds of the environment.

Dog Parks in Brevard County

Things to Do After Moving

Microchip or update your pet’s ID badge with the new address.

Make sure all vaccines are current. Take into consideration ticks, raccoons and any rodents your pet may come into contact with. Check with your vet to make sure your pet is inoculated if you are traveling outside of the country. Be aware there may be a waiting period between when the paperwork is filled out and when your pet is allowed in the country.

Find a vet close to your new location. Make an introductory appointment to make sure you’re happy and comfortable with your new vet.

Moving Day

Movers will be coming in and out of the house all day, so it may be a good idea to arrange a “play date” with a friend or family member. Doggie daycare can also be a fun option and it can help your dog make new friends. Most daycares offer half-day daycare options.

Introducing Your Pet to their New Home

Inspect the home prior to letting the pet explore. Check for any dangers or health hazards and make sure no ant or rat traps or cleaning products are left behind, and make sure there are no holes or cabinets your pet can get stuck in.