What Would Your Pet Look for in a Home?
🐾 Day 1: What Would Your Pet Look for in a Home
If your pet could pick the perfect home… what would they choose? 🐶🐱
A big backyard with room to run? A cozy sun-drenched window seat for afternoon naps? A quiet street for peaceful evening walks?
When you're house hunting with pets, you're not just picking a home — you're picking their world, too.
As someone with a Bachelor of Science in Animal Science and an Associate of Science in Exotic Animal Training & Management, I bring a unique perspective to this process. My background in animal behavior, safety, and welfare means I understand how the layout, environment, existing plants, and even neighborhood choices can impact your pet’s happiness and health.
Here are a few key considerations to ensure your new home is a haven for your furry family members:
🌿 Safe vs. Dangerous Plants
Indoor and outdoor plants can pose significant risks to pets. Common houseplants like lilies, sago palms, and philodendrons are toxic and can cause serious health issues if ingested. Conversely, plants like spider plants, Boston ferns, and African violets are generally safe for pets. Before bringing plants into your home, consult the ASPCA's comprehensive list of toxic and non-toxic plants to ensure they're safe for your pets. Do you know the 17 household plants most likely to endanger your pets? This is just the tip of the iceberg...trust me! My own dog had a propensity to gravitate toward the most toxic things in her environment and she lived to be almost 14 years old...passing away from age-related complications and not toxicosis.
The ASPCA is a fantastic resource for checking the safety of plants, with the ability to isolate it to dogs, cats, or horses. I highly recommend saving their website to your phone's home screen for easy access. They also provide phone numbers to contact in the event of an emergency. ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (24 Hour Hotline) Phone Number: (888) 426-4435
HomeAgain (a pet microchip company) has an annual membership for about $20/year that has several benefits, one of which is access to a 24/7 Medical Hotline. I have used this service myself on multiple occasions and found the vets to be incredibly helpful and knowledgeable.
🏃♂️ Yard Space & Breed-Specific Needs
Not all dogs have the same exercise requirements. High-energy breeds like Border Collies, German Shorthair Pointers, and Labrador Retrievers may need large, secure yards to expend their energy, while smaller or less active breeds like Bulldogs or Shih Tzus may be content with shorter walks and indoor play. Understanding your dog's specific needs can help you choose a home that keeps them healthy and happy. Check out the links to some great articles below that help ensure you're picking the indoor and outdoor space best suited for your furry companions.
🐜 Pest Control Hazards
Pets finding old mouse traps and sticky traps can be stressful and dangerous for you and your pet. More importantly, previous pest control treatments in a home can leave behind residues harmful to pets. Chemicals used in pesticides can linger on surfaces and in carpets, posing ingestion or contact risks. It's crucial to inquire about any past pest control measures and consider professional cleaning or testing before moving in. The National Pesticide Information Center provides detailed information (in a downloadable PDF) on how pesticides can affect pets.
- Pets and Pesticide Use Fact Sheet
- https://www.orkin.com/ask-orkin/do-you-have-pet-friendly-pest-control
- Orkin also refers concerned customers to the EPA website regarding pesticides: https://www.epa.gov/pesticides
When we tour homes, I’m not just thinking about square footage or closet space — I’m thinking about tail wags and zoomies, litter box placement, and enrichment-friendly layouts. Because your pet’s comfort matters, too.
📖 For a helpful guide on how to reduce stress during a move for your furry friend, check out this article from the ASPCA: 🔗 Moving With Your Pet – ASPCA
➡️ Follow along this week as I dive into the smart home features, neighborhood policies, and local pet perks that every animal lover should know about.
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