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Fox red lab - what dog owners should know before buying a house

Dog owners: What to consider when buying a house

By Laura Kapp

July 2018

I unexpectedly became a dog mom several years ago when my husband brought home a golden retriever puppy named Phoebe.  She was the Best Dog Ever. When Paddy Murfy joined the family, we learned A LOT more about dog ownership and homeownership at the same time. Paddy Murfy is a big guy (95-pound Fox Red Labrador retriever) with a big personality to match. 

Paddy Murfy offers these tips for dog owners planning on buying a house and wondering what to look for.

A big yard would be nice.

At least, look for a yard that matches your dog’s size, energy level and “output.” A yard with a fence would be even better, for both you and your dog. If you find the perfect house with the perfect yard, but need to add a fence, check with the local municipality about their fence laws. You may need a permit and permission from the neighbors.

Look for a neighborhood that has dog-friendly parks.

There is a city near us that has No Dogs Allowed signs posted in all parks. We would never live there. We found a house near an actual dog park, where dogs can run and play with each other off-leash. Dog heaven!

How close is the house to an animal clinic?

A friend bought her house within walking distance of their vet, because her dog gets so anxious riding in cars.

How close is the house to a 24-hour emergency animal hospital?

We take really good care of our pets but accidents happen, especially when your dog is part goat. Paddy considers anything a snack, including shoe inserts, moldy bones, bottle caps, carrots, pillows, cats and aluminum cans — (how did he know which cans contained cat food?). Other Labrador retriever owners are nodding their heads right now. The hospital is 5 miles from our house. They know us.

Dog-friendly neighbors are important.

Take your dog for a walk in your target neighborhood.  It’s a good sign if there are other dog walkers around or if people come out to say “hi” and give your dog a pat. In our neighborhood, we share dog care during vacations and in emergencies. And if a dog goes missing?! The whole neighborhood rallies to find her.

Is there a dog-walking service in the area?

My husband and I both work outside our home, so it would be a long day for our dogs without our reliable dog walker!

A walk-in shower with detachable sprayer is soooo handy.

This is not a deal breaker when buying a house, but hey, it sure comes in handy when your dog rolls in mud – or worse, turkey poop. Just think – no lifting into a tub. Dogs walk right into the shower (especially if a hot dog is involved).

If you and your dog have other tips to share, we would love to hear them!

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Laura

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Laura Kapp is the former creative director of the writing and design team at MGIC. Now she works from her 1958-ranch-style home, accompanied by dust bunnies. Her messy home office proves the saying, “Creative minds are rarely tidy.”
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