Pets are, to many people, a loyal and comforting friend. They are just another family member, and when we make big changes or decisions, their comfort and happiness is usually a big factor. Buying or selling a home is one of those major changes, and for some animals, it can bring about quite a bit of anxiety and stress. When that happens, it’s usually best to find ways to take them out of the situation and allow them to relax.
Sometimes this is easier said than done, but depending on where you live, there may be many different places you can go with your dog during a real estate transaction. Not only will removing your pet from the situation help him stay happy, it will also keep him and everyone else safe, especially if he’s a breed that becomes aggressive when faced with strangers in his home. If you’re in or around Louisville, Columbus-Belmont State Park and Campground is a great place to let your pet run around for a while and socialize with other dogs. Depending on the weather and time of year, you might even consider camping out for a couple of days to get out of the way so your realtor can set up an open house.
Along those same lines, if you want to get away for a few days and have all the luxuries of home, consider getting a hotel room or renting a room in a lovely old Victorian. There are several places around the city that allow pets; just check on breed or weight restrictions, pet deposits, and how many animals the destination will allow at once.
Getting out into nature is another great option for pet-owners during a real estate transaction, and Louisville is full of beautiful scenery and attractions. If you’ve got a little daredevil in you, head to the Louisville Mega Cavern, where your dog can take a tram ride with you as long as he’s on a leash.
Of course, you don’t have to pack up and leave if you have other commitments; you can get out of the house for a little while, however, and there are many places that will allow you to bring your dog along. Take this opportunity to go out for a nice meal with your partner or take the whole family out for a bite to eat; Louisville is full of restaurants that allow pets. For a detailed list of all your choices, head over to Rover.com.
If you’re used to bringing your dog along wherever you go, you might want to rethink it during the house-hunting process. It can be tempting to use the logic that your dog needs to be introduced to the space to make sure it’s right for him, but save that for after a purchase has been made and you actually have the keys to the home. Looking for a new house means you might come into contact with the homeowners, who could potentially have allergies to dogs or have pets of their own who wouldn’t appreciate a new animal in the house. Ask a friend to help you keep him occupied if you come across an open house you just can’t miss while you have your dog with you, or bring a kennel and keep it in your trunk for just such an occasion.
It is important to allow your dog to get a feel for the new home, so once it’s possible, take him for a visit and let him roam around, explore the yard, and get used to the new smells and terrain. If the new home has stairs but the old one didn’t, be sure to put up a baby gate until your dog can get accustomed to climbing and descending.