Whether you are a dog mom or you love your collection of cats, it can be tricky to enjoy your animals without allowing them to destroy your home. Fortunately, by choosing a pet-friendly townhome, you can allow your animal to run and play, without worrying as much about collecting that security deposit at the end of your stay.
1. Outdoor Places to Run and Play
If you have busy animals, it is important to give them space to exercise. While many townhomes have outdoor space attached to them, they aren't always as pet-friendly as they could be, which can make it difficult to allow your animal to run and play as they might want to.
Make sure any outdoor space the townhome has is fully fenced and contains plants that are safe for your pet to be around. If the townhome complex contains common areas, look for additions like dog runs to give your animal a safe place to socialize. Also, make sure your personal outdoor space has room for toys that your pet may like to play with, such as cat trees or room for fetch.
2. Pet-Friendly Floors
When townhomes contain relatively soft flooring like hardwood floors or marble, you may be concerned about scratches. When you look for a new pet-friendly space, look for flooring that is pet-friendly, such as a 100% vinyl flooring made to look like natural wood. These non-porous, waterproof surfaces can stand up to pet messes, without being as prone to scratches.
3. Doggie Doors
If you have well-trained animals, they may be used to going outdoors or to special rooms of your home to use the restroom. However, without the appropriate swinging doors, it may be tricky for them to use these spaces. Look for a pet townhome with doggie doors, so your animal can always come and go as they please.
Keep in mind that some doggie doors are more energy-efficient than others, so make sure the unit looks well-insulated and fully functional. If you are worried about the quality of the door, consider asking the landlord to replace it before you move in. After all, it may get quite a bit of use from your animal.
Although protecting your property can take a lot of extra time and effort, the changes you make to protect things are worthwhile, especially if you will be moving soon and need to collect your security deposit. Remember, the efforts you make can create a powerful change that creates a stress-free experience for you and your family.
For more information about pet-friendly townhomes, talk to your real estate agent.
