The pandemic has changed how we live in many ways. The boredom and isolation during the pandemic helped us rethink a lot of things about what we needed in a home, for at-home work, home school and pets. The bonus with pets is they help us get more exercise, more outdoor time and more social interaction at a time when we realized how valuable those things were to our well-being and stress levels.
As such, recent surveys have shown that owning pets has considerable influence over home-buying and moving decisions.
In an April 2022 study with Zillow and Rover, an online marketplace for pet care, it found that 57% of renters and 62% of homeowners are pet owners. As for dog owners, 72% would consider moving to a home that is better suited for the needs of their pets. And nearly 90% of dog owners are willing to pay for pet friendly features when it comes to renting or buying homes.
While cities such as San Francisco and Houston are well known for their dog-friendliness, the survey went on to find the top cities in the US that were the fastest-growing dog-friendly locations where new pet owners are moving. Antioch, Tennessee, about 12 miles from Nashville fetched the top spot due to its plentiful share of pet owners and walkability.
An often-searched topic is “tips for moving with pets.” Those Tips include:
1) Pack an overnight or day bag for the pet, with enough food, litter, toys and grooming tools and familiar toys to keep them comfortable while traveling and unpacking.
2) Get a checkup with the veterinarian and while you are at it, get your pet’s records to take with you and maybe some medication if it might be helpful.
3) Keep your pet with you if possible, so there is one constant that they can count on. If in a car, confined spaces can make them feel secure so use seatbelts, kennels and/or beds with perhaps a blanket over the top to keep them calm.
4) Keep your pet in their crate or a room away from the noise and confusion when the old or new house is being packed or unpacked. A scared pet might bolt unexpectedly.
5) If you are driving and your pet has not been in the car often, days or weeks before the move, try small trips, put them in a crate for short periods of time, keep treats and schedules as regular as you can.
6) When you get to the new home introduce them one room at a time, as one room being a home base with treats, food and water will make your pet more comfortable.
See, you are not alone. Rover’s Kate Jaffe says, “It’s clear our pets are at the center of our families, and they’re influencing how and where we live.”
