When looking for a new home, consider your pet’s needs
All SAN DIEGO, CALIF. — homebuyers have their must-have lists when look- ing for their perfect home, such as an open floor plan or a spacious master bathroom. But pet owners also need to consider their creatures’ needs when looking for a house. Luckily, more and more builders are tak- ing four-legged companions into account in new construction and neigh- borhoods.
In California, around San Diego, pet lovers have some options that pet owners in Ohio might envy. Potential buyers in the San Diego area might want to consider these new homes and communities:
Homes at The Estates and Artesian Esta tesatDelSur by CalAtlanti cHomeshave optional pet suites available to pamper your furry friend. Features include direct access to the outdoors a nda“pet spa” t hatadog can walk into after a dusty hike. The suites come with plentyofbuil t-ins to store treats, leashes and grooming products and optional built-in perche sf or feline companions.
At Davidson Communities’ The Estates at San Elijo Hills, an oversized doggy sho werisa featured option in an expanded laundry room. The community of San Elijo Hills also has a popular dog park and 18 m ilesoftrails.
When it comes to newhome options, choosing the right floori ngcanbet he key to happy co-existence for you and your pet. Plush newc arpeting may not only turn into a large scratching post for your cat, it can also trap hair, dander and fleas, and lead to allergies. Wood floors are often susceptible to scratches, and tile floors may be too slip- pery for older dogs. Older dogs might also have trou- ble navigating stairs. That m ightnotbeapro b lemfor those with small dogs that can easily be carried, but al a rgerdogm ight have to stay on one floor of a twostory house as it ages.
Dog walking is a great way to make friends in a new neighborhood, and many new communities are focusing on pedestrianfriendly streets.
At Millenia in South County, broad pedestrian pathways connect to urban parks with dedicated dog runs. When fully developed, the master-planned community will have seven parks, and residents will be no farther than a three-minute walk away from one. Additional pet-friendly offerings may be available at each of the neighborhoods offered within Millenia.
Civita in Mission Valley is another urban community focused on walkability. Civita Park includes trails for walking and running, and a dog park designed for large and small dogs. The park is connected to all the neighborhoods in Civita through a web of trails and sidewalks for easy access to the park, day or night — the wal kwaysare illuminated with LED lighting. In 2017, Civita Park was honored with the Urban Land Institute Healthy Places award and an architectural “Orchid” award.
Dogs are welcome on leash at San Eli j oSt ate Beach, which is just a few minutes away from Melia Homes’ Laurel Cove development in Encinitas. (The grand opening is schedu led for March 3.) Laurel Cove’s nine homes also have large backyards, a feature essential for some buyers with pets.
A backyard is a great place for pets to relax outdoors, but when looking for ahome,makesurethatoutdoor space is a safe environment. Although most fences won’t keep cats contained, a solid 5- to 6-foot perimeter fence is necessary for dogs. If that is lacking, it’s an additional expense that needs to be calculated into the cost of the home.