Buying, Selling, Moving: The Waterloo Region Pet-Parent Housing Checklist

Whether you are buying, selling, or simply caring for a Waterloo Region home, statistics overwhelmingly show that pets are almost certainly involved in the equation. As devoted pet lovers and pet parents ourselves, we understand this completely. Today, we’re taking an in-depth look at why a growing number of buyers are actively seeking pet-friendly homes, sharing practical advice on how you can prevent pet damage in any residence, and offering a vital checklist for keeping your beloved pet safe and happy when transitioning from one home to another.

The Growing Power of the Pet-Parent Buyer

The sheer volume of pets in Canada is staggering. Did you know that there are more than 8.2 million dogs and 8.3 million cats living as pets across the country? Even more notably, pet ownership is not just popular—it’s growing, especially among younger generations.

Since 2016, there has been a significant increase in the number of households with at least one dog, particularly among Gen X and Millennial households who often view their pets as their first "kids."

This number spiked even further thanks to the COVID-19 pandemic, as people who had never owned a pet before welcomed furry, scaly, or feathered friends into their lives. Crucially, these new additions are here to stay, cementing the role of pets in family life.

One of the many significant benefits of owning your own Waterloo Region home is the freedom to find your ‘furever’ friend without restrictive rental rules. For this reason, if you are selling, highlighting the aspects of your home that make it truly ‘pet-friendly’ in your listing can be a powerful tool. Rather than alienating the vast 59% of Canadian households that have a pet, you'll be actively attracting them.

If you are a homeowner preparing to list your property for sale, you need to understand how to truly stand out to the millions of pet parents searching for their dream home. Whether they are a dog person, a cat person, or someone who prefers the company of another animal species, a remarkable 99% of pet owners say that they consider their animal to be a definitive part of their family. When they’re looking for a new home, 95% of animal owners believe it is absolutely essential that the home they choose is as suitable for their ‘fur-kids’ as it is for them.

Therefore, it’s critical that a seller understands the unique needs and wants of animal owners when it comes to the process of finding and choosing a home.

Why Pets Dictate Home Choice: The Data is Clear

According to comprehensive research by the Canadian Animal Health Institute, the influence of pets on housing decisions is undeniable:

• 89% of pet owners say they would not give up their pet due to a housing restriction. Their commitment is that strong.

• 81% of owners state that their pets play a vital and active role in their housing situation.

• 31% of animal owners have refused to put in an offer on a perfectly good home simply because it wasn't deemed a good fit for their animals.

• 19% of Canadians say they would actively consider moving for their pet.

• An astonishing 12% have already made a move specifically because of their pet’s needs.

  
  

The real estate industry is already recognizing this trend. New home builders have even begun installing features like retractable pet gates that tuck away neatly inside door jams as a highly requested and attractive amenity for pet-parents.

So, if you are a homeowner looking to sell in today’s deeply pet-friendly environment, you can gain a significant edge by strategically pointing out the features of your home and neighbourhood that will naturally appeal to pet owners:

• Fully Fenced-in Backyard: 91% of pet owners ranked this as the most important feature of a home to safely accommodate their pet. This is the number one physical feature that sells a home to a pet parent.

• Locations of Dog Parks/Walking Paths/Pet-Friendly Beaches in the Area: 71% ranked this as the top feature of any neighbourhood they would consider. Buyers are looking at the lifestyle their pet can have.

• Proximity to Veterinarians/Groomers/Pet Supply Stores: 31% consider easy access to these essential services a key factor.

  
  

The good news is that for Waterloo Region sellers, our area is inherently quite pet-friendly. We boast a number of great dog parks, abundant green spaces, dog-friendly hiking trails, and an excellent supply of vet services and specialty pet stores. Making sure that your real estate agent proactively points these community assets out to potential pet-owning buyers is therefore an absolutely worthwhile strategy.

Practical Steps for Preventing Pet Damage in Any Home

If you are among the vast majority of people who believe pets are wonderful to have around the house—and an integral part of the family—you are probably also aware that as lovable as they are, they can, unfortunately, cause quite a bit of damage.

Whether you are moving into a brand-new Waterloo Region home or preparing to sell one and need to keep things looking immaculate, pet-related wear and tear can be a sticky problem.

It’s a common situation—you adore your pets, but you do wish they wouldn't cause such a mess!

While you can probably never entirely pet-proof any home, there are several things you can do to make life with Fido or Fluffy just a little less stressful on the condition of your house, regardless of whether you are just moving in or getting ready to move out.

Keep Your Pets Groomed and Your Home Will Stay Cleaner

Grooming doesn't have to be a costly weekly trip to the salon—you can often manage it yourself. The simple act of regular brushing and trimming will ensure your pets shed a lot less, something that will save you significant vacuuming time and keep your house noticeably cleaner. As a bonus, well-groomed pets tend to smell a lot nicer, which naturally helps keep your entire house smelling better, especially if you have carpeting.

Outsmart Your Pets with a Few Crafty Tricks

Even the best-trained pets sometimes have annoying or destructive habits. It often feels like no matter how many times they are corrected, they never learn. However, there are a few clever tricks you can employ that might just change their ways:

• To Discourage Dogs from Chewing: If your dog has a fondness for chewing up furniture legs, electrical wires, carpets, or anything else they can get their mouths around, you can often deter them by applying a few drops of something they instinctively hate to the objects of their affection. A simple solution like lemon juice or a bitter apple spray applied to the item works wonders. One or two nasty mouthfuls of something they dislike may soon have them deciding to stick to their chew toys and leave your belongings alone.

• To Stop Cats From Roaming the Counters: Cats typically believe they rule the house, and being told "no" is a rule for dogs to deal with, not them. Instead of wasting your breath, try adding some clear contact paper, sticky-side-up, to the edges of your counters for a week or so. Cats hate the sticky feeling on their paws, and because they have excellent memories for things they dislike, this surprise may just put them off "counter-surfing" for life.

• To Stop Cats From Scratching: You can use a similar, simple trick to stop cats from clawing your furniture and walls. If you add a little double-sided sticky tape to their favourite off-limits scratching spots, they will get a nasty—but completely harmless—surprise that will make them think twice before doing it again. Make sure you provide an appropriate, sturdy scratching post nearby as an approved alternative.

Keep Your Pets Fit and Mentally Stimulated

A significant amount of a dog’s bad or destructive behaviour can stem from a lack of adequate exercise and mental stimulation. If you have a dog, they need plenty of physical exercise, no matter their breed, and this activity is also great for your health!

While exercising a cat is a bit harder, a good, energetic session with a laser pointer or an interactive toy will help them burn off excess energy and satisfy their hunting instincts. Plus, it’s an awful lot of fun to watch for humans, too! A tired pet is a well-behaved pet.

How to Move Your Pets Safely to Their New Home

You’ve successfully found and purchased the perfect Waterloo Region home. The entire family is excited and counting down the days until moving day. You’ve booked the movers, packed the boxes, and have even started picking out the fresh new décor for your brand new (to you) house. But have you forgotten anyone? If you have pets, the answer might be "yes." Have you made a pet moving plan yet?

Pets are often not as excited as their humans to be moving house, and they may become more troublesome or anxious than usual in light of all the commotion. Even if Fido and Fluffy are not freaked out by all of the boxes and activity, there are still special considerations to keep in mind—and prepare for—well before the big day. Here are just a few helpful tips to get you started:

Make Sure Everyone’s Chipped and Tagged

Unfortunately, far too many pets go missing on moving day, and some never make it to their new home. To maximize the chances that your four-legged friend can be quickly reunited with you should they slip away during the move, make sure that they are both microchipped and wearing a secure tag that bears a current phone number where you can be easily reached, no matter which home—the old or the new—you happen to be at when they are found. Having a recent photo is also a great idea.

Get Pets’ Transport Ready

Most professional moving companies will not move pets (and you likely wouldn't want them to; it's your puppy, not your piano). This means getting your pets to their new home is going to be your responsibility.

If you will be using a pet carrier, which is highly recommended for safety, make sure it is in good working order: the doors latch properly, there are no sharp or broken edges inside, and it is large enough for your pet to spend time in comfortably. You should also give the entire process a trial run before moving day. If your pet is going to be particularly difficult to get into the carrier, you’ll still have plenty of time to make an ‘action plan’ to ensure things go as smoothly and stress-free as possible on the actual moving day.

Prepare a Pet Sanctuary Room

Ideally, moving day is a great day for Fido and Fluffy to not be around at all. If a safe ‘playdate’ or boarding arrangement with a trusted family member or friend can be arranged for the 24 hours around the move, that really would be the best, and safest, option for all involved.

If that isn't possible, designate a safe, quiet space or "sanctuary room" at both your old home and your new home where they can hang out away from all the commotion, open doors, and movers' feet. This could be a secure laundry room or bathroom. To remind people—especially movers—that they are there and should not be disturbed, post a clear, highly visible sign announcing that fact on the door. Ensure they have food, water, a litter box (for cats), and a bed in this space.

Easing Anxieties in the New Place

Possible pet problems may not end on moving day itself. Often, pets—cats especially—are rather spooked by their new surroundings and may become quite anxious and afraid, hiding for days. To help ease some of those anxieties, initially keep them in their sanctuary room at the new home. Once you let them out, let them explore freely at their own pace.

Make sure that at least some of their familiar things—favourite blankets, food dishes, beds, and well-worn toys—are available to them right away to help them feel more at home and provide scents of comfort. Also, do not let pets outside right away. Give them at least a week (or more for cats) to get completely used to their new interior environment, scents, and sounds before allowing them to venture out alone.

Wrapping Up Your Pet-Friendly Move: A Smooth Transition with Team Pinto

Now that you're equipped with the knowledge and resources to navigate a pet-friendly move, it's time to turn planning into action! Remember, you don't have to walk this exciting (and sometimes furry) journey alone.

Team Pinto is here to help you achieve a seamless and stress-free transition for both you and your furry companions. We understand the unique challenges and critical considerations involved in moving with pets, and we’re dedicated to making the entire real estate process as smooth as possible.

Here's how we can partner with you in the Waterloo Region market:

• Selling? We’ll leverage our expertise to strategically showcase your home's most coveted pet-friendly features, attract qualified buyers who understand your love for animals, and guide you through the negotiations like seasoned pros to maximize your return.

• Buying? We’ll proactively help you find the perfect Waterloo Region home that caters to both your essential needs and your pets' non-negotiable wants, from a fully fenced-in yard to close proximity to the best local dog parks.

• Help Every Step of the Way: We'll provide personalized guidance, connect you with local pet-friendly services and resources, and ensure a smooth transition for everyone involved, two legs or four.

  
  

Ready to make your move with paws-itive results?

Contact Team Pinto today! We're eager to discuss your specific needs, answer your questions, and help you embark on this exciting new chapter with your furry family happily by your side.