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Fido and Kitty have been in your life since before the kids were born so everybody considers them members of your family. As such, their needs enter into your new housing purchase, even if all they can do is bark or meow their approval.

Scope out the yard

It’s not news to you that cats and dogs need space to run around. But we’ll be the first to admit that while the backyards of most developments provide enough room for you, your family, and your toy poodle, the spaces may prove confining for larger breeds. The size of your yard may be irrelevant in the end, because most developments have parks and paths inside the community, or nearby. At Covington in Yorba Linda, for example, you can access the Fullerton Pooch Park, which offers the wide open spaces in which your furry friend can run free. 

You’ll eventually have to decide what ground cover to put in your yard. The material of choice for most animals is grass, which also uses up the most water – a no-no during the drought. Cement or tile patios create outdoor rooms but may stress your animal’s paws. A good compromise would be artificial grass, which offers comfort without the maintenance. Make sure that any foliage you introduce into your home is harmless to pets, such as bamboo and catnip. Hazardous foliage includes aloe vera, azaleas, and daffodils.

Choose the right interior

The interior options you choose or add must keep you, your family and pet comfortable. Dark floor coverings may be dramatic but will also show light-gray dog hair. Floor to ceiling drapes may look luxurious but are a convenient plaything for cats. Wooden floors are not only easier to clean than carpet but can stand up to canine and feline rambunctiousness.

Carve out a space for your pet. A laundry room is ideal for a litter box and a dog house in the back yard can shelter your pooch. Just be sure that the area you choose doesn’t get too hot because it’s exposed to the sun. Removable slipcovers and covers for your throw pillows offer good options for cleaning.

Get down on all fours

If you get down on all fours so your eyes are close to the level of your pet’s, then you’re more likely to spot potential hazards or problems. Look for electrocution hazards, such as too many plugs in one outlet or power cords that stretch across your pet’s path. Make sure your trash bins are either high enough to be out of the reach of your animal, or lockable, so it doesn’t go digging inside for foods that pose choking or health hazards. Are there any doors close to the ground that your pet can open with the swipe of a paw? Add childproof latches, so your cat or dog doesn’t accidentally ingest cleaning solutions or pest traps.

If you want to know more about which of our developments provide the best environment for your pet, please contact us.