Whether you're a cat person or a dog person, there's one thing we can agree on: pets play an important role in our lives. When you're making major changes, like buying or selling a home, it's to be expected that you'll want to take your pets' needs into consideration. Luckily, the Tampa area is one of the best around when it comes to your pets' quality of life! From dog parks to pet stores and everything in between, the city and surrounding area offers a wealth of options for your four-legged friend.
Need help navigating the real estate process with your pet in tow? We can help. Whether you're buying or selling, use our guide to ensure a seamless, stress-free, and pet-friendly real estate experience.
St. Pete: No. 1 Pet-Friendly City in the Country
If you're moving with pets, then you can't pick a much better place than St. Pete—literally! The city was recently ranked as the number one large, pet-friendly city in the country by the Mars Corporation.
Dog-Friendly Digs
Local Dog Parks
- Deputy Kotfila Jr. Memorial Dog Park
- Davis Islands Dog Beach
- North Shore Dog Park
- Walter Fuller Dog Park
Dog-Friendly Restaurants
- Mad Dogs & Englishmen
- Tampa Bay Brewing Company
- Bella Brava
- The Avenue
Pet Stores
- Health Mutt
- The Modern Paws
- Animal House Pet Center
- St PetersBARK
Buying a Home with Pets
Making the move and wondering what the best options are for your four-legged friend?
Here's what to look for in your next home!
Fenced-in Homes
Having a home with a fenced-in yard not only means that you can let your dog out to run off some energy whenever you need to, but you can also rest easy knowing that they're safely contained.
Homes Near Parks
While you're a great companion for your four-legged friend, sometimes they could use some more similar pals. Living near a dog park means it's easy to socialize and schedule play dates!
Homes with a Safe Yard
If you already own a pet, then you know they're experts at getting into things that they shouldn't. In your next home, make sure the yard is hazard-free and well-maintained.
Acreage Homes
If you've got a pet that's full of energy and loves to roam, then you might consider searching for homes that offer a little more acreage for them to explore.
Selling a Home with Pets
While you love your pets, potential buyers may not. Here are a few key things to check off your to-do list before you start conducting showings.
Take a Day Trip During Showings
Having a pet around during showings might not be a problem, but you never know how a buyer will feel about them. It's best to just clear out for the day, whether you head to the beach or schedule a play date at a friend or family member's house. At the very least, keep your pet contained in a crate during the showing!
Remove Stains & Odors
You might be used to the smell of your pets, but a buyer will be able to notice right away. Even if you keep your home relatively clean, there are certain odors that are just unavoidable. In order to best address the problem, consider hiring professional cleaners to do a deep clean and deodorize the space.
Pack Things Up
In an effort to remove the signs of your pet from the house, you should also be sure to pack up their things that might be lying around. This includes toys, food bowls, brushes, and—especially—litter boxes. Taking care of the clutter will also help get rid of the unpleasant smells associated with pets!
Visit the Vet
Throughout the selling process, there's going to be a lot of commotion and changes for your four-legged friend. It's not unusual for pets to feel the adverse effects of stress during this time, not unlike their human companions! Be sure to schedule an appointment with your vet and let them know about your situation.
Pet-Proof Your New Home
Kitchen/Bathroom
- Remove food from countertops
- Store chemicals/cleaners in secure locations
- Keep cabinets latched with child-safety locks
Living Room
- Keep wires off of the ground
- Use scratching deterrent on furniture
- Double-check that house plants aren't harmful
Bedroom
- Keep dirty clothes and shoes off the floor
- Store jewelry in cabinets or high shelves
- Empty garbage cans regularly
Yard Space
- Check fence for weak spots
- Mow and landscape regularly
- Provide spots of shade
- Clean and refill outdoor water bowls
Ready to Find Your Home in the Tampa Area?
We understand that your pet plays an important role in your life, and we want to ensure that your buying and selling experience is successful for both you and them! Give us a call to learn a little more about navigating real estate with your four-legged friend, and explore a few of the other resources to get started!
