If you’ve just welcomed a French bulldog into your family, then know that you’ve made one of the easiest choices possible in terms of your home’s needs. Frenchies are small, natural-born snugglers, and easy to keep happy, even if you just have the budget for a small apartment or house. Of course, when looking for a home to rent and buy, it pays to ensure that it has a few features that will make life easier both for you and your pooch. When it comes to Frenchies, the list of must-haves is small but vital!
Desperately Seeking Backyard
Frenchies are energetic, playful, and curious, and that means that they benefit greatly from frequent walks and forays into greener pastures. If possible, prioritize a home with a backyard, even if it’s small. If you’re renting, print out the ASPCA’s list of toxic plants for dogs. Your landlord may not know the world of plants inside-out, so it pays to do your research and identify potential problematic greenery by sight. Also, make sure to check out if the home has a dog window that provides your dog with easy access to the garden every time they need to go potty.
Perfect Pet Policies
From the get-go, it is important to ensure that if you opt for apartment living, you choose a community that welcomes four-pawed friends. Many apartment policies have eight limits and breed restrictions and/or impose pet fees. You can make your search easier and smoother by checking popular rental websites or apps like Zillow or Apartments.com, filtering your search for pet-friendly properties. Another good idea is to search on social media or online forums for recommendations from other dog owners in your zone.
Letting Comfort Prevail
Many pet owners enjoy having their Frenchie by their side while they work or even when they’re chilling on the sofa. If you are searching for a fully-furnished home, make sure that the furniture is compatible with having pets. For instance, a modular sofa in a sturdy material like microfiber, linen, or velvet will stop snagging and make vacuuming easier. The sofa and other furniture should be made of solid hardwood and/or high-quality metal fittings, which are resistant to occasional scratches or bites. If your Frenchie is a chewer, consider taking out pet insurance that covers pet-related damage.
Top Pet Amenities
Don’t settle for “basic” if you don’t have to. Many apartments have wonderful pet-friendly amenities like nearby dog parks, pet washing stations, and walking trails. When visiting an apartment or home, check out what’s going on around you. Are there other pet owners visible in the building or complex? Do they look friendly and are their pets on a leash? Think of how comfortable your Frenchie might be in the company of the pets and people you see around you.
If you’re the proud owner of a new Frenchie and you’re looking for a home to rent and buy, the good news is that the process will be relatively fuss-free. Choose pet-friendly communities and, if you’re renting, homes with sound pet policies. Consider coverage just in case your Frenchie causes damage and above all, choose areas with a backyard and/or natural areas where your dog can release energy and meet other friendly pups.
