But can the average, ordinary pet owner really afford all of this? Or do extravagances like $430 indoor pet potties, $30-an-ounce pet perfume, and $225 pet trench coats go straight on credit cards, not to be paid off for years, and fueling the bad credit epidemic we see in many people trying to get lending for a prime mortgage.

Unfortunately though, it is not always the extravagances that cause people to spend hundreds or thousands of dollars on their pets.  Pet owners are often faced with an unexpected life-and-death situations, and must pay thousands of dollars for their pet’s veterinary care.  One option, Pet Insurance, is a risky one in the opinion of some pet owners and it is interesting to read feedback from people that have tried pet insurance actually recommend using credit cards to pay for unexpected veterinary bills instead. 

The sub-prime mortgage crisis appears to be going from bad to worse in the United States.  CNN Money.com reports U.S. home foreclosure filings rose 58 percent in the first six months of 2007, and could surpass 2 million by the end of the year, mostly due to borrowers that did not qualify for conventional fixed-rate loans and instead opted for “teaser” rates that lasted only the first few years of the loan.  Interest rates have now reset to unaffordable levels for the credit-damaged, sub-prime borrowers, forcing no other option but foreclosure.

With the deterioration in the sub-prime mortgage market and higher-than-expected default rates by less creditworthy borrowers, there is little to no demand for sub-prime loans, cutting off financing for many potential homeowners, and tightening credit standards for prime mortgages.  Which means pet owners who may be thinking about financing (or refinancing) should probably think twice when considering charging that $1,200 Hermès collar and leash, or $500 Chanel pearls for dog parties, and keep credit card spending in case you need to save your pets life in an emergency.   

SOURCE: The Pet Realty Network™ Library  
Copyright The Pet Realty Network 2007  www.PetRealtyNetwork.com 

A Pet Friendly Real Estate Agent can help you plan and prepare to guarantee a stress-free move.  Here are a few tips to help start your preparations for a safe move for you and your pets. 

1.       Identification.  Rule #1 in moving with your pet is properly identifying your pet with an identification tag and sturdy collar.  A common mistake is to have outdated information on a pet tag.  Make sure your pet’s tag includes updated information including destination location and telephone number and a mobile number, so you can be reached easily.    An additional method of identification is a microchip, which is injected under the pet’s skin between the shoulder blades and is about the size of a grain of rice. The procedure is simple and similar to administering a vaccine. Microchips can be purchased directly from veterinary clinics, and the prices vary.  Some shelters offer discounts for microchipping to people that have adopted shelter animals.  If you have an assistance animal, ask your local shelter or Veterinarian if there any discounts for the enrollment fees.

2.       Veterinary Records.  Notify your Veterinarian you will be moving and ask for a current copy of your pet’s vaccinations.  Your Veterinarian may also provide you with a copy of your pet’s full medical history to provide to your new Veterinarian, but in most cases medical history can be faxed to your new Veterinarian upon request.  Keep your pet’s medical history in a convenient location during your move and not packed away in the moving truck. Depending on your destination, your pet may also need additional vaccinations, medications, and health certificates.  Have your current veterinarian’s phone number handy in case of an emergency or if your new veterinarian needs more information about your pet. 

3.       Medications and Food.  Keep at least one week’s worth of food and medication in case of emergency.   Veterinarians cannot write a prescription without a prior doctor/patient relationship. This means that before you can get any prescription medications, your pet will need to be examined first by its new doctor. This may be inconvenient if you need medication right away.  Discuss your pet’s medical needs with your Veterinarian and they can provide you with a prescription before your move if necessary.  This includes special therapeutic foods – purchase an extra supply in case you can’t find the food right away in your new area.

4.       Keeping your pet secure. Pets can feel vulnerable on moving day.   Keep your pet in a safe, quiet, well ventilated place, such as the bathroom on moving day with a PETS INSIDE sign on the door to keep off-limits to friends and movers. There are many different types of travel crates on the market, and many are lightweight and collapsible just for traveling purposes.  Make sure your pet is familiar with the crate you will be using for transportation by gradually introducing him to the crate before your trip.  Be sure the crate is well ventilated and sturdy enough for stress-chewers or your pet could make an escape. 

5.       First Aid Kit.  First aid is not a substitute for emergency veterinary care, but being prepared and knowing basic first aid could save your pet’s life.  A few recommended supplies for a basic first aid kit include: Your veterinarian’s phone number, Gauze to wrap wounds or muzzle animal, Adhesive tape for bandages, Non-stick bandages, Towels, and Hydrogen peroxide (3 percent).  You can use a door, board, blanket or floor mat as an emergency Stretcher and a soft cloth, rope, necktie, leash or nylon stocking for an emergency muzzle.  

6.       Traveling by car It is best to travel with your dog in a crate, but if your dog enjoys car travel, you may want to accustom him to a restraining harness. For your safety as well as theirs, it is ALWAYS best to transport cats in a well ventilated carrier. Secure the crate with a seat belt and provide your pet with familiar toys.  Never keep your pet in the open bed of a truck, or the storage area of a moving van.  In any season, a pet left alone in a parked vehicle is vulnerable to being injured, harmed or stolen. Plan ahead by searching for pet friendly hotels to find overnight lodging during your move, and have plenty of kitty litter and plastic bags on hand for Doggy Duty. Try to keep your pet on his regular diet and eating schedule and bring along bottled water to avoid upset stomach or diarrhea. If traveling is stressful for your pet, always consult your veterinarian about ways that might lessen the stress of travel.

7.       Air Travel.  If traveling by air, first check with the airline about any pet requirements or restrictions to be sure you have prepared your pet to be safe and secure during the trip.  Some airlines will allow pets in the cabin, depending on the size of the pet, but you will need to purchase a special airline crate that fits under the seat in front of you. Give yourself plenty of time to work out any arrangements necessary including consulting with your veterinarian, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture.  If traveling is stressful for your pet, always consult your veterinarian about ways that might lessen the stress of travel.

8.  Finding a Veterinary Clinic, Specialty and Emergency Hospital.  Before you move, ask your veterinarian to recommend another doctor in your new area.  Talk to other pet owners in your new area.  Call the state veterinary medical association (VMA) for Veterinarians in your location. Once you have selected a Veterinary Hospital ask for an impromptu tour as kennels should be kept clean at all times, not just when a client is ‘expected’.  You may also want to schedule an appointment to meet the doctors.  Now go through the following checklist:  Are the receptionists, doctors, technicians, assistants friendly, professional and knowledgeable? Are the office hours and location convenient? Does the clinic offer emergency or specialty services or boarding? If the Veterinary Hospital that you have selected does not meet these criteria, you may want to keep looking so you can be assured that your pet is receiving the best possible care.  

9.       Preparing your new home. Keep in mind that your pets may be frightened and confused in new surroundings.  To reduce the chance of escaping due to fear, or pure excitement to explore the new territory, prepare all the familiar and necessary things your pet will need from day one including food, water, medications, bed, litter box, food and water bowls.  Pack these items last, so they can be immediately unpacked and available for your pet in a secure room when you arrive at your new home.  Remember to keep all external windows and doors closed when your pet is unsupervised.  Be cautious of unsupervised areas in the kitchen or utility areas as nervous pets can seek refuge in narrow gaps behind or between appliances.  If your new home is nearby, your pet may be confused and find a way back to your old home. Notify the new homeowners of your new address and ask them to contact you if your pet is found in the neighborhood. 

10.   Learn more about your new area.Once you find a new Veterinarian, ask if there are any local disease concerns such as heartworm or Lyme disease as well as vaccinations or medications your pet may require.  Also, be aware of any unique laws. For example, there are restrictive breed laws in some cities.  Contact the city or travel information bureau for more information as your pet may be affected by these laws.  If you will be traveling internationally, always remember to have your pet examined by a Veterinarian and carry an updated rabies vaccination and health certificate.  It is very important to contact the Agriculture Department or embassy of the country or state to where you are traveling to obtain specific information on special documents, quarantine, or costs to bring the animal into the country. 

SOURCE: The Pet Realty Network™ Library  
Copyright The Pet Realty Network 2007  www.PetRealtyNetwork.com 

• Pet Restrictions.  You will commonly find pet restrictions in condominiums or deed-restricted neighborhoods.  It is critical that you and your Pet Friendly Agent know ahead of time what those restrictions are, if any.  They may include the number of pets, size of pet, breed restrictions (even for mixed breeds!) or parking restrictions for horse trailers. 

• Veterinary Clinics, Specialty and Emergency Hospitals.  In the event of an emergency, it is critical to be close to a 24 hour Emergency Hospital.  Luckily, an increasing number of Emergency Hospitals also double as Specialty Hospitals.  With the advancement of Veterinary Medicine, you can now provide the very best care for your pet if he or she requires specialty or emergency care and the convenience of a local Hospital may mean life or death for your pet. 

• Pet Amenities.  The everyday conveniences of safe walking or horse trails, stables, doggy pick-up stations, grooming and boarding facilities, and fenced in exercise areas are great examples of what makes an ordinary property a Pet Friendly property.

• Evacuation.  If the potential property you are interested in purchasing is in a natural disaster Evacuation zone, would you have an Evacuation plan for your pets?  Evacuation involves a great deal of preparation, especially for horses, and there is usually little notice of an impending disaster.  You must be willing to prepare a solid Evacuation plan in place to ensure the safety of your pets. 

SOURCE: The Pet Realty Network™ Library  
Copyright The Pet Realty Network 2007  www.PetRealtyNetwork.com 

Getting to know the specialties of a Pet Friendly Real Estate Agent is an important, but sometimes a difficult thing to do.  This all comes down to the Agent’s ability to set themselves apart in the competitive Real Estate market and be the expert in their area of specialization.  There are few “Pet Friendly” Agents in today’s market that are marketing themselves in the most effective way.  It is even more difficult to find a Pet Friendly Agent who specializes in your town or city. 

If pets are an important factor in your Real Estate decisions you need to find a Resource that is dedicated just to Pets and Pet Friendly Real Estate.  http://petrealtynetwork.com is a good example of a Pet Friendly Real Estate Website – dedicated to Pet Friendly Real Estate and Pet Friendly Real Estate Agents.  You can meet other Pet Friendly Agents in your town, across town, or even across the Country and even obtain information about other Pet Resources such as relocating with your pet or submitting your pet’s photo. 

SOURCE: The Pet Realty Network™ Library  
Copyright The Pet Realty Network 2007  www.PetRealtyNetwork.com 

Needless to say carpet is THE WORST choice.  Not only can a pet easily destroy it, but it traps odors and animal dander, and it difficult to clean.

However, carpet is the most cost effective choice so if you must carpet, choose a carpet without loop fibers.  Loops can capture a cat or dog’s claws, pulling the yarn and causing irreparable damage or could injure the pet.  Polypropylene and polyester fibers, are naturally stain resistant.  They are also easy to clean, and they must be cleaned promptly.  Be sure to check the stain resistant warranty information.   

Linoleum or vinyl are great economical choices as they both can be cleaned easily and it is easy to remove animal dander. But, these types of flooring can be soft and easily gouged and scratched.  There are some high-end ‘luxury’ vinyls that are stronger but those cost on average about the same if not more than some woods and ceramics. 

Today’s luxury vinyl can give you the look and feel that you want, whether it is slate, stone, marble, or ceramic. Luxury vinyl has many pet-friendly attributes, and it is wonderful for small children.  Luxury Vinyl floors are a plus because they are  Low-Allergen, Moisture Resistance, Quiet, and Ease of Maintenance.  No more worries about spills, stains, or scratches. 

For many people hardwood floors are a great option.  But certain woods also are susceptible to damage from scratching and gouging.  It all depends on the quality of the wood installed.    Make certain that your hardwood floor has 3 coats of an oil-based urethane finish, preferably satin sheen, to assure protection.   Regularly sweep, vacuum or dust mop, at the very least, weekly.    If you’re pet has an accident, wipe it up immediately with a dampened towel.  Try to clip your pet’s nails regularly, which will save your floors and also keep your pet healthier, and provide a mat or rug underneath water-bowl and food dish. 

Laminates – our best pick – are nearly impossible to scratch or gouge, look just as nice as real wood, and are easy to install for nearly 1/2 the price. 

Laminate is a tough, “looks-like-real” flooring.  It is comprised of 3 layers,  the surface wear layer made to look like hardwood, tile, stone, or brick, the core which is a durable engineered wood product made to resist moisture and the backing ranging from a paper layer to a full plastic laminate layer. 

Bamboo, is another alternative for the pet-friendly home.  Although bamboo is really a grass, it is much harder than the hardest hard wood.  Bamboo flooring is the floor of choice for conservationists.  It is renewable, and it never wears out.  Bamboo is naturally stain resistant and is a good compromise between vinyl and hardwood.

Installing the right floor for you and your pets can help you and your pet live a happier live together.  You can spend more time enjoying your pets instead of worrying about your floors. 

SOURCE: The Pet Realty Network™ Library  
Copyright The Pet Realty Network 2007  www.PetRealtyNetwork.com

Happy and Successful Pet Friendly Renting!

Jupiter, a 7 year old Chesapeake Bay retriever is a happy dog. She enjoys her fenced in backyard accessible from a convenient doggy door in the kitchen, cool tile floors for afternoon naps in the kitchen and living room, and a soft cozy bed in her sturdy crate for times when her owner, Sarah, is at work. She is big dog, with a lot of energy. So, twice a day in the mornings and evenings Sarah and Jupiter walk in the nearby dog park where Jupiter can socialize with her friends and get plenty of exercise.

Sarah and Jupiter are renters, and their landlord considers them the “perfect tenants”.

So, why is it so hard for pet owners to find suitable rental properties? Landlords that are hesitant to allow pets usually do so for a reason. They most likely have a have a history of irresponsible tenants and pets that have caused damage or disruption. The dilemma is common in cities and towns all across the Country. But it doesn’t have to be. Pet owners like Sarah are becoming more and more aware that in order to rent with their pets they must prove that they are responsible pet owners and follow a certain set of standards expected by landlords.

Renting with pets and searching for a pet friendly rental doesn’t have to be a difficult or unpleasant experience. For landlords, an animal-friendly policy increases the marketability of the community, generates a positive public image and responsible pet owners make excellent long term tenants and tend to abide by the housing rules because they know that with animal-friendly housing there are limited options to choose.

All it takes is for BOTH the landlord AND the tenant to agree upon certain standards and the results will be pawsitively pawsitive! Here’s how you, the landlord or the tenant, can find and keep a perfect pet friendly rental situation.

LANDLORDS: If you are considering renting to pet owners, good for you! But if you are the least bit concerned, here are a few tips to get you started and help you make the best decisions about choosing a responsible tenant.

• Pet Friendly Living.  Make your property as pet friendly as possible. This includes pet friendly flooring. Wood, laminate or tile work well, clean easily and decrease the chance of flea infestations. Then ask yourself if there is enough room to exercise a pet. A well exercised and socialized pet helps reduce nuisance barking and destruction – two of the biggest problems landlords face. A fenced in yard along with accessibility to walking paths, nearby dog parks or doggy day cares can make a big difference.

• Set up a meeting.  A well groomed, well behaved pet is a very good sign of responsible pet ownership. Ask a few questions, such as (1) How long have you owned your pets? (2) Do your pets have any medical or behavioral problems? (3) How much time will your pets spend alone everyday? (4) Are your pets spayed and neutered? (5) Are your pets housebroken? (6) How often do you treat your pets for fleas/ticks? A responsible pet owner will be happy to disclose this (and probably more) once you start asking specific questions about their pets, their behavior and habits. With this information, you can make a better decision and feel more comfortable when accepting a potential pet owner tenant.

• Setting the rules. Make sure your tenants are aware that they are responsible for daily pet potty cleanups, making sure their pets wear identification at all times including a dog license, and all pets must be updated on vaccinations as recommended by a licensed veterinarian along with any other rules you feel necessary. Make it clear, and in writing, from the beginning of a rental agreement regarding the responsibility the pet owner has if any pet related damage to the property occurs, and consider a pet deposit if possible. A responsible pet owner will have NO PROBLEM with any of these requirements.

PET OWNERS:  Finding a rental for you and your furry family can be tough, but proving that you are a responsible pet owner will get you into the door of many rental properties. How can you show your potential landlord that you are a responsible pet owner and will make a good tenant?

• Be a good neighbor. Provide your pet with plenty of attention and exercise. By doing so, you will cut down on nuisance barking, one of the most common complaints of neighbors. Clean up after your pet, preventing not just a messy smelly yard but also a serious health issue. Consider enrolling in obedience training and grooming. Nothing says “responsible” to your landlord and neighbors better than a well-behaved well groomed pet.

• Honesty. DO NOT try to sneak your pet in to a “no pets allowed” property and DO NOT misrepresent your breed. Some pet friendly properties restrict certain breeds or have weight limits or restrict the number of pets allowed. If you are not completely honest with your landlord and get caught, this just adds to the problem of why landlords are hesitant to rent to pet owners in the first place. And remember, this may not just be your landlord’s rules, some municipalities have Breed Specific Legislation or Pet Limit Laws.

• Show good will. Write up a Sample Contract to present to your potential landlord stating that you agree to abide by all of the property rules including cleaning up after your pet, keeping your pet secure and supervised at all times, ensuring that your pet is friendly and approachable to neighbors and to keep your pet updated on vaccinations and free of fleas, ticks, and parasites. If it is not in your rental agreement, offer your landlord a pet deposit to make it perfectly clear that you are responsible for any damage to the property caused by your pet. This will not only make a lasting impression, but show your landlord that you are serious about renting and that you will care for the property.

SOURCE: The Pet Realty Network™ Library  
Copyright The Pet Realty Network 2007  www.PetRealtyNetwork.com 

Studies show that having a pet improves quality of life, from childhood through the elder years.

With 69.1 million pet owners in the United States and pet spending having reached $38.4 billion in 2006, it is no surprise that Pet Friendly people look for Pet Friendly Communities when buying a home.

The secret power of pets is an amazing thing. Here are a few other great things pets do to enrich our lives, and the Communities we call home. 

BENEFITS FOR THE MIND
Pets enrich our lives with their personalities and provide reliable, faithful companionship
Pets accept their owners without judgment
Pets fill the void when there are no children at home
Pets provide a safe feeling, when walking outdoors alone
Pets encourage people to know their neighbors and be involved in Community activities

BENEFITS FOR YOUR HEALTH
Pets help reduce stress and control high blood pressure
Pet owners visit the doctor LESS frequently than non pet owners
Pet owners spent an average of more time outside with their dogs
Pets motivate people to become more physically active, and strengthening the heart, muscles, improving blood circulation
Pets help people have greater well-being and lessen depression
Pets encourage the elderly to be more independent
Pets help the handicapped overcome withdrawal and stroke victims recover speech without being held-back by self-consciousness
Pets can lower medical costs by reducing hospitalization recovery times

BENEFITS FOR CHILDREN

Pets promote higher self-esteem and improved social skills in children
Pets are viewed as peers to children
Pets teach children about responsibility, animal behavior and death.
Pets can act as faithful, reliable confidants for children
Pets teach children gentleness, patience and kindness
Pets help develop non-verbal communication skills and trusting relationships with others
Pets teach children how to respect other living things
Pets encourage physical activity in children
Pets have been linked to boosted immune systems and better school attendance rates

SOURCE: The Pet Realty Network™ Library  
Copyright The Pet Realty Network 2007  www.PetRealtyNetwork.com 

Whether you are moving across town, across country or from another country – you have a big task ahead of you.   Preparation is key to a successful move, keeping your pet’s safety in mind: 

• Identification.  Rule #1 in moving with your pet is properly identifying your pet with an identification tag and sturdy collar.  Make sure your pet’s tag includes your destination location and telephone number and a mobile number, so you can be reached easily.  Your prior address or telephone number will be useless if you have already moved.

• Medications, Food, and Veterinary Records.   Keep a current copy of your pet’s vaccinations in a convenient location and not packed away in the moving truck.  If traveling is stressful for your pet, consult your veterinarian about ways that might lessen the stress of travel.  Depending on your destination, your pet may also need additional vaccinations, medications, and health certificates.  Keep at least one week’s worth of food and medication in case of emergency. 

• Crates and Containment Systems. There are many different types of travel crates on the market, and many are lightweight and collapsible just for traveling purposes.  Make sure your pet is familiar with the crate you will be using for transportation by gradually introducing him to the crate before your trip.  Be sure the crate is sturdy enough for stress-chewers or he could make an escape.

• Traveling by car.  It is best to travel with your dog in a crate, but if your dog enjoys car travel, you may want to accustom him to a restraining harness. For your safety as well as theirs, it is ALWAYS best to transport cats in a well-ventilated carrier.  Never keep your pet in the open bed of a truck, or the storage area of a moving van.  In any season, a pet left alone in a parked vehicle is vulnerable to being injured, harmed or stolen. Plan ahead by searching for pet friendly hotels to find overnight lodging during your move, and have plenty of kitty litter and plastic bags on hand for Doggy Duty. 

• Keeping your pet secure.  Pets can feel vulnerable on moving day.  Keep your pet  in a safe, quiet place, such as the bathroom on moving day with a PETS INSIDE sign on the door to keep off-limits to friends and professional movers.

• Air Travel.  If traveling by air, first check with the airline about any requirements they need. Give yourself plenty of time to work out arrangements if necessary including consulting with your veterinarian and the US Department of Agriculture.

• Preparing your new home. Keep in mind that your pets may be frightened and confused in new surroundings.  To reduce the chance of escaping due to fear, or pure excitement to explore the new territory, prepare all the familiar and necessary things your pet will need from day one including food, water, medications, bed, litter box, food and water bowls. 

SOURCE: The Pet Realty Network™ Library  
Copyright The Pet Realty Network 2007  www.PetRealtyNetwork.com 

• Vacuuming and cleaning your carpets and even your furniture on a regular basis will remove pet hair and dander and is a quick and simple step to keep your home looking neat.  To reduce the amount of hair to be vacuumed, make a habit of brushing your pet regularly, which will also keep your pet’s coat healthy. 

• Keep up on your ‘Doggy Duty’, which means keeping your yard clean at all times!  To a potential buyer a dirty yard could equate with a dirty home.

• Keeping litter boxes clean and covered.  Cat urine is a very distinct and difficult smell to eliminate.  Keep the litter box in a well ventilated area, clean the litter box often, and consider an odor-reducing kitty litter. 

• Have a plan for open houses or scheduled showings of your home.  Some people are terrified of animals or even allergic.  It is best to remove the pet from your home during a showing or an open house.  If that is not possible, or would be stressful for your pet, consider keeping your pet in a crate or ask a friend or relative to pet sit. 

• De-clutter your home, including pet toys, pet beds and crates and pet photos.  Remember that even if you are Pet Friendly, a potential buyer may not be. 

SOURCE: The Pet Realty Network™ Library  
Copyright The Pet Realty Network 2007  www.PetRealtyNetwork.com