The Dog-Lover’s Guide to Buying a Home in Philly
For some people, life wouldn’t be complete without a four-legged friend by their side. Dog owners consider their pup to be a genuine member of the family, but condo associations and apartment landlords may not always roll out the welcome mat for dogs. If you are considering a move to Philadelphia with your pooch, know that Philly is generally a dog-friendly city. With that said, there are some tips to keep in mind that will keep you, your pupper, and the people around you safe and happy.
Search Smarter for Pet-Friendly Homes
The general consensus between the dog owners we know in Philly is that you shouldn’t even waste your time looking at homes that don’t advertise as pet-friendly. You shouldn’t have too much trouble finding a condo building that will permit dogs, but almost every one will have size- and breed restrictions. Before you tour a condo for sale, shoot an e-mail over to the association president with your pup’s specifics so that you will know straight away if it is welcome or not. There’s no use getting approved for financing and starting to pick out furniture if it turns out that your dog is too heavy or a restricted breed. And don’t bother trying to fudge either characteristic of your dog – it will, almost inevitably, result in trouble.
Train Your Pup the Right Way
You aren’t going to make very many new friends if you dog either a.) barks all day while you are at work, or b.) is aggressive with other dogs while you are walking him. Your best bet is to invest a little time and money into professional dog training. Philadelphia has some great options for training schools. Bark Busters is a national service that comes highly reviewed, and they will train in your home. Locally, the Philly Pack is a recommended service provider in Northeast Philly with a mission to ” to help dog owners create a bond rooted in communication, understanding and love.” If you have the time and dedication to do it yourself, YouTube has some great videos on how to train your dog on your own.
Learn to Love Your Leash
Philadelphia has fairly well-enforced leash laws, and you should heed them for multiple reasons. Not only are you at risk of getting fined if you are caught letting your pup roam without one, but you also open yourself up to danger arising from dogs’ unpredictable behavior. All of Philly, but Center City in particular, is congested with heavy foot traffic. Experts say you should have your dog on no longer than a six-foot leash, and preferably closer to four. Keep yourself between your dog and the flow of traffic, and stay vigilant: if you see another dog coming, steer your pooch away since you have no idea how the other one will react.
Pick Up the Poop
This should be a no-brainer regardless of the city where you live, but it is your obligation as a dog owner to pick up their excrement after they relieve themselves. Unfortunately, a lot of dog owners in Philly are lax about this topic, and it can lead to all sorts of unpleasant situations. Bring your baggies with you to pick up poop when you need to, and, for the love of everything holy, hold onto the bag until you find a trashcan. It’s true that Philly could use more public trashcans than it has currently, but that’s no excuse to drop a bag of doodoo on the sidewalk for someone to step in. As is the case with many things in life, a little consideration goes a long way.
Know Where to Walk
When you buy a home in Philadelphia, you should take into account where you will be able to take your pup for walks. Unless you buy a single-family home (which are the exception in Philly, not the rule), you will need to trek several times a day to a place where your dog can burn off some energy and answer the call of nature. Philly is home to some amazing dog parks and dog-friendly neighborhoods. In the South Street neighborhood, Seger Park is a members-only dog park that is funded by annual fees. This is also the case with Orianna Hill Park, located nearby to Old City. If you are near Rittenhouse Square and find the main park a bit too congested for your liking, locals recommend the quieter Hawthorne Park.
In short, life with a dog in Philly can be downright lovely. There are restaurants, parks, and stores that cater to dog owners, and there are many beautiful walking opportunities around the city. Start your Philly dog-owning life off right by finding the place that is right for you and your pup.
