Tips for buying, selling a house with a dog

Tips for buying with a dog

• Know the policies in the jurisdiction and homeowners or condo association to be sure you can comply.

• Look for a neighborhood where many residents have dogs - they'll be more accepting of your pet.

• Look for a neighborhood with pet-friendly retailers and restaurants.

• Look for the closest dog parks.

• Check out doggy day-care options in the area if you'll need them.

• If you opt for a high-rise, know where you can walk your dog and whether your dog is comfortable in elevators.

• If you can't find a yard with a fence, find out how much it will cost and whether you are allowed to build one.

• Be careful to check out the stairs if your dog has trouble climbing them.

Tips for selling with a dog

• Decide whether your dog will be OK to stay in a crate while your home is being shown or if you can walk the pet whenever someone wants to see it.

• Consider boarding your dog with friends or a family member while your home is on the market.

• Be aware of dog odors - have a friend without pets do a "sniff test" to see whether you've done enough cleaning.

• Have your carpets, curtains and upholstery cleaned or replaced if necessary.

• An air duct cleaning might be necessary to remove dog odors.

• Put away dog toys, leashes and other clutter when showing your home.

• Check for dog damage such as scratched floors and ripped screens or trampled bushes, and make repairs.