Owning homes in different locations comes with several advantages. Having a second home in another state makes it easier to manage businesses in different locations, expand your social networks, and follow the warm weather as the year progresses. If you have a pet, however, you have to think about how they’ll adapt to this living arrangement. Living in more than one state with a pet can be a little complicated, but it’s far from impossible. Planning ahead will ensure you and your furry friend thrive!
Teach Your Dog Good Travel Behaviors
Since you’ll be traveling with your dog a lot, it’s important that they are able to stay calm in a number of unfamiliar and possibly frightening situations. Start practicing good travel behaviors with your dog long before your first trip. For example, you’ll want to start acclimating your dog to a crate to ensure they feel safe and comfortable in this confined space during trips. You can find several great dog training resources on DogTrainingDoesMatter.com, as well as local dog and puppy training services for those who could use some extra help.
Be Prepared with Pet Supplies
If you’ll be traveling with your pet between homes, make sure you have all the pet care supplies you need at each location. Keep food and water bowls, treats, toys, bedding, harnesses, leashes, food, and pet first aid supplies at each of your homes so you’re never left scrambling for essentials when you arrive. Before buying pet supplies, take the time to read product reviews from veterinarians and pet professionals. Look for websites that offer unbiased reviews so you can be sure your products are safe for your furry friend.
Find a Great Pet Sitter
It might not always be practical to bring your pet with you when you visit your second home. In this case, it’s helpful to have a great pet sitter on call so you can have peace of mind that your pet is in good hands while you’re away. American Kennel Club suggests looking for a pet sitter who is trained in pet CPR and pet first aid. They should also have a business license, be insured and bonded, and have client references available upon request. Having your pet stay in your home with a sitter is a great way to keep their anxiety to a minimum while you’re away.
Look for Opportunities to Save Money
Living in multiple homes can get expensive very quickly. Look for ways to save money whenever possible so you can stick to a realistic household budget! For example, you may want to cut the cable cord and pay for a streaming service that you can use in each of your homes. If you move between homes seasonally, you could even rent them out short-term to help cover your monthly expenses. You can always hire a local property management company to handle your rental when you’re out of state.
Consider the Cost of Living in Different States
If you’re still deciding where to buy a second home, be sure to research cost information for cities and states you’re considering. Here are a few examples of average expenses you can expect in different cities:
● Denver has a lot of self storage for an average monthly cost of $105.36.
● Vet care costs an average of $60 for a routine visit in New York City.
● Hiring a pet sitter in Phoenix, AZ will cost an average of $15 per hour.
● Residents of Dallas, TX can expect to pay an average of $510 per person for a basic medical insurance plan.
● The average car insurance rate in Long Beach, CA is $1,597 annually.
When you live in more than one state, it’s important to plan ahead so you can keep your household costs under control and ensure your pet is happy with your living arrangement. Research the costs for common household expenses in different cities, prepare your homes with adequate pet supplies, and look for a sitter who can keep your pup company if you need to travel alone.
Are you looking for dog training in the Coconut Creek area? DogTrainingDoesMatter.com offers obedience training services for puppies and dogs. Call 754-227-9876 today!
