9 dog-friendly features to look out for in a village house
Life revolves around our dogs more than ever before. With 27% of UK adults having a dog according to a recent 2022 report, it’s of no surprise that many of our village house buyers own one (or a few) themselves. As dog lovers ourselves, we understand how they play a big part of family life, so it’s very important that we find our clients a home that has adequate space for everybody.
There is a very strong dog community in West Sussex, so here are some dog-friendly features that I recommend you keep in mind when looking for a house in this part of the world…
Dog showers
We have seen many dog showers in people’s homes over the last couple of years, to include some really luxurious ones. They tend to be either in a utility room, boot room or outside, but they’re especially useful in winter when walks are muddy and wet and you don’t want your lovely furniture or clean floors to be covered in mud. I have just shown a buyer round a house in Midhurst where the owner is currently building one, but the best one I have ever seen was a low-level shower, nicely tiled with a door, where it had two different hand held shower attachments. I must admit, I’d love to have a dog shower myself. If I were to move, it would be a serious priority on my list.
Enclosed large garden
Having a completely fenced off garden is an absolute must, but having a bit of land for dogs to roam around has become a more popular request too. These not only provide hours of fun, but also a safe environment for them to roam. Since Covid-19 in particular, the size of a garden has become very important, with buyers asking us to find them something with at least half an acre.
Kitchens
Large kitchens are perfect for creating a dedicated area for dog beds and feeding, as well as the animals themselves. Some kitchen companies are now creating very clever integrated cabinets to keep dogs, beds, bowls and food tucked away, such as under the counter tops or within an island.
Utility rooms
Large utility rooms with access to the garden, have become a must for dog owners, as they provide the perfect space for washing stations and storage for all the leads, toys, crates, treats, food and so on. We actually had a buyer turn down a house because the utility room was too small for their dogs, despite the house itself ticking all of their other boxes.
Dog doors
Pet flaps are most known for cats, but we have started to see some seriously impressive dog doors being installed. This is most helpful if you have to be out of the house all day and need to leave your dogs at home. With a dog door they have the freedom to go outside when they need to, and for security reassurance, homeowners often install a camera above.
Local walks
It’s not just about the house when considering pets. You’ll want to know that there are some great local walks too. Luckily in West Sussex, you really are spoilt for choice, especially in the South Downs National Park. Most villages also have a village green or a recreational ground. Some of our favourite places to take our dogs for a stroll include Cowdray, Petworth Park, Kingley Vale and Stoke Clump.
Local amenities
Most pubs and cafes are dog-friendly, but if good access to local amenities are on your house hunting list, then make sure you find out if they will allow you to bring in your canine companions. Many will provide dog water bowls and even doggy treats which are guaranteed to keep those waggy tails wagging.
Proximity to vets
Don’t forget to find out how close the local veterinary practices are. We’re quite lucky in West Sussex as there are plenty to choose from.
Avoid busy roads
Location is always important when buying a home, and this certainly applies when owning a dog. Stay away from busy roads because if your furry friends were to escape, there could be deadly consequences.
