Fall Homebuying and Exploring Your Neighbourhood with Man’s Best Friend

Fall has arrived and the new season signals a fresh start for new homeowners. The spring home hunt was a whirlwind, followed by a busy summer of closing, packing and moving. It’s a lot. With the heavy lifting done, fall is a great time to slow down, breathe in that crisp autumn air, and explore the neighbourhood you just moved into. 

Of course, you did your research as a homebuyer. You calculated travel time to work and other places you frequent, you chatted with some of the neighbours, and you tapped into the expertise of a professional REMAX agent. Now it’s time to hit the road and really get to know your neighbourhood — and who better to explore with, than your four-legged furry friend? 

Get your doggy on a leash and start strolling. You may meet a new neighbour, find your new favorite café, or discover a new park. This can all help you and your pup feel at home. 

While walking through your neighbourhood, you may notice the architecture and landscaping of your neighbour’s houses. Your pup is discovering a lot more. They’re checking out a whole new sensory map. This includes new smells, sounds, sights and so much more. Let your dog sniff, explore, and truly experience their new territory. You might be surprised at what you discover while you take a leisurely walk with your dog.  

If you take a new route every day, you may be able to explore new parts of your neighbourhood each day. The quiet part of the neighbourhood you wanted to check out? Bring your dog with you to explore. A dog park right next to a human park? Then you can both enjoy the nature around your home in different ways.  

When settling into a new neighbourhood, it’s important to establish a pet care support system. Here are some ideas of what would be good to figure out when you and your pet are settled into your brand-new home.  

A good place to start is by researching local veterinary clinics and reading reviews from other pet parents in the area. A good pro-tip for pets and new vets – try to schedule a meet and greet or just a checkup with them. This way, your doggie or pet can get used to the office and your vet before or if there’s an emergency. It’s much less stressful for you both and it’s good to establish a relationship with your new vet.  

Some pets need more frequent grooming than others. If they need nail or coat trimming, finding a trusted groom nearby is essential. Groomers are typically booked weeks in advance, so don’t wait until your pup starts looking shaggy to make the first appointment.  

A routine trip to the pet store can make any pet excited. Identify your go-to pet stores and come up with a routine when you’re headed that way. This gives your pet something to look forward to, and it can even help with training. Find a good local pet store that has knowledgeable employees, as well as premium food and treats.  

Pro-tip: If you live near a PetValu store, they are always stocked and happy to help with all your pet’s needs! 

Fall is a great time to also connect with your fellow pet parents in your area. Here are some tips on how to tap into your neighbourhood’s pet community. 

Not all areas allow for off-leash fun for dogs; however, some do. Most cities have an app or website within their parks department that will list all off-leash areas in your neighbourhood with details about size, any restrictions, hours and any other amenities.  

Make sure your dog is fully trained to be off-leash and ready to socialize. If they have any issues being off-leash it is highly recommended to keep them on-leash. Try to find dog parks and trails where your pup can run free, socialize, and explore. These areas are also a wonderful place to meet other dog parents who have a vast knowledge about local pet resources. They may even be able to share the best walking routes, and fun community events coming up.  

Social media sites offer a great resource for those looking for dog walking groups, breed-specific meetups, or just general pet owner community information. In these groups, members typically share recommendations, playdates and may even offer pet-sitting services.  

Fall normally brings community festivals, farmer’s markets, and other events where pets are welcome. These events are the perfect opportunity to meet neighbours while your dog gets to socialize in a controlled environment. 

Your pet is adjusting to this new environment just as much as you are. Try to be patient as your pet learns the new sights, sounds, and smells of your new area. Some pets can adapt quickly, while others may need more time to feel comfortable.  

Routines are key when it comes to most pets. There could be the perfect morning walk that gets everyone energized for the day, or even a nightly path that helps you unwind. These moments are key to helping you and your pet settle into your new home and new neighbourhood. 

Moving is more than just changing your address. It’s about discovering a new community and creating fresh memories with your family and pets. This autumn, embrace the opportunity to check out your new surroundings with your faithful companion by your side. From finding practical resources like vet care and pet stores, to discovering hidden neighbourhood gems, to finding the perfect dog park, you and your pet are embarking on a new adventure together.  

Grab that leash, go outside and start discovering your new neighbourhood. Your pet’s enthusiasm for exploration may just help you see your community through a fresh set of eyes. You’ll start to remember the reason why you chose to move to your new neighbourhood.