Finding what Fits Fido: Dog-Friendly Homes in Colorado Springs
In today’s day and age, more households have dogs than those that have children (and many households with children also have dogs). According to the American Pet Products Association, 67% of U.S. Households have a dog or some other kind of pet. And yet, it’s not too often that one’s pet is considered in the selection of a home. A little thought can go a long way to make your pet-owning life a little easier and your dog’s life a little better.
Colorado Springs has been Named one of the Most Dog-Friendly Cities in the United States
Here are a few things to take into account when looking for the perfect homes in Colorado Springs for you and your pooch.
The House
Pet-friendly Flooring
We know that wall-to-wall carpet is not typically ideal for your furry friends. Shedding hair and the occasional accident inside are far better accommodated by hardwood, laminate, or tile flooring. Be sure to inform your realtor of this preference so that they can factor in flooring when searching for your new home.
Large Ground Level Floor
Especially if you have an older dog, or if you plan on being in this home for the long haul, stairs are not always the easiest feat for Fido. Having a large ground level floor will help make sure that your dog has plenty of room to roam without having to worry about painful ascents or descents of stairs.
Pet Room
Some dogs really love to have their own lair, much like we as humans treat our bedrooms. Yes, yes…this may seem excessive to some, but if you have the space, why not? Having their own room can help your dog de-stress and it gives you a place to keep them if company or commotion necessitates.
Walk-in Shower
If you prefer to bathe and groom your own pooch, having a walk-in shower with a detachable sprayer on the ground level of your home could be a big bonus, especially if your dog is large and uneasily picked up to put in a regular bathtub. Be sure to let your realtor know about this preference for your home search.
Yards and Fencing
This may be the most obvious perk to look for in a property to please your pup. Thankfully, many homes in Colorado Springs come with fenced-in backyards! Both you and your dog will be happier with room to roam, and it’s certainly ideal to have the fence already installed and ready for your dog’s rambunctious play. Even if no fence is installed, most neighborhoods allow these property updates, so be sure to ask your realtor about fencing rules in prospective neighborhoods.
The Neighborhood
Sidewalks
Especially if your new home in Colorado Springs doesn’t have a yard with a fence, you certainly want to make sure you find a home in a neighborhood with well-kept sidewalks for your daily excursions.
Dog Parks
Peterson Air Force Base has a dog park called “Garden of the Dogs”, named as one of USA Today’s 10 Best “Amazing Dog Parks”, Bear Creek Dog Park is a huge 25 acre fenced in dog park with creek access, Palmer Park’s large dog-park is constantly abuzz with furry energy, and there are more than a dozen other dog parks around The Springs. Make sure you find a home close to one.
Nearby Vet Clinics
If your dog has consistent medical needs, you may want to consider your home’s proximity to an animal ER or quality vet services.
Nearby Boarding Facilities
There are a plethora of top-notch dog caretakers, both in-home and on-site, in Colorado Springs. Many 24hour care services are available with the option to check on your pooch virtually via video stream. Be sure to check out the services available near your prospective home.
The Activities
Plenty of fun activities exist in and around Colorado Springs for you and your pet. These have less to do with your home choice, but nevertheless fun to try out once you’re settled in.
Dog-friendly Jeep Tours
Royal Gorge Bridge & Park, Red Canyon Park and the Gold Belt Scenic Byway
Dog-friendly hiking trails
The city boasts a variety of parks and open spaces for hiking, trail walking and leisurely strolling. Palmer Park, Monument Valley Trail, Cheyenne Mountain State Park, Red Rock Canyon Open Space, Ute Valley Park, Fox Run Park and many more provide trails for miles of enjoyment.
Manitou Cliff Dwellings
This historical landmark allows dogs in the ruins, the museum, and even the gift shop.
“Pub Dog”
This restaurant and bar allows seating both inside and outside for you and your dog. A large off-leash area provides owners the chance to dogs socialize and relax while their owners enjoy a meal or a drink.
Dog Treat Truck
Track down some gourmet treats for your pups at the local Dog Treat Truck. This dog-focused food truck serves fun snacks such as bacon-flavored ice cream and homemade pupcakes. The truck can be found at local farmer’s markets throughout the area on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays.
For more information on dog-friendly activities in Colorado Springs: visitcos.com.
Need Help Finding Dog-friendly Homes in Colorado Springs?
If you are looking for trustworthy real estate agents to help you navigate your move, give Krakofsky Team Realty a call at (719) 231-9544. We’ve been a part of this community for decades, and we’re able to keep a pulse on the inventory of homes for sale in Colorado Springs, helping you find that perfect home for you and your pup!
As retired military, Jamie thoroughly enjoys helping others buy and sell their homes. He and his wife, Bianca, raised their 3 kids in Colorado and they plan to stay here, serving the Colorado Springs and surrounding areas until he truly retires (which may never happen). When not laughing with his clients and negotiating killer deals, Jamie spends all his free time with his family – hiking, camping, boating and traveling.
Jamie is a certified MRP (Military Relocation Professional) and was just recently awarded the Chairman’s Award by Re/MAX, which names his team in the top 1% of Real Estate agents in the world.
What Jamie loves most is helping his clients have a successful and truly enjoyable real estate experience.