Let’s be honest—if your dog had a say in the matter, they’d probably be the ones picking out your next home. And why not? After all, they’re the ones who’ll be spending their days chasing squirrels, napping in sunspots, and making sure every corner of the yard is thoroughly sniffed. I’ve had folks tell me they follow my real estate adventures as much for the dog content as for the homes, and honestly, who can blame them? There’s something heartwarming (and, let’s face it, hilarious) about watching a pup discover its new domain for the first time.
So, if you’re ready to embark (lol) on the ultimate house hunt with your furry best friend, let’s dig into what makes a home truly dog-approved. Apologies in advance — I will be making this as punny as possible.
The Dog House Dilemma: Why Buying for Your Pup Matters
A few years back, I found myself in the same position as many of my clients—looking for a home that wasn’t just right for me but for my dogs. And let me tell you, the search criteria shift when you’re prioritizing paw prints over square footage.
Portland is a dog lover’s paradise, but not all homes are created equal when it comes to accommodating our furry friends. Think about it: do you really want to settle for a place without a fenced yard when your pup’s been dreaming of zoomies and endless fetch sessions? Exactly.
What to Look for in a Dog-Friendly Home
When it comes to buying a house for your dog (because, let’s be real, that’s exactly what we’re doing), there are a few key features to keep in mind:
Outdoor Space: Having a secure outdoor space for your pup to roam, play, and do their business is incredibly valuable, whether your dog is a tiny terrier or a Great Dane. A yard isn’t just a luxury; it’s a fantastic way to give your dog the freedom they crave. Trust me, there’s nothing quite like the joy of watching your dog take their first off-leash sprint in a new backyard.
But if a big backyard isn’t in the cards, don’t worry—it’s not the end of the world. There are plenty of other ways to give your dog the outdoor experience they need, like a smaller outdoor space, proximity to a great dog park, or a cozy patio they can call their own.
Fence it Up: A good fence is worth its weight in gold. And by good, I mean tall, secure, and preferably one that your dog can’t see through if they’re the reactive type. Years ago, one of my clients, who found me on Instagram (of course), had a sweet but super reactive dog named Ducky. Their top priority? A solid fence to keep Ducky safe and calm. When we finally found the perfect place, watching Ducky experience a yard for the first time was pure magic—cue the zoomies and all the happy tears.
Neighborhood Walkability: Portland is known for its walkable neighborhoods, but not all are created equal for dog walks. Consider the sidewalk quality, proximity to dog parks, and the general vibe of the area. If you’ve got a reactive pup, a quieter neighborhood might be the way to go. Plus, who doesn’t love a scenic, peaceful stroll without the constant worry of surprise encounters?
Pet-Friendly Flooring: Think about the type of flooring in your potential new home. Hardwood floors might look beautiful, but they can be slippery for dogs and scratch easily. Consider pet-friendly options like tile or some of the more durable vinyl planks. They’re easier to clean and maintain, especially after those inevitable muddy paw prints. Although, in truth, I have hardwoods, and it is just a great excuse to buy more rugs to satiate my rug addiction.
Proximity to Pet Services: Having a vet, pet store, and doggy daycare nearby is a huge plus. Portland’s got no shortage of these, but it’s always nice to know they’re just around the corner when you need them.
The Emotional Side of Dog-First House Hunting
Buying a house for your dog isn’t just practical—it’s emotional. I’ve been there, and I’ve seen it with my clients. Take, for example, the first time I helped Ducky’s parents find a home. Seeing that dog, who was so used to life in an apartment and very supervised outdoor time, running free in their new backyard made all of us tear up.
Another client, who’d been saving up for a down payment by dog-sitting (how Portland is that?), finally got her own place with a huge yard. Now, she’s got a revolving door of pups coming in and out, living her best life surrounded by wagging tails.
My stories of clients buying houses for their dogs are endless and always tear-jerking. I made a little super cut of dogs seeing their new houses here.
Team Goché’s Pack: Meet the Pups Behind the Team
Before we wrap up, I can’t talk about dog-friendly homes without introducing the true stars of Team Goché—our pups. These furry friends are as much a part of the team as we are, and they bring a whole lot of love and laughter to our lives.
First up, we have Daisy’s dog, Sadie. Sadie’s a rescue from One Tale at A Time PDX, found all alone wandering the streets of San Antonio. She’s a Black Mouth Cur mix with the heart of a hunter but the gentleness of a kitten. Sensitive and shy, Sadie’s happy place is on the couch by the fire in winter, snuggled up with her two emotional support kitties, Frank and Essie.
Now, let me introduce you to my two. First, there’s Mattie. Mattie adopted me when I was living in Sayulita, Mexico, in early 2010, simply deciding I was hers when she was just 4 months old. She’s been to three different countries and even joined me 1,500 miles offshore on a commercial fishing trip. If you’ve met her, you know she has a way of looking directly into your soul, whether you like it or not. She is also the queen of us all and rules with a fair paw.
And then there’s Lucy. Lucy’s a rescue from Texas who came to live with Mattie and me in late 2019. She’s a chaos demon with a penchant for getting into trouble. But she’s also the happiest and funniest dog I’ve ever met. She’s obsessed with her sister, Mattie, and loves a snuggle more than anything.
Last but certainly not least, meet Heidi, Maria’s sweet girl. Heidi was found all alone in a Northern California forest during a wildfire in 2021 and was rescued by a Marion County shelter. When Maria and her partner adopted her that April, it was love at first sight. It took some time to earn Heidi’s trust and help her come out of her shell, but the journey has been incredibly rewarding. Now, Heidi’s the biggest sweetheart with a velcro-like attachment to her humans (and they wouldn’t have it any other way)! She loves stealing all the throw pillows, indulging in yogurt, going for swims, hiding her toys in the most random places, and, of course, napping on Maria’s lap.
Now that you’ve met the pups behind Team Goché, it’s clear that our love for dogs runs deep. We know firsthand how much our doggos mean to us, and we’re here to make sure they’re just as happy in your new home as you are. Because at the end of the day, it’s not just about finding the perfect house—it’s about finding the perfect home for everyone, tails included.
So, when you’re ready to start your house hunt with your pup’s needs front and center, I’m here to guide you every step of the way. Let’s find that dream space where everybody can thrive right here in Portland.
Until then, keep those tails wagging and those hearts full. 🐾
OH! I almost forgot! A few years ago, I curated a Google Map of all the best places to drink in Portland with your four-legged friends! The best pet-friendly spots in Portland, personally approved by Mattie and Lucy! Get that here!
