Finding the right home for you and your dog
Hershey is lucky enough to live in a big house in Woodbury with two acres and its own spring-fed pond. Credit: Newsday/Kirsten Luce
Dog owners represent a particular breed of home buyer: Finding a house that suits you and your dog can be a challenge. Depending on the size of the dog in question, you may need a large yard or may be able to make do with a small apartment.
"It really depends on the dog," says Lisa Peterson, spokeswoman for the American Kennel Club. "If you have a large breed that's extremely active, you'll need a large yard, someplace where that dog can really get out and exercise. Houses with fenced-in backyards are great, and I think invisible fences are wonderful products, too."
Here are several properties on the market right now that come with dog runs, heated doghouses, kennels, invisible fences and more:
LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION!
Address: 1 Willow Pond, Woodbury
Asking price: $2.799 million
Taxes: $43,000
Why it's dog-worthy: Water-loving dogs and their owners will love the spring-fed pond on the two-acre property that accommodates nonmotorized boating, and there is a mudroom off the service entrance for drying off wet pets and people. The house is one mile from the West Hills Park dog run.
Other features: This six-bedroom, seven-bath house contains three full stories of living space. There's also a heated pool, a cabana with a mini-kitchen, a tennis court and a playground.
Listing history: On the market since Sept. 1
Listing agent: Belinda C. Wiseman, Shawn Elliott Luxury Homes & Estates, 516-364-4663 ext. 168
KENNEL CLUB
Address: 49 Greis Ave., Nesconset
Asking price: $399,000
Taxes: $8,286
Why it's dog-Worthy: For the family pets, there is a private half-acre lot with an enclosed 15-by-30-foot dog kennel complete with two doghouses. Other features: This four-bedroom, 11/2-bath home is situated in a cul-de-sac next to the Ronkonkoma County Park. It has a new roof, hardwood floors and a cedar family room.
Listing history: On the market since Sept. 1
Listing agent: Barbara Turel, Coldwell Banker Harbor Light, 631-842-8400, ext. 318
HOT DOG
Address: 3401 Parkway Dr., Baldwin Harbor
Asking price: $485,000
Taxes: $14,127
Why it's dog-worthy: With hot water spigots in the front and back of the house and a 40-by-7-foot dog run complete with a heated doghouse, your pet may never want to come indoors again.
Other features: This waterfront property has a 32-foot solar-heated pool, a massive master bedroom with two skylights and a deck, all sitting on a 56-by-120-foot lot.
Listing history: On the market since Sept. 15
Listing agent: Erik Reilly, RE/MAX Shores, 516-797-5700
FENCE ME IN
Address: 25 Happy Acres Dr., Shirley
Asking price: $234,500
Taxes: $6,387
Why it's dog-worthy: There's an 8-by-16-foot dog run set off from the main outdoor area in the fenced-in backyard to give Rover a little privacy. If that's not enough play space, there are two dog parks - Mud Creek County Park and Brookhaven Town Dog Park Middle Island - within a 10-mile radius.
Other features: This four-bedroom, two-bath home has a den with a wood-burning stove and sliding doors leading from the den to the yard.
Listing history: On the market since May 22
Listing agent: Theresa "Terri" Traskos, Coldwell Banker M&D Good Life, Shirley, 631-399-5300, ext. 330
OUT OF SIGHT
Address: 48 Fairlawn Dr., Montauk
Asking price: $1.95 million
Taxes: $7,242
Why it's dog-worthy: This 2,800-square-foot Tudor sits on almost a half-acre of land enclosed by an invisible Fido's Fence to keep your dog safe and sound while allowing him to have the run of the property.
Other features: The house has five bedrooms, 41/2 baths, a gourmet kitchen, oak flooring, radiant heat and a stone fireplace. The property abuts the Montauk Downs Golf Course.
Listing history: On the market since March 2007
Listing agents: Peter and Lois Moore, The Corcoran Group, 631-899-0406
>> PHOTOS: CLICK HERE FOR MORE DOG FRIENDLY HOMES
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