Articles Tagged "pets"

What's better for you than a brisk walk outdoors? How about a walk with your devoted pet? Join our Realtors® in observing Walk Your Dog Month during January. Take a stroll with your beloved pooch at one of these great locations near Baton Rouge homes for sale.

• Bluebonnet Swamp Nature Center - 10503 N. Oak Hills Pkwy., Baton Rouge, LA 70810
  With 103 acres filled with plants and wildlife, Bluebonnet Nature Center offers much to see on every visit. More than a mile of gravel paths and boardwalks wind through the grounds that feature a number of different types of habitats. Snakes, turtles, rabbits, deer, and otters are only a few of the wildlife species that have been spotted, along with hundreds of bird species. Contact the center for information about Dog Days, when visitors may bring their pets along. Hours are 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and noon - 5 p.m. Sunday. Admission is $3 for adults and $2 for ages 3-17.
  
  
• Milford Wampole Memorial Park - 901 Stanford Ave., Baton Rouge, LA 70808
  Tucked alongside the LSU Lakes, Milford Wampole Memorial Park is a charming spot for the whole family. The park has undergone a number of recent improvements, including a new asphalt parking lot that allows for more green space. Benches and a water fountain have been added to complement the quarter-mile of walking trails. Wampole Memorial Park is open daily from sunrise to sunset.
  
  
• City-Brooks Community Park - 1515 Dalyrmple Dr., Baton Rouge, LA 70808
  Fido loves you, but he likes to socialize with other pets as well. Give him some quality time at Raising Cane's Dog Park, the off-leash site at City-Brooks Community Park. Of course, the two of you can also enjoy walks together along the park's greenway trail that connects to City Park Lake, where bank fishing is permitted. Hours are sunrise to sunset, seven days a week.
  
  
• Burbank Dog Park - 12400 Burbank Dr., Baton Rouge, LA 70810
  Burbank Dog Park, adjacent to the popular sports complex of the same name, consists of a spacious six-acre section where dogs can romp freely. There are separate areas for large and small dogs, along with pavilions. When you're ready for a break from the other pets, stroll down the quarter-mile dog walk. Take your pet for a spin through the washing station to get him squeaky clean before heading home. Burbank Dog Park is open from sunrise to sunset, Tuesday through Sunday.
  
  
• LSU AgCenter Botanic Gardens - 4560 Essen Ln., Baton Rouge, LA 70809
  The LSU AgCenter Botanic Gardens form an incredible natural oasis in the heart of Baton Rouge. Burton Woods, which makes up one-third of the center's 440 acres, features Trees and Trails and three miles of pathways that serve recreational and educational purposes. The trails also lead to the Barton Arboretum, home to the serene Palmetto Walk and the stunning Crowder Camellia Collection. Several specialty gardens include the interactive Children's Garden, the colorful Rose Garden, and the exotic Tropical Garden, filled with gingers, bromeliads, and plumeria. Leashed dogs are welcome throughout the grounds, which are open daily from 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Admission is free.

Looking for a new home for you and your four-legged pal? Contact us at Latter & Blum for the latest information on Baton Rouge open houses. 

It's no secret that we love our pets! We've all seen dog and cat ownership spiral till almost everyone has one, not to mention small creatures like birds, rabbits, rodents, and reptiles. Whatever the pet, you'll need accommodations for it in that home you're looking at among Lafayette homes for sale. 

What will you do to make things just right for Fifi or Fido in your home? After all, you want to ensure your pets have the best life possible. But you also will need to ensure your home stays bright, shiny, and clean smelling so that human visitors (and occupants) are comfortable.

To that end, here's some good advice from our Realtors® on how to make your home more pet friendly.

1. Vacuuming frequently is essential. 
   This is particularly important if you have fur- or feather-bearing pets. Also, you may need to practice frequent vacuuming around a litter box or a cage where pets such as birds or hamsters, or gerbils throw out seed or bedding. If you have a cat or dog, it's essential to get one of the modern new vacuum cleaners designed to suction up animal hair. You'll be glad you did, as pet hair also has pet dander in it -- an allergen. Pet hair can also give off an odor; plus, it attracts dirt, so it can compromise your upholstered furniture.
   
   
2. Keeping your pets clean helps you maintain your home better. 
   You can't wash them every day, but give your dog a bath at least once a week and do brush your dog daily, so you're removing hair before it's shed. Trim nails if you're up to it, or take the dogs to a groomer and let them grind the nails (this will spare some wear and tear on furniture and floors). If your cat will let you give it a bath, great. If your feline resists, professional groomers can probably get it done or show you how. Clipping cat nails might be a veterinarian's job. With other pets, give them plenty of water to do their washing. Birds love splashing around and preening, cleaning their feathers. Do change materials in cages as often as needed.
   
   
3. Wash bedding at least once a week. 
   Pet bedding gets an odor if left unwashed. Wash it frequently so you can also eliminate pet dander. For non-felines and non-canines, clean cages according to recommendations for the particular pet.
   
   
4. Choose pet-resistant fabrics when buying furniture.
   Leather is a good choice, and though it can be scratched, it is usually strong enough to hold up against pets. Otherwise, avoid silk and velvet. Washable slipcovers are also a good idea.
   
   
5. Invest in a portable upholstery cleaner.
   You know that even the best-behaved pets sometimes get sick and lose control, so make sure to have a portable cleaning solution on hand, using it as soon as the mess occurs. Also, try an enzymatic spot cleaner to get rid of stains and odors.

Need more hints on how to make your home more pet friendly? Or looking for Lafayette open houses to help you with your search for a home your pets will love? Contact us today. 

When looking at Lafayette homes for sale, it's important to remember that they won't just be your home. It has to be safe and comfortable for your pets, too. In particular, as you start preparing your new home for the holidays, there are some pitfalls that can cause problems for your pets. Follow these pet safety tips this holiday season.

• Trees and Decorations
  Every pet owner knows Christmas trees pose a challenge. They can climb the tree, destroy ornaments and other decorations, and even knock them over. To mitigate this, make sure the base is heavy and sturdy enough to keep the tree upright. Additionally, if you have fragile or breakable ornaments, keep them towards the top of the tree, where they're harder to reach. Put your sturdier ornaments on the bottom, such as wood or metal. Likewise, place any tinsel, holly, and mistletoe out of your pet's reach. If accidentally ingested, they can cause serious health problems.
  
  
• Food
  It's tempting to share your holiday leftovers with your pets, but be careful not to share the wrong ones. Keep anything chocolate away from them, along with alcoholic beverages, foods with salt, or any candy sweetened with Xylitol. Also, avoid giving them anything with raisins or nuts, which are often staples of holiday treats. Foods with seeds or pits, such as cherries, apricots, and especially citrus fruits, should also be kept out of reach. If you're having turkey or other poultry, completely remove any bones and gristle before giving it to your pets. Finally, many pets are drawn to unbaked bread dough. Don't let them have any. The yeasted dough can rise in their stomachs, rupturing internal organs and even causing seizures.
  
  
• Guests
  If you're having people over to your new home, make sure both your guests and your pets are OK with one another first. Clearly tell your guests what kind of pets you have and how many, in case anyone has allergies or other aversions. It can also be overwhelming for pets to meet strangers, especially many of them, at once. Is your pet typically friendly toward other people? Do they get nervous? Do they show aggression? If you're unsure, maybe start with one or two guests to see how they react before throwing a big party. And be sure to have a room for them that's off limits to guests and outfitted with things like blankets and their favorite toys, where your pet can retreat for some peace if the guests become too overwhelming.
  
  
• Noise
  The holidays can get loud. Especially on New Year's Eve, there are often fireworks, noisemakers, shouting, and other sounds that may distress your pet. Even if you're not having people over, the noise around the neighborhood can cause anxiety attacks. Their first instinct will often be to run away, so keep them in a secure place. And in case they do get loose, make sure they have a collar with ID on it: name, address, and phone number, so they can be returned to you safely.

When looking at Lafayette open houses, it's important to keep your pets' needs in mind, as well as your own. Our Realtors® can help you find the perfect place for your needs, where both you and your pet can spend many happy holidays to come. Contact us to learn more!

Looking for restaurants near New Orleans homes for sale where your favorite canine will be welcome to join you? You may not be able to bring Fido to New Orleans open houses, but you're sure to find plenty of places for delicious cuisine where dogs are part of the fun.

Our real estate agents know that finding a great yard for pets is a big driver behind purchases for many of our customers. With that in mind, we've collected a list of some New Orleans eateries that will be glad to show you some hospitality with your pal in tow.

Just remember that New Orleans' pet-friendly restaurants do require dogs to be on leashes!

Let's take a closer look at some of your many options all throughout The Big Easy:

• New Orleans Creole Cookery Seafood – 510 Toulouse Street, New Orleans, LA 70130
  New Orleans Creole Cookery Seafood will dazzle you with an enormous selection of Creole food right in the heart of the French Quarter. The historic surroundings make delectable food even more delightful. If you have a four-footed companion in your party, you will be especially interested in the outdoor patios, which offer ample space and the soothing sounds of sparkling fountains.
  
  
• The Ugly Dog Saloon – 401 Andrew Higgins Boulevard, New Orleans, LA 70130
  The Ugly Dog Saloon welcomes your dog (ugly or otherwise) to one of New Orleans' many 20th-century success stories. Ugly Dog first opened its doors in 1998, right in the Warehouse District. Since then, it has become synonymous with award-winning barbecue that smells and tastes amazing. An array of outdoor seating ensures your pooch will have plenty of room!
  
  
• Herbsaint Bar and Restaurant – 701 St. Charles Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70130
  Herbsaint Bar and Restaurant sits on St. Charles Avenue in one of the most desirable parts of the city. The vision of Chef Donald Link, it opened to the public for the first time in 2000. A James Beard Award winner, its menu is defined by local ingredients that meet in a fresh fusion of French Southern and rustic Italian cooking. The wine list is one of the most expansive in New Orleans.
  
  
• The Bulldog Uptown – 3236 Magazine Street, New Orleans, LA 70115
  The Bulldog Uptown is at the crossroads of the Garden District and the entertainment district centered on Magazine Street, making it the ideal way to start or end an evening of excitement. Voted "Best Bar Food" multiple times by local publications, it has nearly 50 draft beers to choose from. Lauded for its spacious patio (one of the largest on Magazine Street), it is a great place to bring your dog.
  
  
• The Crown & Anchor – 200 Pelican Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70114
  If you are looking for a classic pub experience right in your own backyard, look no further than The Crown & Anchor. The Crown & Anchor is steeped in history – although first known by that name in 1998, it has been a tavern in one form or another going as far back as 1900 and has been consistently run that way since 1960. Its drinks, snacks, and specials are sure to please you and your pooch.

We know both you and your pets will love living in NOLA. Contact us to discover more about New Orleans today.

If you have a beloved four-legged friend in your house, you know that it's not really your house. It's their house. You just live there... and pay the mortgage. 

Our real estate agents know what it's like to share space with a canine or feline companion. We understand the rewards and also the challenges. It's not always easy to create a pet-friendly home that offers everything your pets require. 

One of the most common things our clients always ask for when they're looking for Baton Rouge homes for sale is a place that's pet-friendly. Here's what to look for in a pet-friendly home and how you can make your place more accommodating. 

• Consider the Stairs. Some pets take stairs like a champ. Others, not so much. If you have a senior dog, for example, maybe a 5th-floor apartment with no elevator isn't for you. A single-family home where your pooch can live like a queen on the first floor might be more your speed. 
  
  
• Color Code Your Space. Interior designers use colors in countless creative ways. Pet owners use them to disguise their pets' constant shedding. When it comes to furniture and flooring, choose colors that are close to the tone of your pets' fur. If you have dark floors and a white dog, you're going to see little white tumbleweeds everywhere. 
  
  
• Don't Overlook Wall Texture. Furry walls are a real thing, and many homeowners fail to consider them. Highly textured walls are like fur magnets, so paint with a satin or semi-gloss finish that repels fur instead of attracting it. 
  
  
• Give Them a Boost. Some pets have a hard time getting up on beds and couches. Assuming yours are allowed up there, arrange the room with a smaller piece of furniture, like an ottoman, nearby that they can use to make the leap more easily.
  
  
• Choose Hardwood Floors. Hardwood is infinitely easier to clean compared to carpet, and it doesn't absorb pet odors the way carpet does. Tile and linoleum are pretty good too. If you do get carpets or area rugs, look for colors that match your pets' fur.
  
  
• Create a Pet Storage Space. Pet toys, treats, and accessories have a way of ending up... well, everywhere. Cleaning them up and keeping them organized is a never-ending battle, but a smart storage solution can help. A ground-level basket for toys, an out-of-reach bin for treats, and hooks for hanging leashes and collars will help keep the mess in check. 
  
  
• Offer a Place to Rest. A plush, comfortable dog bed is a staple of any canine household. Look for one that's well-made, comfy, and matches the overall decor in your home. 
  
  
• Stow Bowls and Litter Boxes. Choose a litter box location where you don't have to see (or smell) it. Laundry rooms and garages are perfect. If you don't want to always see your pet's food bowls, they too can be placed out of sight or even designed to slide in and out of your kitchen cabinets at mealtime. 

Explore Pet-Friendly Homes in Baton Rouge

Check out these exciting upcoming Baton Rouge open houses to explore your next pet-friendly paradise in Louisiana. Baton Rouge also has a reputation as an amazingly pet-friendly city, with numerous dog parks, doggy daycares, pet-friendly restaurants, and top-notch veterinarians. 

Contact us today to learn more about life in Baton Rouge, and be sure to ask out real estate agents about how we can find your pet's next great home. Don't worry, you can live there too. 

No matter how much you love your cat, you have to agree — their litter box is not as cute as they are. Rather than keeping the litter box out in the open, many cat owners turn to various techniques and tactics to hide their litter boxes. Here are some options to keep in mind as you look at Baton Rouge homes for sale. 

• Cat Door in a Cabinet
  You could turn a lower cabinet, perhaps in the laundry room, into a litter box haven. Put a cat door on one side of the cabinet. This way, your kitty can have easy access. Plus the door closes behind them, keeping odors and litter inside.
  
  
• Wicker Basket Litter Box
  Look for a large, wicker basket. You want the type with a fold-back lid. Ideally, it should be at least two feet wide and three feet long, so there's lots of room for a litter box inside. Cut a hole in one side of the wicker, and line up a small cat door into the hole. Your cat can access the litter box via this hole, and you can swing the top of the basket open to clean the litter box.
  
  
• Under-Sink Litter Box With a Curtain
  One of the simplest ways to hide a litter box is to place it under your sink. Remove the cupboard doors, and instead, mount a curtain to the underside of the cabinet. The curtain will keep the litter box out of view, but your cat will be able to push past it easily, to access their litter.
  
  
• Skirted End Table Litter Box
  If you can manage to find a small, square end table, push it up against a wall, and then drape a curtain over it. You could even use a shower curtain for this purpose. Then, add something heavy to the top of the table to hold the curtain in place. A potted plant or decorative figurine works really well here. Place the litter box under the end table. Your cat can easily access it through the curtains, but it will remain out of sight.
  
  
• Entryway Bench Litter Box
  Covered benches are really popular in entryways. If you put a hole in one end of a covered bench and put the litter box inside, you'll have a very covert litter box setup. People can still sit on the bench as they put their shoes on and such. This solution works well in smaller homes where you really need to use space efficiently.
  
  
• Litter Box Cube
  If you or someone you know is handy and can make a basic wooden box, then this idea works well. The box will need a lid that you can lift, along with a hole in one side. You can lift the lid to clean the litter box, and your cat can access it via the hole in the side. Since this is a custom-made cube, you can paint or stain it any color you want to match your decor.

Cats are lovely pets, but their litter boxes aren't fun to deal with. When you don't want your litter box displayed out in the open, then one of these clever hiding techniques is sure to come in handy. Contact us if you and your kitty are still looking for a house to call home. Our real estate agents are ready to help guide your search.