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By Brittany Fisher
If you own multiple homes in different states and you spend time between them then you likely have a busy life. If you also have a pet, then the situation can become a bit more complicated. Costs can add up and it can be hard to maintain both properties while also caring for your furry friend. Here at Old Dawg’s REI Network, we love to help busy homeowners understand how to make the most out of their investments, so we have some great tips for how to manage living in two places with a pet.
Keep Pet Items on Hand in Both States
First, you will need to think about all of the items that your pet requires on a daily basis and then equip each property accordingly. So, for a dog, that might mean having a leash, bowl, bed, crates, etc. For a cat, that might be a harness and their favorite toy.
When it comes to buying new items for your pet, it is a wise idea to look for websites that offer product reviews so you can make your purchase with confidence. Look at what real people have said about these products to see if they will fit your pet’s needs. When it comes to food and medications, it is a good idea to look online for reviews from veterinarians. Since they are the experts, you will again have confidence that these items are safe.
Save Stress By Saving Money
The next thing you need to do when living in more than one state is to find every way possible to save money so that you can put your cash where you need it most, including caring for your pet. In order to do so, you need to look at the average costs in both places. So, if it is more affordable to buy and register a car or an auto policy is cheaper here than there, then consider going after the cheaper rates.
Since you will want to make sure that your pet stays healthy through all of your travels, you should have them insured as well. Again, look at both states and determine which has the more affordable pricing for pet insurance and then get the policy there. Keep in mind that for tax purposes, you may have to live in a state for a certain length of time each year, so read up on that information so you can save money come tax time.
Look at Average Costs for Common Services (Storage, Insurance, Food)
Another way to be sure that you are saving the most money in each state is to research the average costs of the services you will need most. Every state will be different and you can find most of this information online. For example:
- Veterinary care in San Antonio – If you choose to live here, then a visit to a Texas veterinarian will cost around $250 for a routine checkup.
- Storage options in L.A. – You may need to keep some of your belongings in a storage locker as you go from state to state. In Los Angeles, you can typically find a 5×5 unit for $140 and a large 10×10 unit for around $250.
- Food in Illinois – In the Prairie State, the average cost of food for a person is about $273 per month.
- Car insurance in Nevada – If you live around Las Vegas, then the average cost for minimum coverage is $860 per person.
- Health Insurance in New York – If you need coverage in New York, the average cost for health insurance is about $500 per person.
As you can see, there is a lot to consider when living in two different states, but with some research, you can make it happen. Remember to factor in the average costs for things like storage and pet services, and you will be in good shape.
