Will Your Pet Decide Where You Live

The important role that pets play when choosing a home

Will your dog or cat decide where you live? If you’re a pet owner, probably so. Pet owners today have a strong bond with their furry friends. Where you go is where your pet will go. I have two dogs that I adore, and the ones before them. I would never consider moving without my dogs.

So what happens when the condo you’ve chosen will not accept your pet? Pet-friendly condos have pet restrictions which fall under their Rules and Regulations or Bylaws. Pet Restrictions could refer to breed, weight, number of pets, type of pets, or even no pets allowed. If you’re planning a move to a condo and you have furry friends, always ask what the pet restrictions are, and get yourself a good pet-friendly buyer’s agent who will know the answer.

PET RESTRICTIONS

Pet Restrictions may vary whether you buy or rent a condo, so make sure you do your homework first. Some condos allow pets on sales but prohibit them on rentals. They feel tenants are not as responsible with their pets as condo owners. Some condos allow pets on rentals (sometimes with a monthly fee). You must check or have your buyer’s agent check for you. This is very important, because you don’t want to sign a lease or buy a condo only to find out you’ve been approved but your beloved cat or dog has not.

If you’re planning to rent someone’s condo, either annually or seasonally, ask what the pet restrictions are. If the condo itself is agreeable to pets on rentals, is the landlord also agreeable to accepting pets? Some landlords are; some are not. If they are, will they only allow pets under 20 lbs? Will they take a cat? A large dog? Multiple pets? If you have pets, you must know!

SOME TIPS TO TRY WHEN YOU HAVE A PET

When you’re dealing with a private owner who only wants a small pet and you have a large dog, here are some tips to try. First, always tell the truth about your pets. They are going to find out sooner or later anyway. Don’t try to hide them or sneak them in. The neighbors have eyes and ears. You want to be open and honest about your pets.

Offer a larger pet deposit or offer to pay more than the asking price. If you are renting, owners are worried about damage to their premises, which is easy to understand. Puppies can chew on drywall, stain carpets, dogs and cats can scratch floors. Sometimes offering more money may help convince an owner to rent to you. Write a letter about your pet. Include a photo, explaining how well trained she or he is. Make sure to include a note from your vet showing your pet is up to date on his shots and that he or she is spayed or neutered.

LIABILITY WHEN IT COMES TO PETS

If you have what is termed an “aggressive” breed, it’s going to be harder for you to rent a condo, as they may not be covered under the landlord’s insurance company or your own. It’s a liability for the owner. The same thing goes if you’re looking to buy a condo with what they call an “aggressive” type dog. It’s unlikely you will get past the building’s insurance. It’s also unlikely that the condo allows what they call “aggressive” breeds.

ALWAYS ASK

Ask the condo if they restrict any other types of pets. They will tell you. Exotic animals are often restricted. Ask about their pet policies. Are there designated dog-walking areas? Do they require your dog’s DNA? Yes, don’t be surprised but some places require it today. Crazy as it sounds.

Is there an additional cleaning fee when you move out? Is your pet deposit refundable or non-refundable? Is there an additional monthly fee for your pet?

GET IT IN WRITING

Whatever terms you and your landlord agree to regarding your pets, make sure you get it in writing. It needs to be included in your lease. Words tend to go out the window, later on. If you’re buying a condo, make sure to get a copy of the pet restrictions, whether in print, on disk or by email – but get them.

Don’t sign a lease if the pet restrictions, or some language relating to your furry friends, are not included. When all is said and done, it comes down to that lease. If your pet is not on the lease, guess what? You could have a problem.

WHAT IF MY PET IS A SERVICE PET?

If your pet is a service pet or an ESA (Emotional Service Animal), your landlord or your condo must follow the rules at HUD.gov. Condos and landlords are bound to follow the law.

BEING A RESPONSIBLE PET OWNER

It’s your job to be a responsible pet owner. That means no barking late at night or early in the morning. You may be up but your neighbors may be sleeping. It also means picking up and properly disposing of your dog’s poop. No big deal really as many places have dog stations and, if not, you can easily buy bags pretty much anywhere today.

Be mindful as some people have allergies and others are afraid of dogs. Respect them and keep your dog on a short leash when they’re around. Not everyone loves our furry friends as much as we do. If you have cats, keep the litter box clean. Smells can travel in a condo, so this way you avoid any potential problems.

FINAL THOUGHTS

The odds are if you have a pet today, you’re going to take Teddy or Chloe into consideration before moving. Whether you plan to rent a condo or buy a condo, do your homework first. One thing you should strongly consider is to find a pet-friendly REALTOR®. After all, our pets are a big part of our world, but we’re they’re whole world. We owe it to them to take them with us and give them a good home. After all, isn’t that what you want?

“Dogs are not our whole life, but they make our lives whole.”
― Roger Caras

This is a guest post from Elyse Berman aka Your Pet-Friendly Realtor

Will your dog or cat decide where you live?