Should You Buy a Condo with a Dog?
Interesting question and definitely something to think about if you have a dog and are considering downsizing, as many baby boomers are today. Condo living is easy. No question about it. There is definitely less to take care of than with a house.
When you leave, just lock the door and go. Everything outside the drywall is taken care of by the condo association.
Sounds good, right? It is good for many people, and it may be for you.
But if you have pets, there are some things to consider before jumping in.
Does the Condo Allow Pets
First, does the condo allow pets? Is it a pet-friendly condo?
If they do accept pets, do they have a weight limit? Do they have breed restrictions? Is there a maximum number of pets that are allowed?
I don’t mean to throw questions at you, but if you’re a dog lover, these are important questions.
If a condo accepts dogs up to 20 pounds and you have a Golden Retriever, you have a problem. Or if they accept one pet and you have two, you may also have a problem.
Rules and Regulations
If you’re like me and pets are part of your family – yes, they are – you must find out the rules and regulations governing the condo you’re interested in.
And, please, find them out before you fall in love and buy the condo!
I can only speak for myself, but I know if my dogs are not welcome, then I’m not going. But, hey, that’s me!
Do They Have Other Restrictions
Does the condo require you to vaccinate your dogs? Many condominium buildings do.
Not everyone believes in vaccinating their dogs today. Rabies is required by law in many states, but I’m talking about other yearly vaccinations.
Some people titer their pets. They do a blood test to determine if your dog still has antibodies to previous vaccines. If they do, nothing more is required. If they do not, your pet will receive the appropriate vaccine. This is fine, but will it work with the condo association?
Is your dog a barker? Occasional barking is one thing, but if your dog has separation anxiety or is just a barker, condo living may not be a good fit for you. Neighbors may complain, and you don’t want to have your dog deemed a nuisance, as many of the condominium documents address just this issue.
Your neighbors are entitled to peace and quiet in their homes. If you have a barker, you may want to consider a townhouse, villa or single-family home to head off any potential issues.
Is It a Pet-Friendly Community
How about walking your dog? Are there grassy areas nearby? Does the condo association supply dog bags? Will your dog be allowed to walk on the elevator, or will you be required to carry him/her?
Are dogs allowed to go out through the lobby, or must they use an alternative exit/entrance such as the garage or side-door exit?
You and your furry friend may be fine with the condo’s rules, but please make sure you know them before you buy.
Condos have more rules and regulations than townhouses or houses, but many people love living there with their pets.
The key is to find a condo that is pet-friendly; one that will welcome both you and your furry friend. You don’t want to get funny looks from the neighbors or to feel you and your friend aren’t welcome, even though you were able to get them in.
Dog Walking Is a Social Activity for the 55+ Crowd
Walking a dog is great for you and great for your dogs. Not only is it good exercise, but it’s a social activity for the 55-plus crowd. It gets you up, out of bed, and you meet fellow dog walkers and their dogs. It’s a social activity.
Most people know the dog’s names long before they know the owner’s names! It’s physical activity for both of you and it can be social, as well. It’s a win-win for baby boomers. So if you’re a pet lover, dog walking is a perfect way to get your daily steps and make a friend or two.
But please, if you’re planning to buy a condo with a dog, check all your facts first. If you’d like to have a conversation or you need help, let’s talk about it!!!
Let’s Have a Conversation:
Do you have pets? Have you moved with your pets? What rules and regulations have you stumbled upon in condos? Did they sound reasonable at the time and have you changed your mind since?
In Japan, some elevators have a button for dog owners to push that alerts others planning on taking that elevator that there is a dog on board. I like that idea because many pet owners do not control their pets. I don’t want to be licked or sniffed or jumped on by someone else’s pet. I’d rather wait for a pet free elevator. I’m also glad you mentioned that neighbors have a right to quiet enjoyment of their homes. Most pet owners nowadays just think about themselves without a thought to anyone else’s health, physical condition or right to a peaceful home.
I don’t blame you, JeanPaul. I don’t like to be jumped on either, and I think people should control their pets. I absolutely believe people have a right to the quiet enjoyment of their home, and I know not everyone loves dogs as I do. Some people are afraid of them. Some are allergic, and some just don’t care for them, and that’s okay. It’s their right, and I respect it. I like that Japan has pet-free elevators. What a good idea for those who need/want it.
I have a dog & rented an apartment after selling my home and, like a condo, I had to deal with elevators every time she needed to go out. After 2.5 years I moved back into a townhouse and LOVE not having to get dressed at night to go out with her for a 5 minute pee break. I just open the door to an enclosed patio anytime she needs to go and I don’t have to go through coat hat boots keys etc, and I would never buy a condo now after finding out just how inconvenient it is dealing with elevators!
What you say makes sense, Barb. That’s why it’s important for those considering a condo to weigh all their options. I always advise people to consider their options in whatever they’re thinking of without just jumping in. I’m glad you went back to a townhouse. It definitely works for you!
Interesting article..I’ve been in Switzerland for 10 years, the size of dog you can have depends on the size of your apartment. Dogs also have to attend police training classes and you’re not permitted to leave a dog shut in all day whilst your at work, I think it’s 4 hours maximum.
I approve of this because when I was in Britain I had 2 houses where the neighbours had dogs barking all day. In both cases I also lost the use of my garden as the dogs barked outside and I ended up having to sell.
It’s interesting to see how the laws are different between the US, Switzerland and Britain. It’s hard on the dogs being left alone all day. The police training classes sound interesting. Do they send small dogs there, too? Dogs barking all day can drive you crazy;
I thought the headline meant the dog came with the condo! lol
I moved to a condo from a home with a nice fenced yard. I also own a dog. The main challenge to condo living has been the lack of ability to just open the door to the yard while still in my pj”s and let the dog out… Even though he was walked daily. I’m now forced to get dressed and walk him regardless of weather or if I just would prefer to stay home. Not only that, my dog is very well trained and not all dogs are.
While there are many benefits to condo living, I’m now considering going back to a single family home with a fenced yard. It is a lot to consider if you own a dog.
That’s understandable, Kris. I hear where you’re coming from. In south Florida, we have what is known as a villa. It’s sort of like an attached condo with no one above you. You can be attached on one side or two, and some of them allow you to fence your backyard. It’s not a huge backyard like a house, but it’s enough to let a dog or two out. Maybe they have them where you are. They may be called something else, but be the same thing. They’re less work than a house.