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?
Thank you for this very important article! Our new condo association is pet friendly with dogs under 20 pounds (helps keep our new puppy pug trim!) which is a nice gesture. Before our purchase, I walked around to see if others were out with their friendly pups. My husband and I also met pup loving neighbors and those without to let them know we had one sweet dog. It’s been a great way to get to know everyone and neighbors without pups have even offered to pup sit!
Thank you, June! I love what you did! It was the perfect way to find out how pet friendly the neighbors are. And they even pet sit! That’s wonderful. I think you hit the jackpot!
Great article, however, I would mention one more thing to think about. I was 79 when I rescued my Labradoodle of 50 lbs. Casper is well behaved and loves to be petted. I am in cancer remission and was doing fine. My townhouse and the city have leash laws, which are good, but in the Winter when there is ice it is dangerous to walk him. I live across from the City Park which has paths. Just getting to the park is a challenge at times. I love my dog and thought I would never give him up – but, if my arthritis gets worse and depending on the ice, I may have to. I gave up a dog once, because I had a partner and we travelled and it was more difficult than putting your best friend down. I have always been healthy and eat well and have exercised, i.e., yoga, water aerobics, walking so was not prepared for this decline in mobility. I hope this is temporary. Think long and hard before getting a dog. Even small dogs present situations where you can trip over them. BTW, my townhouse does not afford me a small yard space and I would have to traverse an icy deck to take him out. Not allowed on Common Property, Food for thought!
I hope you stay well and well enough to keep Casper, Adele. That is a real concern. Maybe you could have someone help to walk him or place him with someone nearby – if it came to that – so that you could still visit. I hope it never happens, but just some options.
i lived in a condo development and this one neighbor had a good dog walker, that would help you and you beloved dog! don’t give up ok
Excellent article – my hubby and I are dog lovers (though we don’t currently have a dog) and are considering downsizing to a condo near our daughter in Maryland as we approach retirement (5 – 7 years from now). I am familiar with the maintenance benefits of condos, but hadn’t thought as much about the potential challenges a dog might bring. Thank you for this – I’ve got some good questions to ask as we approach our move, and some hints on planning that will definitely help us as we move forward.
Thank you, Dianne! I’m glad I gave you some food for thought. Not every condo is run the same, so you may be okay. But, please – please – check before you jump in. If you have any other questions, I’m happy to answer them.
We adopted a small, 11-year-old blind Maltese from the Humane Society two years ago. Our condo is a one floor ranch style with a walkout patio from the sunroom. We can let our dog out to do her business and she can find her way back with no problem. She has brought us so much joy and love, and my grandkids adore her. Our HOA allows for dogs up to 25 pounds and many people in the neighborhood have one.
Your dog sounds so sweet, Kathy. It’s amazing how smart they are that she can find her way back. Dogs bring so much love. I’m happy she brought you so much joy and love and you’ve brought the same to her, you can be sure. She must adore your grandkids as much as they do her. It sounds like she’s in the perfect neighborhood!
Check the weight limitations. If you are claiming your dog is a service animal, be prepared to prove it.
Absolutely check the weight restrictions. And you’re right. If someone is claiming their dog is a service animal, they must prove it. That’s a whole other discussion between service animals and emotional support animals.