Will Your Pet Decide Where You Live

Will Your Pet Decide Where You Live

Written by Elyse Berman, PA Posted On Monday, 25 November 2019 15:59

Will Your Dog or Cat Decide Where You Live

Do your pets often decide where you live? Why is that? Because they're part of the family, at least I think so. Some people may think it's crazy. I don't. If you are a pet lover and owner, would you think of moving somewhere that didn't allow your dog or cat? I didn't think so.

CONDO OR TOWNHOUSE, VILLA OR SINGLE FAMILY HOUSE

Oh, my, what to do! Let's break it down and take it one at a time. There are pluses and minuses with each, whether you are in Boca Raton, Delray Beach, Boynton Beach, Highland Beach or any of the surrounding areas.

CONDOS

If you're planning to buy a condo and you have a pet, you must first find a pet-friendly condo. Once you find a pet-friendly condo in Boca Raton, check the pet restrictions to find out if it's pet friendly to your pet. I don't mean just the weight and breed. Find out if the building is pet friendly to dogs or only to birds or cats. Yes, it's true. If ithe condo is pet friendly to dogs, what are the weight and breed restrictions?

Ask questions. Does the condo require the dog to be carried in the lobby? That might be a problem if you have 30 lb dog. Will they allow you to use the front entrance of the building, or do you have to use the side? Or go out the garage? What vaccinations do they require? All important questions because many people today titer their dogs instead of giving shots every year. What happens if your dog barks a lot?

If you have what is considered a restricted breed, don't bother with a condo. You will only have headaches.

So, you must decide if a condo is right for you and Sammy. Sure, condo living is easy. You just lock your door and leave. The bulding maintains the exterior and common areas. But, will it work for you and Chloe?

TOWNHOUSES

Townhomes tend to have easier pet restrictions than condos - not all but, by and large, most of them. You still must find out the pet restrictions, because you never know. Townhouses also have stairs. Will the stairs be a problem for not only you but for your pet? Do you have an older pet or bad knees yourself? All things to consider unless the townhouse has an elevator. And some do. There are even some condos that have their own interior elevator.

If the townhouse is in a gated community, again you must find out the pet restrictions.

VILLAS

Villas are much the same as townhouses but without the stairs. Most villas are found in pet-friendly 55+ communities in Delray and Boynton Beach, although there are a few in Boca Raton. Again, please make sure to find out the pet restrictions before you fall in love with a place. What's the point of looking if you're only going to walk if they won't accept your pet? There is none.

SINGLE FAMILY HOMES

If you're looking to buy a single family home in a pet-friendly gated community in Boca Raton, ask the questions. Will the homeowner's association accept your dogs? How many are allowed? Are there breed and/or weight restrictions? Are you allowed to fence your yard?

If you're looking to buy a single family home on a street, you still need to find out the pet restrictions either for the county or the city. People often think no one will know, but they do. People may report you. Who needs the aggravation. Buy a condo, townhouse, villa of single family home that will welcome your pets.

FINAL THOUGHTS

Whichever you decide is right for you, find yourself a great pet-friendly buyer's agent. They are worth their weight in gold! I have found even the management companies don't know the pet restrictions, at times. Find yourself someone who is going to be on your side and fight for you.

If you have any questions about gated communities in Boca Raton, Delray Beach, Boynton Beach, FL or pet friendly communities in south Florida, contact me. I can be reached by cell/text at (561) 716-7824 or email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..