So-called “55+ communities” and associations with pet and rental restrictions are taking a big hit
-- or are plainly unable to sell. read more here from Jan Bergemann of Cyber Citizens for Justice

The official AARP (American Association of Retired Person) position on pets states:

    "expanding the right to have pets increases the stock of housing
that pet owners may choose from."

Most of the condo "non pet" rules are outdated. They are inheritted by new owner's based on
rule's set up 20/30 years when the Condo first opened. As building's change they rules should
be updated to let all owner's be happy, even the minority shareholder's of the condo's who would
like to own pets. -- comment on our petition

"I'm a realtor and most of Palm Beach island is restricted against pets of any kind. If you own a condo that allows pets, you actually have a much more desireable building and it's easier to sell. It's a benefit and owners should vote to amend their rules and regulations. All the new towers on Singer Island allow pets!!" -- Kevin Dickenson, Realtor, commenting on our petition

Citizens for Pets in Condos believes that no-pet deed restrictions make properties less valuable in today's culture. South Florida Business Journal reported a $1 billion dollare drop in residential property values in 2007. Read more here.

Note: Many places that say "Pets Welcome," are actually only talking about cats and small dogs, under 15 pounds.  People who have the larger dogs really have to be careful, because many of these Pet Friendly places, be it condos or rental-apartments, don't indicate that they only allow the small pets, not the larger ones.

Beware - just because a development allows pets, rules can change.  If they do change, your existing pets should be grandfathered in, but you may be prevented from replacing your pets down the line.  This caution is of particular concern for new housing areas, because developers tend to have less restrictive rules to try to sell out as quickly as possible.

Listings of pet friendly apartments, condos, townhouses & homes
where your dog, cat, ferret, bunny, bird or other pet is allowed:

Our local south Florida listings

Home with Pets (national)

People with Pets (national)

HSUS list of links (national, mainly for rentals)

Florida Pets Network

Assisted Living

pet-friendly apartments

Guidelines to finding pet-friendly housing, from HSUS

ASPCA advocates supporting a bill "A 2645" in New Jersey to make more animal-friendly housing available.  If you live in NJ, please urge your legislators to support A 2645 which would prohibit landlords from refusing to rent to persons with companion animals. (3/7/06)

NOTE - Even though there are these relatively few housing choices where pets are allowed, there is still a SERIOUS problem finding places to live with larger dogs. That is a shame because often the larger dogs are calmer and bark less.

According to Where to Retire Magazine's "America's 100 Best Master-Plannned Communties," by Mary Lu Abbot, July/August 2007:  "The Latest Amenity:  Dog Parks.  A number of [the 100 best] communities now cate to owners of pooches with enclosed parks, where residents can take their dogs and let them run free.  While the dogs play, the residents socialize."

Being pet friendly is part of a new marketing strategy to attract more buyers

Residents of UF-affiliated senior community share a youthful zeal for pets, poker and partying in the streets.

5 tips on what to look for when choosing a home for you and your pet
(Some developments cater to the furrier members of family)

"Ask about your neighbors, then buy the house." --Yiddish proverb
 

"More trouble brewing about a service animal in a condo. See: Woman Calls Cat Lifeline at: http://www.ccfj.net/TVCBS4catlifeline.html

"These heated arguments could have been avoided if Florida's legislators would have passed a bill that was filed in 2007-- and will be filed again in 2008. Another restriction that often prevents sales.

"When will people learn that more restrictions reduce the number of potential buyers? The fat times where people lined up to buy condos and homes are history. Times have changed! " -- Jan Bergemann, Cyber Citizens for Justice

“Many residents of Del Webb Communities have pets.  The community’s Covenants, Codes & Restrictions (CC&R’s) may contain rules governing the types, numbers and sizes of pets permitted, as well as, issues pertaining to pet restraint, sanitation, and the extent to which pets are permitted in common use area of the community. 

If we can be of further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact Del Webb Communities @ info@delwebb.com” or 1-888-717-9777.” 

Helpful Realtors, by county:

BROWARD

Cellular: 305-323-3269
Office: 305-932-1771 x 174
Fax: 800-906-5545
Website: http://www.petfriendlyagent.com
Email: tracey@bestofluxuryrealty.com

PALM BEACH
Charlene Reiff, Realtor
Charlene@TheRealEstatePerson.com My goal is "Keeping YOU & Your PETS Together!"

ph: 561-395-6424
fax: 561-394-4627
cell: 561-715-0179

Melanie Wolf  
REALTY ASSOCIATES
Florida Properties
9174 Glades Road, Suite A4
Boca Raton, FL  33428


561- 883-0024

Go to Florida Pet Book for more pet-friendly realtors.