Time from time I am visiting condominium buildings In Daytona Beach Shores, talking to the managers, getting updates so that I know my stuff. One of the standard questions is about pet policy.
Some condos have «No pets» policy even when you have a cat, or a bird, which do not require going out. They say birds can be noisy. Hmm, what about cats? Haven't seen a barking or screeching cat yet.... I guess if one hears the cat screaming, they better call the animal police, as it should be the case of abuse... But a policy is a policy.
Some are more liberal and allow 2 pets with combined weight of 20 pounds. Wow, what are these pets going to be? Usually when people are asking, it is about dogs. I have never had a request from a proud alligator owner, or the owner of a constrictor python, or a mouse... It is practically always dogs.
I do not have a dog, so I leave it to dog lovers to come with the list of dogs where the combined weight of two is not more than 20 pounds. I know that my cat is 12 pounds and Timothy is not a big cat, so for him a prospect to have a cat-friend wouldn't look good...
Very few condos would allow larger dogs.
Plus condo associations can change the weight requirement, and... you guessed it right... towards lowering the minimum weight. So, if you moved in and your large dog was OK, you would be grandfathered, as even the most activist board would not ask you to stop feeding your dog to trim its weight from 60 lb to 20 lb, but if your dogs dies, and you want another similar dog to remind you of your best friend, you would have to downsize and get an Chihuahua instead of Doberman Pinscher...
If you are in the market for a condo, and your dogs are your family, make sure they will be welcome in that condo of your choice, and know that your choice will be limited.
Please, do not rush to blame the Associations. When you are dealing with high-rise buildings, just think about terrified children with a large dog in the elevator. I have seen it, when a kid was waiting for the elevator, and then the door opened and a huge dog rushed out knocking the kid down.
If I was a king, I would make it so that every condo on the ground floor provides a way for people to go outside without using common areas. Straight from the unit. And allow them to have large dogs.
But I am not a king, so be mindful when choosing a condominium in Daytona Beach area.
Or you can call me 386-405-4408 and we can figure out what would work best for you.
Photo by Ray_from_LA via Flickr.com
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