A pet as a co-tenant

Having a pet is not a privilege of people living in large houses with gardens

Is having a pet a privilege of people living in roomy houses with large gardens on the outskirts of a town? Of course not! If you live in a small flat in a big city, you can surely share it with your four-legged friend, but don’t forget it becomes your roommate in all respects so, be careful when you choose the breed that is best suited to your house square footage.

There is something very special about the human-animal bond. Your life will never be the same again. Dog and real estate experts say there are not bad apartment dogs. Dog owners take full responsibility for dogs behaviour.  Dog-related complaints do not depend on breeds.

According to a study conducted among dog lovers in New York City – where there are 500,000 dogs with regular license – small dogs are the most chosen by New Yorkers. Chihuahuas can be brought in bags, Yorkshire terriers are very popular, but maybe a bit yappy.  Apartment people often give up with beagles for their being too “doggish”.

Small dogs may not be suitable to some families, though. Small flat owners may enjoy the company of giant dogs such as the Cane Corso or Irish wolfhounds. They are considered perfect apartment pets, as they do not like running free at all, despite many popular misconceptions about these breeds. German shepherds, Irish setters, Welsh springer spaniels… these are some other breeds which apartment owners love.

What are the best qualities a dog lover should take into account when choosing an apartment dog in a vibrant city like New York? They should be the inverse qualities needed to be a successful person in the city: laziness, low energy and a calm temper. Breeds like terriers and cairn terriers have a natural intelligence and predatory instinct that could make them get into trouble if they are left alone.

If you need some advice when selecting the breed that best suits your needs, you may be helped in your choice by some apartment building rules. Not all buildings are pet-friendly. Some residential buildings ban dogs, some other do not allow residents to have specific breeds. Some exception may be accepted in New York if the animal helps a tenant with a disability which interferes with a major life activity and the court establishes that the animal is medically helpful. Some co-ops, condos and rentals fix some weight limits or ban breeds which are deemed dangerous. Co-op boards and condo associations may ask for an “exam” to see if a dog is trained and behaves correctly before accepting it in the building. Furthermore, remember that if your dog barks too much and interferes with the other tenants’ rights, your landlord can start eviction proceedings.

Read also:

·         Sharing apartments in New York: tenants, co-tenants and roommates

·         Home buyers and tenants look for properties with their own washers and dryers

·         Is the prestige of penthouse apartments decreasing?

·         Luxury high-rise buildings in Battery Park City, Manhattan

·         Home-stagers make your house for sale more appealing