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Moving? Be sure the furry
members of your family are welcome
By Denise Sautters
Copley News Service
Renting an apartment or house and thinking about getting a pet? You better check with the landlord or apartment manager first.
People who rent must be prepared to abide by the conditions set by the property owners. Some apartment managers and homeowners do not allow any pets, others allow only domesticated animals (cats and dogs).
“People have to realize that they can’t let their pets run wild,” said Pat Beadnell, assistant manager of the 600-unit Lake Cable Village apartments in Canton, Ohio. “We realize that a pet has to get used to its new environment so there maybe some barking, but that should stop after a while.
“We have certain buildings designated for dogs,” she said, “but, owners still have to clean up after their pets and care for them.”
That includes making arrangements for the pet when going on vacation. “One man actually went on vacation and left his dog in the apartment,” Beadnell said.
“We have a two-dog limit because of the size of the apartments, but we have no weight or height restrictions. However, we do have breed restrictions,” she said.
Donald DeVille, president and chief executive officer for DeVille Apartments and Builders, said cats, dogs and caged pets are welcomed in DeVille apartments.
“We consider most pets as part of the family. They are included in the application process, but there are certain restrictions.”
DeVille allows dogs up to 14 inches in height, but there are no weight restrictions. They do not allow vicious or obnoxious animals. Tarantulas, snakes and pit bulls, among other animals, are prohibited.
It is important for anyone with a pet to talk to the landlord first to find out the rules of the apartment or house, said DeVille and Beadnell, and expect to pay extra each month for rent. Also, they said, many rentals require an additional security deposit for pets.
Pet owners also may need to provide the animal’s health records, references and a schedule of pet-care appointments.
“We do a thorough inspection with the tenant before and after the tenant moves in, whether there is a pet or not,” DeVille said. “The family is responsible for any upkeep of the pet.”
MOVING TIME
The Humane Society of the United States offers these tips for moving with pets:
- Plan ahead to make your move less stressful on you and your pet. Pack over a period of time, and try to maintain your pet’s normal routine.
- Invest in a high-quality, sturdy pet carrier. Get it ahead of time and gradually accustom your pet to spending time in it.
- As soon as you know your new address, get a pet identification tag that includes the address and telephone number.
- On moving day, place your pet in a safe, quiet place such as the bathroom, so that he or she cannot escape. Place a large sign on the door that says, “Do not enter.”
- If you are traveling by car and your dog enjoys car travel, you may want to accustom him to a restraining harness. Most cats are uncomfortable traveling in cars, so transport them in a well-ventilated and securely placed carrier. Never put an animal in the trunk of a car, the open bed of a pickup truck or the storage area of a moving van.
- If your pet doesn’t enjoy car rides, consult your veterinarian about behavior modification or medication that might lessen the stress of travel. Depending on your destination, your pet may also need additional vaccinations, medications and health certificates.
- Find hotels in advance. Listings of pet-friendly hotels will help you find overnight lodging during your move.
- Plan ahead for air travel. Check with your veterinarian, the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the airline, if your pet will be flying.
- Take with you all the familiar and necessary things your pet will need from the very first day in your new home, including food, water, medications, bed, litter box, food and water bowls and health records. Also have on hand a recent photo of your pet in case your pet becomes lost.
For information about pets, check out the society’s Web site at www.hsus.org.
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