Active Adult Community Pet Policies: What Residents Should Expect
For empty-nesters and other seniors, pets are some of their closest family. Luckily, many active adult communities recognize how important pets are to the modern family, and allow for four-legged residents. Find out what to expect from your active adult community’s pet policy, and what to watch out for before you move in.
No Pets Allowed? Be Sure to Ask After the Community Pet Policy
There are a variety of different options for retiring seniors looking to move into an age-controlled communities. Most active adult communities allow pets, though there may be restrictions on the type, size, and weight (discussed below). However, other retirement communities, particularly assisted living facilities, don’t allow pets at all. If your fur-babies are important to you, make certain you consider whether any given facility allows animals before moving in.
Breed, Number, and Size Restrictions May Apply in Active Adult Communities
Most active adult communities have pet policies that place limits on the number and types of animals their residents can bring with them.
Domestic Pets
Most active adult communities allow ordinary house pets like domestic cats, dogs, and birds. However, there may place limits on the size of the animals (under 40 lbs), making it difficult to keep large dogs like Great Danes or St. Bernard dogs. In some states and cities, breed restrictions may also ban animals that have a dangerous reputation like Pit Bulls or Rottweilers.
Exotic Pets
Seniors may take enjoyment from keeping snakes, turtles, or carnivorous fish as a hobby, and as exotic pets. Active adult communities will generally also allow non-venomous reptiles, amphibians, or fish, that live in an aquarium or terrarium. However, some insects, arachnids, large reptiles, or rodents may be prohibited under the community’s pet policy. Be certain to read the policy carefully.
Number of Animals
Having a single cat is not the same as being a breeder. Many neighborhoods’ HOA boards must give explicit approval for residents who want to keep more than 2 pets per unit.
Animal Registration and Registration May Be Required
Most active adult community pet policies will require members to register their pets and any visiting animals staying longer than a week. Pet owners will also be expected to:
- Use leashes
- Supervise their pets
- Clean up after their pets
- Prevent them from making too much noise
- Stop them from harming anyone
If a resident’s pet gets out of control, he or she could be held responsible for any damage, injury, or disturbance cause. The pets, or even the residents could be forced to leave. Before you sign the lease or mortgage for your active adult residence, be certain you, and your pet-children will be able to live with the pet policy.
LifestyleLink is a community management software for active adult communities. If you want to provide useful tools to your members including forums, event scheduling, and invoicing, contact a LifestyleLink representative for a tour of the software.