by Robert Borges on January 8, 2025
Many fifty-five-plus communities allow residents to keep pets in their homes, but the number of pets allowed per resident varies by community. Understanding pet rules before moving into a new home is essential to avoid problems with the homeowners’ association and your neighbors.
Common Pet Rules in Active Adult Communities
Pets are great companions, especially for seniors who feel lonely. They provide emotional support and encourage their owners to stay active by taking them for walks and trips to a dog park. Many active adult communities are aware of these benefits and have pet-friendly rules to enhance the quality of life for their residents.
Type of Pets Allowed
Although many senior communities allow a wide variety of pets, they often have policies about the types of pets you can own while living there. For instance, many communities allow their residents to own dogs and cats, but they can prohibit certain breeds and large sizes.
Others allow smaller animals, such as caged hamsters, rabbits, birds, and fish. Some active adult communities go a step further and allow residents to keep exotic animals like reptiles and amphibians like snakes, frogs, and tortoises.
However, you must adhere to their guidelines for keeping exotic pets. For example, you must have adequate space and a proper enclosure for pets like snakes to ensure the safety and comfort of your neighbors.
Number of Pets Per Resident
Many active adult neighborhoods allow one pet per resident to avoid uncontrolled breeding and overcrowding. Some allow residents to own two or three pets, especially if they are smaller and more manageable breeds.
Allowed Pet Sizes and Breeds
As mentioned above, many age-restricted communities have policies defining the size and breed of pets their residents can keep. These regulations keep the community peaceful, clean, and orderly.
These rules define the height, length, and weight of any pets permitted. For instance, some communities don’t allow dogs weighing more than twenty-five pounds. Others prohibit certain dog breeds. These restrictions ensure that the pets in the neighborhood are well accommodated and don’t pose any danger or stress to other residents.
Pet Registration
Most private communities keep records of the pets owned by residents. Therefore, you need to know if you must register your pets with the community.
In most cases, you’ll be charged a fee for each pet you register. Furthermore, you may be required to provide proof of vaccination and medical check-ups for your pets during registration.
The fee is often a one-time expense, but some neighborhoods charge monthly pet registration fees to cover vaccinations, cleaning costs, and any damages. Some communities may also want to see records of behavioral assessments for all pets owned by residents.
Pet Owner Responsibilities
It’s important to understand that owning a pet in a private community comes with responsibilities. You’re expected to take good care of your pets and clean up after them to keep the common areas clean.
Some communities run intergenerational volunteer programs for fifty-five-plus communities, including at animal shelters and rescue centers that ensure animals are taken care of properly.
In Conclusion
Familiarizing yourself with pet rules before moving into a fifty-five-and-older community is vital to ensure that they match your needs and that you can abide by them. If you’re looking for an active adult community with pet-friendly rules, explore the active adult communities on the Private Communities platform.
PCR is a trusted online portal for those looking for homes in private and age-restricted communities. Our search tool can also show you master-planned communities that offer tech-enhanced senior lifestyles!
