[pulpfiction]

When purchasing a condo, how common is it for an HOA place limits on pet sizes?

I plan to get a labrador retriever...which of course can grow to between 80-100 lbs (yes I'm aware that a condo isn't 100% ideal for a lab...but I've done my homework, and am willing to commit to taking him to the park on a daily basis).

[kidyankee764]

Very common. Most condo associations don't even allow dogs - and the ones who do usually limit the size, and charge an astronomical amount in fees.

Condo < SFH.

[willow wind]

Extremely common. Those that do allow dogs, may limit them to 45- 25 pounds or less. When looking at condos, don't go by what a real estate agent says. Make sure to the read the condo docs . Then to be safe, contact the condo Board directly and ask. Things change and you want the most up to date info.

[gmdealerguy]

My condo complex is pet friendly but they did revise the by-laws to read only 1 dog per household. When I moved in, it was 2. Never saw any size limit though. I see lots of people with dogs. Everyone cleans up. Honestly though, if someone has a large dog, it would be better suited for everyone to have a single family home with a bigger backyard to run around in. Most of the dogs in our complex that I see are small to medium with the exception of a giant Siberian husky that lives near me.

[Cambium]

Some condos have no limits. Some condos have limits on amount of pets but not size. Some condos have limits on both.

Your question of how "common" is it might not help. best to ask the realtor showing the place or the seller themselves. They can go to the board and ask to find out. You'll see it in the bylaws when closing but maybe its something you need to see and confirm before making an offer.

Yeah, Labs and Condos not the best. Lots of walks and swim time somewhere. Go walking every 4-6 hours if possible. Labs(or any dog for that matter) don't like to stay alone or be bored for a long time. They are like little horses. They need to fetch, run, play. keep moving. And FYI.. Labs LOVE the winter and the snow. I hope you do too.

[JayCT]

From what I have seen, most condos have limits to size. The largest I have seen is 50 pounds. Some are as low as 25 pounds. I would likely rethink either buying a condo or buying a large dog. Jay

[Cambium]

Originally Posted by JayCT

From what I have seen, most condos have limits to size. The largest I have seen is 50 pounds. Some are as low as 25 pounds. I would likely rethink either buying a condo or buying a large dog. Jay

Agree on bolded.

There are more limits for either newer or multi level condos/buildings. I've seen, and lived in, townhome style condos that have no limits.

[pulpfiction]

Thanks for the information. I would actually prefer a townhouse...and even more so if it would allow me to get a dog.

I grew up in NYC and have never had a dog.....but don't want the maintenance issues that comes with owning a house, either.

I'm very aware of the degree of attention that labs require. I do have the luxury of summers off, and am fully willing to put in all the park and lake time my dog could handle. There have to be other condo owners with labs out there somewhere...they are the most popular dog in the US, after all.

[sandy6879]

When we sold our house, we rented a condo for a year. At the time we had 2 dogs, 1 was 14lbs, the other was a lab, about 65lbs at the time. We walked them both several times a day. I swore I would never live in a condo again with the bigger dog. There just wasn't enough space. She needed to just run off her energy - and run, and run, and run. Dog parks aren't ideal for a number of reasons, and she didn't do well in a condo setting. It's not ideal for them. Yes, you may be able to feel you are doing what's best but when all they want to do is scratch at the back door to go out and run and you're in your pajamas/tired/sick/in the middle of something else at the moment....it's just not the best setting for them. I'd definitely recommend a house over a condo with a larger dog.

With that being said this particular complex did allow larger dogs. We rented so I don't know the full by-laws information.

[andthentherewere3]

Originally Posted by pulpfiction

I grew up in NYC and have never had a dog.....

Take the advice of others here who have dogs, a condo is not a good home for a large dog. You are possibly setting yourself up for destructive behavior from the dog if you try and make this work. The dog might start chewing and barking excessively, going to the bathroom indoors, etc. There will be days that it's raining/snowing/you're sick/tired/busy and you can't make it to the park. It's just not a good life for a large dog. They may be a very popular breed of dogs, but most lab owners do not live in a condo. And if you plan to adopt a lab, you might have trouble finding a shelter that will work with you if you are in a condo. Reputable breeders will not want to sell to you, either. What's wrong with a smaller dog?