There are great options for pet-friendly living in active adult communities. Ask about potential restrictions on animal weights as well as leash rules.
Many active adults are animal lovers, and research has shown that the love of a pet can enhance a person’s physical and emotional happiness. Yet those who are considering moving to an active adult community often worry about the potential restrictions on pets, particularly when it comes to dogs. While it is important to find out about a specific community’s rules before moving in, animal lovers will be relieved to know that there are many pet-friendly active adult communities throughout the country.
In most active adult communities there are few restrictions when it comes to owning a pet, particularly for those who live in single-family homes. Those who live in attached homes—such as townhomes, duplexes, or attached villas— are often allowed to own pets as well, though there may be additional restrictions. Regardless of home type, some communities may limit the number of pets in each home. For example, a community may limit each homeowner to a maximum of two dogs or two cats.
Apartment-style condominiums (whether garden or high-rise) are more likely to have pet restrictions. Some buildings limit dogs to those that weigh under 25-pounds, and others may not allow dogs or cats at all. Apartment buildings frequently limit the number of pets as well, and may have additional rules in place to deal with problems, such as aggressive dogs or those that bark excessively.
Even pet-friendly active adult communities will often have some rules regarding pets, particularly when it comes to bringing dogs out into the community. It is common for communities to have rules that say dogs must be on a leash and only turned loose in a fenced-in yard or in a community dog park. This is both for the safety of other residents and for the safety of your pet. Active adult communities also commonly have rules about cleaning up after your dog when taking it out for walks. Failure to follow these rules could result in fines or other disciplinary actions.
Many pet-friendly active adult communities feature their own dog parks. These great fenced-in areas allow dogs to run off the leash, and their owners to mingle with other animal lovers. Dog parks come in many varieties, and the better ones usually offer separate areas for small-, medium- and large-sized dogs. A community dog park will have its own rules and regulations to keep things running smoothly, and failure to follow the rules could result in being banned from the park.
Just a few of the active adult communities that offer their own dog parks include: SaddleBrooke in Arizona; Del Webb Naples in Florida; Sun City Shadow Hills in California; Village at Deaton Creek in Georgia; and Ardiente in Nevada.
When researching communities, remember that the rules are in place to help residents get along. Don’t let stories of overly restrictive communities keep you from considering an active adult community, but do research a particular community’s rules before moving in. There are many pet-friendly active adult communities that will be happy to welcome both you and your four-legged friends.
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Del Webb Orlando also is offering a dog park and is a pet friendly community.
Are there any active adult communities that allow horses? I have 2 horses and I am looking for a place where I can retire with them.
Hi Darla–I have been looking for exactly the same kind of active adult community that allows horses. I’m not able to find any that offer this arrangement.
Sun City Hilton Head offers a dog park and is a pet friendly community. The dog park has specific hours for small and larger dogs. We also offer “For the Love of Dogs” club. There are also many choices for vets and boarding in the surrounding community.
Darla, I’m not sure of all the communities that allow horses, but I know that Laguna Woods Village in California has an equestrian center that lets it residents board their horses. http://www.lagunawoodsvillage.com/article.cfm?id=182 I hope that helps!
We recently moved into a condo in Laguna Woods and we’re looking for a dog club. We have a toy ShiTzu and would like to meet other dog owners who may have information on a good groomer in the area. When and where does the dog club meet?
I am finding it very difficult to find a community that will allow backyard fencing.
Sun City Arizona allows fences up to 6 ft tall around the side and back yard of the property (as long as it is not on a golf course or one of the lakes).