If you own a pet, you know a precious kind of love. They come to share not only your home but also your life. However, if you live in a mobile home community, you have to abide by their pet policy. There are neighborhoods that do not allow residents to own any pet (bird, animal, or fish) while there are others that are more favorably disposed towards animals. Even those who do allow pets have very clear rules in place.
Before you bring home your new companion, here are some Dos and Don’ts you need to know for their welfare (and for your peace of mind):
Do’s
1. Understand how the community’s pet policy works
Does the manufactured home community you are looking to settle in allow pets? If they don’t, look elsewhere. Bringing along your pet in such a community is a breach of contract, and no one wants to get into the mess that follows.
Even if you can’t find a pet-friendly place within your preferred location right away, don’t lose heart. Sometimes community websites do not reflect the most recent updates. Pick up the phone and call them to ask about the details of their pet policy.
2. Find out what breeds are allowed
Bark park in Little Manatee mobile home community, Ruskin, FL.
Some mobile home communities, like Little Manatee, value your relationship with your pet and even have a dog park where your pooch can romp about. This kind of amenity makes your life easier, since your pets can get their daily dose of exercise without disturbing others.
Some communities do not allow more than one pet. Some only allow certain breeds, and they may even have restrictions on animals over a certain weight.
3 Get them licensed and tagged
Certain mobile home communities require owners to keep their pets vaccinated. Their animals must wear a collar with the owner’s name, contact number and the location of their lot. This helps when you need to retrieve a lost pet. Also, owners must have proper pet licenses as mandated by local authorities.
4. Keep them on leash at all times
Even if you live in a pet-friendly community, it is a good practice to keep your dog or cat restrained and safe. Most manufactured homes do not have standard fences between lots and this can become problematic if your pet develops a habit of checking on your neighbor. Leash training is a must for pets, since it keeps them calm and relaxed around other people. Keeping pets leashed also prevents them from escaping or losing their way home.
5. Spay or Neuter
Some pets need to be spayed or neutered when they reach a certain age. This not only ensures a healthier life for existing pets but also makes for a successful co-existence of your pet babies and human friends. Check community policies regarding spaying and neutering, and ensure a healthy life for your fur babies.
All the above contribute towards safe living for both your pet and your neighbors.
Don’ts
1. Don’t bring in pet breeds deemed ‘dangerous’ by the community
In many places, Pit Bull, German Shepherd, Alaskan Malamute, Rottweiler, Doberman Pinscher and Siberian Husky’s are out of bounds. Similarly, pets in a water tank are also not allowed in certain communities. If you plan to bring along exotic or banned breeds, you might as well look for another place to hang your coat.
2. Don’t leave your pets unattended at any time, especially when outside
Sometimes your cat or dog may venture far from home, bark at a neighbor or tear into their flower beds. You will end up paying for the damage. In addition, some of your neighbours may be allergic to fur. Some communities accept a pet deposit as insurance against accidental damages brought about by your four-legged friend.
Additionally, communities usually provide spaces where your pets can relieve themselves. Homeowners must make sure they train their animals to use those spaces. It is also required that pet parents clean up after them and follow approved ways of bagging and disposing of pet waste. They should help maintain hygienic conditions in the entire community.
3. Don’t set up commercial pet breeding without authorization
Things like commercial breeding of pets might be restricted in some areas, so make sure you know the community policy on this. Besides, unless you are a properly licensed breeder, your practice may come into conflict with local authorities.
Consider all these Do’s and Don’ts before you decide to bring a pet into your new mobile home. Make sure pets are allowed before you seal the deal and save yourself heartache later.