Pet Friendly Places
Pet Friendly Condos Around Honolulu
For many condo shoppers, one issue is an absolute deal breaker. A condo that won’t permit Fido or Fluffy to live there isn’t a place you can even consider. Fortunately, there are lots of pet-loving Hawaiians, and many condos have pet-friendly policies. “Pet-friendly” is key, because it’s not synonymous with “Pets Allowed.” The latter may have many restrictions on the size and types of pets allowed, while the former offers more flexibility. Keep in mind that Hawaiian law allows building owners to charge a pet deposit fee equaling one month’s rent.
Animal Quarantine
If you’re new to Hawaii, you’ll need to quarantine your pet if he’s coming from the mainland. Fortunately, pets with the proper vaccination history may qualify for just a five-day quarantine, but puppies and kittens, who cannot complete their rabies vaccinations until a certain age, may have to stay in quarantine as long as four months.
Kakaako Condos
You’ll often have better luck finding pet friendly condos in new developments. Developers know what potential buyers or renters want, and pet-friendly unit rank high on the list. The Ke Kilohana, Keauhou Place, and Kapiolani Residence on Oahu aren’t just pet friendly – they offer pet amenities, such as dog parks, that make them a prime choice for pet owners.
The Big Dog Condo
Even pet friendly condos may impose certain weight limits on dogs, or not permit dogs to walk on certain types of communal flooring because their nails could damage the finish. In effect, that means only dogs small enough for carrying can live there. If you’ve got a big dog, finding a condo is tough, unless you live at the Vida, a new development allowing dogs weighing up to 80 pounds. The Ahana, One Ala Moana, Park Lane Ala Moana, Harbor Court, Waiea and the Gateway Towers allows canines weighing up to 60 pounds to live on the premises, with a limit of two per unit. The aforementioned Keauhou Place allows dogs weighing up to 50 pounds to reside there, again with a two pet limit. Keep in mind that condo pet policies are subject to change.
Service Animals
Even if a condo doesn’t allow pets, it must allow service animals in the building, as per the Americans with Disabilities Act. The landlord can’t charge a tenant extra for a service animal. However, it’s important that a pet is a true service animal, and that it serves a need beyond the person’s desire to have a pet. Even though it’s illegal to ban a service animal, bringing one into a building with a no-pet policy isn’t going to make you feel welcome and you’ll likely have neighbors complaining even if there’s nothing the landlord can do. You are far better off finding an apartment in a pet-friendly building.
Contact Us
If you’re looking to buy or sell a home or find a rental property, you need a knowledgeable, experienced realtor. We make sure buyers, sellers and renters understand the process every step of the way, and we can help you find a home that suits the furry members of your family. Contact Island Realty Group LLC at 808-689-7407 or IslandRealtyGroup@irghi.com.
