Dog Days of Summer 2020
Dog Days of Summer 2020
Mostly I use social media for real estate. Until recently, I had not posted anything personal — but then I got a puppy and couldn’t help myself. Within minutes of posting a photo of my nine-week-old puppy, likes, and comments were coming in with all kinds of superlatives. I did not know how many friends and followers I had until Betty came into my world. Surprisingly, I see people I don’t know outside of virtual space who recognize the masked me and call out to ask about Betty.
People used to ask me about real estate.
It’s not that puppies are more interesting or more important than real estate, but they sure make for easier and generally conflict-free conversation. Something about Covid led many people to get a pet (or another pet). Shelters emptied out, breeders sold out and wait lists for rescues got so long, many stopped taking names. The trainers in the Hamptons are fully booked and it seems there was more anticipation for the phase that opened dog salons than there was for those serving humans.
If having to leave a pet home alone all day and the logistics of pet care during vacations were reasons for not having pets, Covid put an end to those excuses. The wish or need to do something within one’s control led many to take a chance — on a new house, a renovation project, or a pet. Along with a pet comes some work, a structure ... and according to the CDC, decreases in blood pressure, cholesterol and triglyceride levels, decreased feelings of loneliness, and increased opportunities for exercise and socialization. Plus, in my experience at least, increased and positive engagement on social media.
My new puppy certainly isn’t the only one on people’s minds right now. So many more rental customers than ever before are asking for homes that will welcome their dog. And so far, not one single homeowner I’ve spoken to has said no. There was a resounding “Of course!” and some talk of higher security deposits, but I did not get a single refusal. Just as we are re-thinking so-called off-season rental pricing and terms, we may have to rethink the No Pets default setting in our database.
And that brings me how this is a subject of a real estate blog.
I have some advice for tenants whose family includes a pet, for homeowners who may be reluctant to welcome furry tenants, and for hosts who are asked if Fido can also come for the weekend or dinner.
For Tenants
Lead with the fact that you have a dog (or cat) and be honest about age, shedding and behavior. Most homeowners are fine with pets, but no one is okay with dishonesty. If possible, offer references and/or the opportunity to meet with the homeowners, preferably where you live. In most cases, the invitation alone will suffice. Your rental experience will be positive if the owner knows everything about the pet and still is willing to rent to you.
Assuming the tenant and owner agree, there are some things to work out and some safety measures to address. Dogs especially don’t adapt quickly to new surroundings. For example, a dog that is used to tending to bathroom issues on city streets may not know how to deal with a lawn, being off leash or what to do around a swimming pool. There are not many opportunities to dig on Prince Street, but here in the Hamptons, your pooch may discover the excitement of dirt and worms and a whole new world of rabbits, squirrels, field mice and deer to chase.
All this to say, be thoughtful, anticipate, and be prepared.. It’s a good idea to connect with a local veterinarian before the first emergency. Have the dog chipped and be sure local contact information is on the dog’s tag. If your dog is not licensed, get that done right away. There are dog parks in most towns and rules about dogs on beaches; your real estate agent can direct you to such information.
If you are hosting guests who wish to bring along a dog, much of the above applies without the opportunity of time to adjust. I suggest you don’t plan any events outside of your home or property that does not include the visiting pooch, as you will not want to leave him or her alone unless the dog is contained in a crate or carrier where they’re comfortable.
Be sure to check your lease before you say yes to a visiting dog. Even a few hours in the house can violate the terms of the lease and possibly do damage hard to explain to the owner.
As much as you are looking forward to welcoming your guests, if you have a pet, be mindful that your dog or cat may not be as happy to have a guest of their own. The host and visiting dogs may not get on, especially around mealtimes — theirs and yours.
For Homeowners
As a nice citizen, you may want to let immediate neighbors know there will be a pet in the house/on the property for the rental term. They are likely to find out, and it’s better to learn the news before they hear the barking. If you are pet-friendly, make sure your home and property are, too.
If you’re hosting guests with a dog, you might want to follow my advice to tenants with visitors above (in short, don’t leave the dog home alone and unconfined in an unfamiliar place, and remember that your own pet might not be happy to have a four-legged stranger in the house).
And finally, if you’re listing your home to rent and a pet in your house is not for you, say so and move on — no exceptions. There are plenty of tenants without pets.