Condo Association Rules-Can You Have a Dog?
March 11, 2008 No Comments
One year ago, my family got two new dogs and our lives changed forever.
Zack and Zoe are our new Cairn Terriers. That is when I found out; there are two types of people. “Dog people”…and the others.
I am now a dog person. Most of my decisions begin and end with the thought “what about the dogs?” Vacations are altered, dinners canceled, and where we can live is severely limited. If you have a dog or an exotic pet, you will discover quickly if your condo association will allow dogs and pets.
Check your by-laws, and then check with your insurer. You may be surprised what you find. Associations and their insurers can have restrictions on the size of the dog, and more importantly on the breed of the dog.
Many associations will cite insurance regulations, but truth be told most master policies do not have restrictions, but your unit owners insurance carrier probably does. Dog bites are covered under your liability section. This is where you will find most companies have their guidelines and a list of breeds that are not eligible.
Check with your insurer to see what breeds are on their list. If you are thinking of that cute little pit bull in the pet store window, check ahead with your insurer and your association.
According to the Insurance Information institute, in 2005 dog bites cost the industry $317.2 million. Dog bites accounted for about 15% of all liability claim dollars paid under the homeowners’ liability section.
Dogs bite more than 4.7 million people annually. Some states will make you strictly liable for your pet, and others will make you liable if you had prior knowledge that your dog might bite (known as “the one free bite principle”).
So, as much as little “Fluffy” is a big part of your world as a “ dog person,” be aware of the limitations you have with regard to your condominium insurance, and the availability of where you can live.
More… on snakes, alligators, iguanas and other exotic pets later!
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