City Living With Your Dog

They're members of the family, but sometimes overlooked when a move is in the offing. If you're planning to relocate to a metropolitan area where you'll reside in an apartment building or any space where there is little or no yard and/or outdoor living area, don't forget to spend some time researching resources for you and your dog(s) BEFORE moving day. This article refers specifically to my experiences in the borough of Manhattan, but you'll find these tips useful in any urban environment.

Best bet: Especially for renters, co-ops, and condos: Check with your broker or contact building management directly via phone or web site to confirm policy before closing the deal. Make sure you get the name and number of the person you speak to.

Legal Considerations

• Make doubly sure your lease or approving board allows pets. Many buildings are pet-friendly, but prospective residents with dogs could face possible disapproval or at the very least, a longer,stickier approval process. Some properties have pet bans in place and adhere strictly to the rules; still others place tight restrictions on the size and weight of your pooch or require a bond or security deposit.
• Ask about liability in the event of damages caused by your dog. If he or she is a chewer, not housebroken, or soils the hallway carpeting or walls, consequences can be very costly. This applies also if your dog attacks and/or bites someone.
• Know your rights by looking up state and local laws. Most of this information is available on the web. Consult an attorney if you need more help.

Everyday Essentials

• Consider training. A well behaved dog can lessen your pet-related concerns tenfold. Socialization often helps to curb aggressive or skittish behavior; and since you'll be sharing common space and city streets with many other dogs and their people, this can be a lifesaver. Your dog is never too old to learn and adopt new habits. Best bets for a reputable trainer: ask your neighbors and local groomers.
• Bathroom breaks. Most every house dog needs daily exercise and at least 3 or 4 breaks for taking care of business. Some smaller dogs can be paper trained, but it's really not advisable for both health and potential property damage reasons. The cardinal rule of pet etiquette in city spaces is: Pick up the poop! Fines can be levied for violation. Feces transmit disease via several avenues, and it looks and smells awful (and gets stuck in those little crevices in your shoe soles)... so scoop it, bag it, and trash it. Everyone will benefit. And it's the law.
• Exercise. Walking your dog is a great time to bond and get a little exercise, but new owners and new city dwellers are often surprised and sometimes dismayed at the time and energy that needs to be devoted to this routine; along with needed bathroom breaks. Don't panic. You've got a veritable army of dog walkers available to you. You'll likely find at least a couple in your building. If not, go with a best bet and ask neighbors. A word of mouth reference is almost always a safe pick. Same goes with needing a sitter or kennel. In addition you can do a web search for nyc dog walkers. Many sites have client references that you can speak to directly.

This article is not intended to be exhaustive and instead focuses on essentials. Also keep these in mind if you're a city dweller and considering becoming a first time dog owner. Don't be discouraged. You and your canine companions can and should enjoy life in the big town if you prepare in advance and exercise common sense and courtesy