I'm Dawn D'Amico, and as a realtor in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, I know that finding the perfect home for you and your pets is a top priority for many homeowners. I recently heard a story from a client that I think every pet owner should know before buying a home. It's a great reminder of how important it is to understand the local rules and regulations, especially when it comes to pets. Let me share what happened so you can avoid a similar situation.
Have a Pet? Know the Rules Before You Buy
When buying a home, many of us dream of having a place where our pets can roam freely. But what if your dream home comes with rules you weren't expecting? If you're a pet owner looking to buy a home in Pennsylvania or New Jersey, it's important to know the local laws about pets, especially if you're moving into a neighborhood with a homeowners association (HOA). For an overview of pet ownership trends, check out the American Veterinary Medical Association's pet ownership statistics.
The Story of Sarah and Her Dogs
A client of mine, Sarah, bought a beautiful home a couple of years before moving to the East Coast. She was excited to settle into her new neighborhood with her four dogs, confident that everything was in order. Sarah had been upfront with her realtor about her pets, making it clear from the beginning that she had four dogs. Unfortunately, several key details were missed during the home-buying process.
The realtor didn't inform Sarah about the homeowners association (HOA) pet limit, and to make matters worse, Sarah didn't receive the HOA handbook at the time of signing the papers. While the city allowed her to have four dogs, the HOA only allowed two.
At first, everything seemed fine. But one day, a neighbor reported Sarah to the HOA for violating the pet limit. She was devastated when the HOA sent her a notice, giving her just 14 days to remove two of her dogs or face fines. Sarah faced an impossible decision: give up two of her beloved pets or move.
Ultimately, Sarah chose to move. She wasn't willing to part with her dogs. After more thorough research this time, she found a new home in Pennsylvania with more lenient pet rules, allowing her to keep all four dogs. Her experience is a powerful reminder to future homeowners: always check local city and HOA rules, and ensure you receive all the necessary documentation before closing. For a deeper dive into HOA pet regulations, explore this helpful guide from FindLaw.
Sarah's story is a lesson for every pet owner, even those who aren't moving into a neighborhood with an HOA. Many cities, boroughs, and townships have pet limits. Before buying a home, it's important to know both the local rules and any regulations set by the HOA to avoid unpleasant surprises. For more information on local dog laws, you can visit Pennsylvania's Dog Laws or New Jersey Pet Laws.
Pet Limits in Pennsylvania and New Jersey: What You Need to Know
If you're a pet owner like Sarah, it's essential to do your homework. Pet limits can vary by city, township, or HOA rules. Here's what you need to keep in mind:
- Local Pet Laws: Pennsylvania and New Jersey have different rules about how many pets you can own. For example, some towns allow up to four pets, while others may limit you to two. Always check with the specific township or city before making a decision. If you're in a conflict with your HOA over pets, you can explore solutions through NOLO's HOA Dispute Resolution guide.
- HOA Rules: Homeowners associations often have their own restrictions. These can be stricter than local laws and vary between neighborhoods. Some HOAs allow multiple pets, while others may limit you to one or two. It's crucial to understand these rules before signing any contracts. For more details on how HOAs handle pets, visit Homeowners Association USA.
- Breed Restrictions: In addition to limits on the number of pets, some places may have breed-specific laws. Certain dog breeds may be banned in specific areas or communities. Make sure to ask about this if you have a breed that might be restricted.
- Leash Laws and Pet Behavior Regulations: Some communities have strict leash laws or rules about how pets should behave in public spaces. Even if you can have multiple pets, you might face fines or penalties if your pet is off-leash in certain areas.
How Pet Laws Vary by Location
While these are general guidelines for pet ownership in each area, pet laws can vary depending on the specific township, borough, or homeowners association (HOA) you live in. For accurate and up-to-date information, it's always recommended to contact your local government office, township officials, or HOA representative. Your realtor can also assist in ensuring you're aware of any specific pet-related regulations in the neighborhood.
- Philadelphia, PA: In Philadelphia, the pet ownership law allows up to 12 cats or dogs combined, but requires special permits if you exceed this number.
- Pittsburgh, PA: In Pittsburgh, pet owners are restricted to five dogs or cats, and you'll need a kennel license if you own more than that.
- Cherry Hill, NJ: In Cherry Hill, pet laws are even stricter, limiting owners to only three pets in many cases. Some HOAs may enforce stricter rules.
- Bristol, PA: In Bristol, pet owners are typically allowed up to three pets. However, specific neighborhoods may have stricter rules, especially if there's an HOA involved. Always check with your realtor or the local government office.
- Bensalem, PA: Bensalem allows residents to keep up to four dogs per household, but leash laws are strictly enforced. Pet owners are required to keep their pets under control in public areas.
- Levittown, PA: Levittown follows the pet ownership laws of Bucks County, which generally allow up to five pets. However, if you live in an HOA-managed neighborhood, the rules could be more restrictive, so it's important to confirm with the HOA beforehand.
- Burlington, NJ: Burlington follows New Jersey's standard pet laws, which allow up to three dogs or cats per household. Like other areas, individual HOAs may impose stricter pet limits, so always review any HOA agreements before buying a home.
- Yardley, PA: Yardley limits the number of dogs to three per household, but this number can vary depending on the township's ordinances. Make sure to consult the local pet regulations before settling in.
- Morrisville, PA: Morrisville allows up to four pets per household. However, additional permits may be required if you plan to own more than this, especially for dogs. It's wise to double-check with the local township.
How to Protect Yourself Before Buying
You can avoid a situation like Sarah's by taking a few simple steps before you buy a home. Don't let Sarah's story become yours—make sure you're fully informed about pet regulations in the area you're considering. Here's how:
- Ask Questions Early: When looking at a property, always ask about local pet laws and HOA rules. This will save you from surprises later.
- Read the HOA Bylaws: If you're moving into a neighborhood with an HOA, make sure to read their rules thoroughly. Don't rely on assumptions based on city laws; HOA rules often differ. Ask for a copy of the bylaws before you close the deal.
- Get Written Confirmation: Even if you're told a property is pet-friendly, always get confirmation in writing. This applies to both rentals and homes in HOA neighborhoods.
- Consult a Realtor: I always help my clients navigate these tricky areas. If you're unsure about the pet laws where you're looking to buy, ask me, and I'll do the research for you.
📞 Dawn's Mobile: 215-962-9307, eXp Realty: 888-397-7352
📧 Email: dawn.damico@exprealty.com
🔗 More Info: https://bit.ly/3X9Ju4x
