In gated communities, there are those who do not desire dogs around and others who are avid dog-lovers. As amenities in luxury communities have evolved in the past decades to appeal to those living a second home lifestyle, developers and homeowners associations now understand that being pet-friendly makes their real estate more buyer friendly too. But how do you keep both sides of the doggy debate happy?
“Stump,” a Sussex Spaniel Takes the 2009 “Best in Show” Title at Westminster in February.
Finding a Way to Please the Pups
One Florida gated community may have found the answer. Kathy Stein, of HRProperties.com reports the success of a Puppy Park at Harbour Ridge, where owners do everything from stage their own dog shows to “obey” assigned times so smaller and larger dogs can peacefully coexist. As people split their time between two or more homes for recreation, business or family concerns, more and more families are concerned about what the dogs will do when their owners want to travel. Creating clear rules and facilitating friendships seems to be working at Harbour Ridge.
Puppy Park at Harbour Ridge in Palm City, Florida
Residents Stage A Westminster-Style Dog Show at Harbour Ridge
“It’s been very popular,” said Stein, whose Realtors all live at Harbour Ridge. “Their pets are important to them so we’ve really been able to manage an experience that works for everybody and has actually been a driver of sales.” There is no question that the gated community buyer has plenty of choices these days and developers are focused on making their communities a success. Perhaps ideas like this will take hold more often across America so those affluent who have the means to travel between two homes, even in their retirement can take their best friends along.
