Searching through the 3000 rental properties in Dallas can make it challenge for you to find the best apartment for you and your pet.
Dallas was voted "Best managed large city in Texas" by Texas Business Magazine, and is considered a "Global City", meaning that the city is significant enough to effect global economy. Because of its relative economic stability, educational opportunities, business frontiers, variety of cultural and social scenes, relatively low cost of living, and its good management, thousands of implants move to the Dallas Metroplex every year. Currently, the Metroplex boasts over 6,000,000 in population. Just the city of Dallas alone (not the entire Metroplex) has almost 1.3 million occupants. Of those occupants, 52% of them rent instead of owning a house. Also, 356,326 of those households have either a dog or a cat. The number of pet owners jumps up to 1,753,922 if you consider the entire Dallas Metroplex.
With such a large number of renters in Dallas seeking adequate apartment homes, and such a large percentage of them being pet owners, the challenge often arises to find the best apartments in Dallas that are pet-friendly. But why is this such a challenge? There are several factors that can create a road block for pet owners. Understanding the road blocks will help you to overcome them:
1. Most apartment communities in Dallas are covered by insurance policies that restrict what kind of pets they are allowed to accept. Almost all insurance companies ban breeds of dogs that are classified as "aggressive" and are prohibited due to the increased risk of liability. These breeds often include but are not limited to: Doberman Pinchers, German Shepherds, Chows, Rottweilers, Pitt Bulls, etc. Even if the Manager of an apartment complex loves one of these breeds and would not mind allowing them on the property, her hands are tied by these restrictions and she or he must abide by them.
2. Dallas apartments also fall under the guidelines of Fair Housing Laws, which state that they cannot show preference or prejudice towards one person over another. Therefore, if the property makes it their policy to enforce certain rules, such as only 2 pets are allowed per unit, or the pet must be 20 pounds or under, then they cannot make an exception in ONE case and let you slip by when they turned everyone else down. Perhaps you have 3 pets, but they only are Chihuahuas that weigh 3 pounds each. If the property let you keep your 3 pets, then they would have to let everyone with 3 pets become approved from that moment on, or else it could be viewed as partiality.
3. The apartments in Dallas are also naturally concerned about maintaining their property. This can also present challenges to pet owners. Perhaps due to problems in the past with owners not picking up after their dogs, or complaints from other tenants that dogs left unsupervised were barking all day and disturbing the peace, or perhaps because they frequently encountered issues with cats shredding carpet or ruining the carpet by urination, they have decided not to allow any pets at all, under any circumstances. Then again, many properties realize that this would prevent them from being able to rent to hundreds of thousands of pet owners in the city. So, they may decide to allow pets, but require certain protections, such as pet deposits in case of damage, and limitations to the number of pets allowed, and enforce certain rules about picking up after your pet. For pet owners who cannot afford pricey pet deposits, or even monthly "pet rent" that some properties have begun to charge, this can present a road block.
4. Rental properties are also under the jurisdiction of any city laws that prohibit certain pets within city limits. For instance, in Dallas, any pet that is classified as a "farm animal" would be prohibited. This would include pot bellied pigs, which have become popular in many other areas. Even certain snakes and reptiles are prohibited. Each city within the Dallas Metroplex has its own laws, and the apartments within each city must uphold the requirements for those city limits.
Because of these challenges mentioned above, it can be difficult for pet owners to find the best apartments in Dallas. Perhaps they own one of the breeds that most properties consider "aggressive". Or maybe they have more than 2 pets. Or perhaps their budget limits how much they can afford for a pet deposit. Where are these pet owners to turn in any of these situations?
Your best bet is to visit a website such as http://www.BestApartmentsDFW.com and obtain a free list of all the best apartments in Dallas that will work with your unique situation.
Amy Williams Ramirez is an experienced Apartment Locator for the Dallas Metroplex and has been practicing for over 8 years in DFW. Being a native Dallas-ite, she is very familiar with all the best properties, as well as their approval criteria, what they have to offer, and the city itself. Check out http://www.BestApartmentsDFW.com to get a free custom list of all the best apartments in Dallas that are able to work with your unique circumstances. You will receive all the inside information on each property, including the pictures, floorplans, maps, features, prices, etc. Get your free list today. Save time, get the best deal, and make sure you don't miss out on the BEST apartments!
Filed under Home Insurance by on Jun 5th, 2010. Comment. 
how much will it cost to insure my rottweiler?
about how much will it cost to insure my rottweiler(home insurance wise), she's a female puppy, is always on a leash. i currently live in PA but i'm planning on moving to NY in the summer. so about how much would it cost in each state? i'm going to call my ins company but i want to know a ballpark figure. has anybody had to insure their rotties? if so about how much more was your insurance per month/yr?
thanx
Lyla
100 more per month or yr??
do you think allstate will insure her? i just want to know what to expect.
I understand that pet insurance isn't cost effective unless it's used soon after the policy is purchased.
The older your dog gets the more you've paid in which may come close to or more than the vet costs you'd pay at an older age.
Check how Allstate took care of the Katrina victims before you go with them.
Filed under Home Insurance by on Apr 2nd, 2010. Comment.
The breed of dog you have can impact how much you pay for home insurance. So before you pick up the newest member of your family from the shelter or a pet store, think about your potential liability and increased insurance costs.
A dog at home is truly a part of your family and provides companionship and security. However, if Fido bites someone, you could be facing thousands in lawsuits and high home insurance premiums.
The Insurance Information Institute, notes that dog bites cost the property and casualty insurance industry about $317.2 million in 2005. Thus home insurance companies seriously consider the breed of dog a homeowner owns when rating the policy. Breeds that are statistically more likely to bite or injure someone can raise your home insurance rate.
The Center for Disease Control and Prevention tracked the breeds that caused the most fatalities over a 20-year period, from 1979 to 1998. They are as follows:
1. Pit Bull type
2. Rottweiler
3. German Shepherd
4. Husky
4. Malamute
6. Doberman Pinscher
7. Chow Chow
8. Great Dane
9. Saint Bernard
It's a good idea to talk to your insurance agent or home insurance company before you bring home a new dog, to make sure it's not going to raise your premium. If you already have a dog, you can take steps to reduce the chance that it might bite. Here's what the Insurance Information Institute suggests:
1. Spay or neuter your dog.
2. Spend time training your dog and socializing it with people and other animals.
3. Aggressive games like "tug-of-war" could encourage aggression. Non-aggressive games like "fetch" might be better.
4. Maintain control of your dog, especially in situations in which you are not sure how they will behave.
Scott Lunt is a freelance writer with over 15 years experience writing insurance-related articles. You can find more tips on saving money for car, home, life, health and long-term care insurance plus get free comparison quotes -- at LowerYourInsurance.com
Filed under Home Insurance by on Dec 26th, 2009. Comment.