Big dogs are not always a big problem in NYC--here's how to look (and where)

by Lucy Cohen Blatter | 6/13/12 - 11:20 AM

Beware dog lovers. While it's certainly not impossible, finding a home for any dog--let alone a large one--can be a challenge.

It’s rare for NYC buildings to allow dogs over 50 pounds. Among those that do, many require a pet deposit. Donna Bradbury, an agent with Citi Habitats, who specializes in pet-friendly apartment hunts (she herself has a 60-pound dog), says a pet deposit is most commonly $500, but can range from $100 to an additional month’s security in a rental.

Bradbury suggests anyone who’s looking for a big-dog friendly rental should start their search early, somewhere around two to three months before they need to move.

“The apartments don’t come around that often, and a lot of people are after them,” she says.

Condos (in particular) and co-ops can be more lenient about big dogs than rentals (but if you're subletting, note that sometimes dogs are only permitted for owners, not renters of co-ops and condos). Some co-op boards will require that prospective buyers bring the dog in for an “interview.”

If you’re looking for a rental or need board approval, you’ll want to get references for your dog (from a previous landlord or former neighbors), a letter from the vet showing shots are up to date, and maybe even a bio, with pictures and “hobbies.” Bradbury says people tend to like that sort of thing, and it takes the edge off the dog.

She also stresses that you should be as honest as possible with your broker so that they can prepare and find the right apartment.

Also, knowing your dog is of utmost importance in selecting the right space.

“If your dog jumps at any noise, don’t look for an apartment near the elevator or on the lobby floor. If he’s older, steer clear of walk-ups,” she says, as stairs can be hard on aging hips.

Many buildings’ pet policies are on a case-by-case basis, so it’s worth asking the leasing agent what their policy is before ruling anything out.

Here are some NYC buildings that allow bigger dogs (remember, if you're thinking of renting someone's condo, make sure that renters are allowed to have dogs too).

MiMA -- 442 West 42nd St. Rental. Weight limit: 50 pounds. (The building also features Dog City, a pet spa featuring indoor and outdoor play spaces, grooming facilities, on and off-site vet care, pet training, dog walking, pet play dates and more.)

William Beaver House -- 15 William St. Condo/rental hybrid. Weight limit: 40 pounds. (It also has an outdoor dog run.)

The Sierra -- 130 West 15th Street. Rental. Weight limit: 50 pounds

The Westminster --180 West 20th. Rental. Weight limit: 50 pounds

1 Union Square South -- 1 Union Square South. Rental. Weight limit: 50 pounds

Ocean -- 1 West Street. Rental. Weight limit: 60 pounds; larger is case-by-case.

Riverbank West -- 560 W. 43rd Street. Rental. No weight limit, but don’t allow agressive breeds. No more than two dogs per unit.

The Visionaire -- 70 Little West Street. Condo. Weight limit: 65 pounds

The Verdesian/Solaire -- 211 North End Avenue. Condo. Weight limit: 45 pounds

The Ruxton -- 50 W. 72nd St. Rental. No weight limit.

The Archive -- 666 Greenwich Ave. Rental. Weight limit: 50 pounds