Pet-Friendly Buildings in Metro Honolulu

It has been often said, “our perfect companions never have fewer than four feet.” This being said and true, perhaps even tried and true, what’s a condominium in Honolulu without a pet? As a renter or potential tenant, did you know that you may not be able to move in with your pet even if it’s a pet-friendly building?

Sometimes, it may be advisable to purchase a home so you and your pet can live together. On Oahu alone, 60 percent of households own pets. That’s most of the people on our island! However, the amount of pet-friendly buildings available for sale or rent has not grown with the increase in this population.

A Few Things to Know About Pet-Friendly Buildings

1. It’s all about poundage: Most buildings will allow pets that are less than 25-35 pounds and will limit the type of pet to cat or dog, sometimes bird, and always fish. Fish don’t make noise and they stay confined, unable to disturb the neighbors.

Some people take the stance that it’s cruel to keep a dog (or a large dog) confined in a small space such as a condominium, however, with the high price points continuing to grow on the island, most people can only afford a condominium. What’s great about our island is that there are a variety of parks (and dog specific parks) that make it a possibility to keep those furry members of our family happy. Do not despair though, for those 60-pound dog lovers out there, I know a building or two that will allow “big dogs!”

The Consulate is one of the buildings in the Makiki area that allow dogs and cats under 25 pounds; it is located less than a block from Makiki District park, a place where dogs and friends get to play!

2. It’s all about one or two…not three!: Most pet-friendly buildings will allow at least one pet under the poundage specified above at 25-35 pounds. However, I know one building in town that allows a “reasonable number” of pets. Some buildings state “reasonable number,” but mean one or two, but this building allows what I’ve seen to be as many as FIVE!

One of the few buildings in town that allow a "reasonable number" of amazing pets! They have even made a space on their grounds for residents to walk their dogs.

I work with many pet owners, some with one dog and three cats, one with a rabbit, and some with up to that sixty pound dog we mentioned. You really have to get creative to search high and low to find the buildings that meet the criteria of your clients’ lives along with being able to live with their pet.

Capitol Place has a great way of approaching pets: One dog for sixty pounds, or two dogs for the poundage of one!

3. To combo or not to combo, that is the question: When searching for any pet-friendly building, many people have two pets, one that is big and one that is small, or two big dogs, or as I mentioned, 3 cats and one dog! There are very few buildings that allow this, but yes, it is possible. There are also buildings that might have a high poundage limit (sixty pounds) that may allow you one dog at sixty pounds, or two pets whose total poundage equals sixty pounds. There is hope for all of us.

Fisher in the city…and yours can be too!

Stay tuned, I have some secret hang out spots for those furry friends of ours…If you’re feeling the need to know, or just want to chat about real estate, please contact me.

Caron A. Ling, (R), CRS
Hawaii Life Real Estate Brokers
Phone: 808.753.7464
Caron@hawaiilife.com