Time for a Pet Move

Now that Matt is working in New York City, we decided that we need a change of venue. Really, we just need a fresh start in an apartment that we can decorate together. We need an apartment that will really just belong to both us.

While I love living on Broome Street with all of its advantages: Prada, Chanel, the Apple Store, Dean & DeLuca, Whole Foods, etc. And all of my Chinese and Senior Italian friends, we are really tired of the tourists, the traffic and dirt. Must I not forgot San Genaro. Two weeks of living Hell on Earth. With urine, vomit and rat infested street in which food is left out. Don't let me get started.
We need to move because we need more room. The solution is to pack it all up and move way uptown to a bigger apartment at a reasonable price. And that is why I decided to look on the Upper West in the 150's and 160's.

After a quick trip to my storage facility to reorganize and deliver boxes, we stopped for lunch at Charlie's Southern Fried Chicken at 151 at 8th Avenue for some down home gluttonous gourmet. We convenienced ourselves we need strenth before viewing apartments! We ate fried chicken, mac & cheese, sweet potatoes, ribs, collard greens, green beans and more. There was even food to bring home for dinner. After sitting down to feast, I controlled myself so that I did not eat so much food that I couldn't look at apartments.

After a massive lunce, we hooked up with a real estate agent to view apartments. We primarily looked at building one block east or west of Broadway. Matt and I were happy to see clean street, nice folks and large, pet friendly apartments. Before meeting with the broker, I reviewed a booklet that I wrote in 2002 about finding and relocating to a new home.

Below please find a few tips for looking for a new apartment or home with pets:

1. Discuss your pet(s) at your first meeting with a real estate professional. Tell your agent about its breed, size and personality.

2. Avoid realtors who encourage you to be dishonest about your pet. Work with professionals who want to help you find the best home for you and your animal.

3. Seek-out animal appropriate locations-buildings with service elevators, large hallways and a friendly staff, residential communities with sidewalks.

4. Think about your animal's needs. Make sure that your new residence is big enough. For cats, choose a home with a large lighted window For Dogs, pick a place with a yard nearby park or dog run.

5. Before moving, visit the neighborhood to seek out other pet owners. Ask if your new residence and neighborhood are animal-friendly.

6. Investigate all animal-related costs. Many apartments buildings, condos, co-ops and gated communities require tenants/owners to pay a nonrefundable bond for their animals. Ask if there are monthly pet maintenance fees.

7. Learn about building rules, as well as local and state regulations-including the number of pets allowed per unite. Check with the building and local health department for updated information.

8. Let neighbors knows that you have a pet. Tell them you have moved in with a dog or cat and that your animal might need a few days of adjustment before settling in. Ask them to tell you if they hear excessive meowing or barking. Thank them for understanding.

9. Don't let your pet become a nuisance. At the first sign of a problem, consult a professional dog trainer or animal behavior counselor. Ger a referral from your vet, local shelter or Yellow pages or web.

10. If your building requires a board interview, prepare your pet. Make sure your animal is looking and feeling its best. Schedule a grooming appointment so your pet can make a proper impression. Consult an obedience trainer a few weeks in advance to help you prepare your dog for a sit/stay interview.