How To Find Pet Friendly Housing on Oahu

No one should have to choose between their best friend and a place to live. According to the Hawaiian Humane Society, nearly 60 percent of Oahu households have pets, 43 percent of Oahu households own dogs and more than 300,000 pets are family members.

So how do you find a home to rent if you are a pet owner?

Which buildings on Oahu are pet friendly?

Unfortunately, the irresponsible few have made it very difficult for pet owners to find rental accommodations, but there are things you can do to find a home for your whole family – including the ones with four feet.

It Takes Time – The process of finding a new home can take a while, so be sure to start looking before your current lease expires.

Ask an Expert – Whether you are buying or leasing, a knowledgeable REALTOR® has experience and contacts. They can guide you through the process. There are many pet friendly buildings and townhomes on Oahu. The most common restriction is on dogs; usually high-rise complexes like to see dogs under 50lbs, and typically no more than one dog per family/condo. 

Be Responsible – When you are looking for a new home, be sure your pet is on an active flea and tick program and their health certificate and vaccinations are up-to-date. If they aren’t already, spay or neuter your pet as well. Always respect the rules and clean up after your pet. If you have a busy work schedule, there are people and services geared towards helping your furry friend enjoy their day a little more, professional dog walkers, doggie daycare, pet sitters and mobile spa services. All of these help keep your pet healthy and happy, which greatly reduces the risk of boredom and anxiety during long absences.

Request Permission – If you are renting, and you come across an ideal place to live and there is a no-pet policy in place, make a special request to the owner, if possible. Find out if the no-pet policy is the result of a previous or negative experience. Be open to their experience and feelings. Understanding their point of view may move them to be more open to yours. If you are buying a condo, is there a board or pet committee who needs to approve your pet? Get in contact with them before you move in so you have all relevant information on pet policies and restrictions.

Set up an Interview – If you are renting, invite the prospective landlord to visit your pet in your current home. This gives them the opportunity to see your current living condition and to show responsible pet ownership (clean yard, no damage, etc.). Be sure to include letters of reference from your current landlord, neighbors, vet, groomers, housing associations (if any), and anyone else who can attest to your actions and your pet’s good behavior. Also, have on hand current copies of your pet’s paperwork.

Put Everything in Writing – Your request to have a pet should be in writing (click here for a copy of a Pet Application/Registration form from the Hawaiian Humane Society). If your rental application is accepted, a Pet Addendum should be added to the lease (click here for a copy from the Hawaiian Humane Society). If you are moving into a condo and have received permission to have a pet, request a copy of the building’s CC&R’s or house rules pertaining to pets. If necessary, get something in writing from the association giving you permission to have a pet.

Invite the Landlord Over – To show your landlord that your pet is adjusting well to their new home, invite the landlord over to check on the pet after you’ve moved-in.

Pet Friendly Links and Information

Click here for a list of pet friendly buildings on Oahu.

Click here for a list of pet friendly beaches and parks on Oahu.

If you are moving to Hawaii with your four-legged friend, click here for some useful information regarding importing pets and animal quarantine.

Gil Negrin (R)

Fine Homes Specialist

Office: (808) 735-4200
Office Fax: (808) 732-5096
Direct Line: (808) 738-3166
Mobile: (808) 381-3141
email: gil.negrin@pruhawaii.com

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