Moving To Florida With Your Pets
If you’re planning on moving to South Florida with your pets be sure that you limit your home search to communities that will accept your fur babies. Be careful when browsing “pet-friendly” listings. A listing might say that a community is pet-friendly, but that doesn’t mean the association will allow multiple pets, large dogs, or specific breeds.
If you’re looking to purchase in a 55+ community, visit Pet Friendly 55 Plus Communities in Florida to review detailed policies including the number of pets, type of pets, weight limits, and breed restrictions in all pet-friendly active adult communities in Broward and Palm Beach Counties. For detailed pet policies in South Florida all-age communities, visit our Featured Cities page to find detailed pet policies under HOA information for communities within each city.
Once you find the home of your dreams and get your offer accepted, be sure to get an updated copy of the HOA or COA docs as soon as possible. Association pet policies change from time to time and you will want to ensure that your fur babies will be welcomed into your new community. Don’t worry if pet policies change after you purchase, you will be grandfathered in. In most cases, you will need to provide details about your pet(s) along with a picture and vaccination records with your Association application. Be careful with weight restrictions for dogs, it’s not uncommon for the Association to require proof of your dog’s weight in order to obtain approval. You might also be required to submit a DNA test for your dog to prove that he/she is not on the aggressive breed list for the Association’s insurance company.
Now that you have found a community that will welcome your fur babies, it’s important to know the pet registration requirements and animal ordinances in your new county. Before moving to South Florida with pets, be sure all vaccinations are up to date, and get a copy of your fur baby’s veterinary records. Scroll down for more information on pet licensing in Broward and Palm Beach Counties.
How to Get a Palm Beach County Pet License
All dogs over 6 months of age and cats over the age of four months must be current on their rabies vaccine and county license tag. In order to obtain a license tag, pet owners will need a current rabies certificate.
Annual fees for Palm Beach County pet registration:
$75 for a pet that is not fixed
$15 for a pet that is fixed
$11.25 for seniors with a fixed pet
You may visit Pet Parent USA to register your pet online. You can also check with your vet to see if they will obtain your license tag for you. Pet Parent USA took over Palm Beach County pet licensing on 2/1/2023. They will be accepting walk-in registrations at 500 S Australian Ave Suite 631; West Palm Beach, FL 33401 in the near future. You may want to call ahead at 561.234.4205 to make sure they are set up for walk-ins before your visit.
For more information on Palm Beach County pet registration call 1.844.738.2426
How to Get a Broward County Pet License
Broward County requires all dogs and cats over 6 months old to be registered and to wear a rabies tag. This includes indoor pets as well as pets that have been microchipped. Only one-year rabies tags are available. The tag must be renewed each year on the anniversary of your pet’s rabies vaccination, even if your pet received a three-year vaccine.
Annual Broward County pet registration fees:
$25 for a fixed dog
$55 for a dog that is not fixed
$15 for a fixed cat
$30 for a cat that is not fixed
There is a $300 fine for pets that are not vaccinated against rabies and a $300 fine for pets that are not registered with the County.
You will need a current rabies certificate to register your pet in Broward County. You can register online, in person at 2400 SW 42nd St in Fort Lauderdale, or visit participating veterinary offices.
Review Broward County Animal Ordinances
Conclusion
Moving to South Florida with pets doesn’t have to be stressful. Just follow these tips for relocating your fur babies to Florida:
- While searching for your dream home, don’t assume that “pet-friendly” listings will allow large dogs or multiple pets. Refer to Real-ativity’s detailed pet policies for HOA communities throughout Palm Beach and Broward Counties.
- Once you’re under contract to purchase a home, get an updated copy of the Association docs as soon as possible in order to review the community’s pet policies for any recent changes.
- Disclose all required pet information honestly on your Association application.
- Make sure your pets’ vaccinations are up to date before you make your move.
- Get a copy of all vet records to bring with you.
- Get your pet licensed in your new county as soon as possible.
- Visit Real-ativity’s Pet Guide to discover dog parks, groomers, pet stores, doggie daycare, boarding, training classes, veterinarians, pet clubs/meetups, and pet-friendly establishments near your new home.