Corpus Christi Caller Times Caller.com - More big dogs call apartments home

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Tuesday, September 28, 1999

More big dogs call apartments home
Some landlords accept large pets - for a price
By Andrea Jares
Caller-Times

   While there are plenty of apartments to rent in Corpus Christi, finding a place for your dog may not be easy.
   Especially if he weighs more than 20 pounds.
   "There aren't a lot of apartment complexes that accept large dogs," said Andy Garcia, of Apartment Hunters, who said most apartments allowing dogs require that the pet weigh 20 pounds or less. "Everything over that is considered a large dog."
   Garcia's phone rings with questions from people who want to move - and take their dog with them.
   "I probably get a call like that quite often," Garcia said. "I sympathize with them."
   Beach Club Apartments at 14721 Whitecap Blvd. is one of the few places in town that welcomes big dogs.
   Laura Rosales, manager at Beach Club, said at least half of the residents there take advantage of the lenient pet policy.
   "We love dogs over here," she said. "Bring them over."
   The Beach Club is right on Padre Island, where water-loving labs get plenty of exercise.
   San Marin at 7221 S. Staples St. started allowing dogs weighing more than 30 pounds about six months ago. Management takes exception to pit bull terriers and rottweilers. About half of the pet owners have large dogs.
   "We haven't had any problems - any more than with the smaller dogs," said Michelle McCormick, San Marin property manager. "It all comes down to the owner. If they're responsible with a small dog, they'll be responsible with a large dog."
   Housing large dogs is a niche market that is beginning to be seen in advertisements.
   An ad for Harbour Landing shows a golden retriever grinning, with the caption reading: "Harbour Landing even has a place for me!" Recent ads in the Caller-Times classified section address pet lovers directly: "Need an Apt. for YOU & your LARGE DOG?"
   Some apartments cater to owners of large dogs to differentiate themselves from the rest of the apartments up for rent, said Gene Guernsey, owner of the Apartment Store, an apartment locating service.
   Growing trend
   One builder on Padre Island constructed his townhomes with tiled floors to accommodate pets, and as a result, all of his units are rented, Guernsey said. Most renters there have large dogs.
   Another apartment complex used the lure of space for larger dogs to significantly reduce their turnover, Guernsey said.
   Krissy Benavides, assistant manager at the Arbors on Saratoga, said there is definitely a demand for housing for big dogs. She said she expects other apartments to follow suit.
   "Some people feel very close to their pets," she said.
   But having a larger dog will cost you. Prepare to pay
   At Beach Club, the deposit is $500, half of which is nonrefundable. At San Marin, the deposit is based on the size of the pet. Deposits start at $500 for the first 30 pounds and $100 for each additional 10 pounds.
   On top of that, many apartments charge extra pet rent for any size dog.
   Rosales said the large deposit works as insurance for owners to act responsibly. She said the dogs and the owners have been good residents.
   "People keep the place clean. They've been great," Rosales said. "We haven't had any problems."



Business reporter Andrea Jares can be reached at 886-3678 or by email at jaresa@caller.com, On Real Estate is published every other Tuesday in the business section.