SAFETY
CHECK THE FINE PRINT
About 47,000 Port St. Lucie residents are renters. Some
landlords prohibit or charge more for pets. Others prohibit
certain breeds of dogs. There may also be restrictions on the
number of animals a renter can have.
Homeowners may run into restrictions as well. While
most homeowner insurance policies cover dog bites, many
have prohibited breed lists. Some companies charge a higher
premium with certain breeds, while others take things caseby
case.
According to the Insurance Information Institute and State
Farm, dog bites and other dog-related injuries made up more
than one-third of all homeowners liability claims in 2017.
Florida is second in the nation for such claims, with payouts
at almost $68 million in 2018.
Is your dog on the bad list? Exceptions may be made if it’s
a service dog or has a Canine Good Citizen certificate from
the American Kennel Club. A dog of any breed, if classified as
aggressive or dangerous, requires special licensing.
WHEN TO CALL
Robert Frost wrote that “good fences make good neighbors”
but sometimes, it’s what the fence restrains. Check
guidelines for keeping dogs fenced or on tethers in order to
provide for the safety of both animals and people. Good communication
can usually handle pet issues with neighbors, but
contact animal control in cases of abuse, neglect or danger.
When Michael Lynch was annoyed by constant barking in
south Port St. Lucie, he looked over his fence and spotted a
puppy. Confined in a cage so small it couldn’t turn around,
it had no shade or water. Because the owner wasn’t home, >>
26 Port St. Lucie Magazine
ELLEN GILLETTE
Kevin Shaffer guides Hoonah onto dog fitness equipment while Shadow,
owned by Ralph Vega, observes.
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