Living Local — Appreciating Proper Pet Policies at Monaco Park

I have always believed that it’s better to have reasonable rules that can be enforced than overly stringent regulations that many find a way to get around. That belief has been confirmed living in Monaco Park apartments — and their evolving policies toward pets.

When I first moved back to Las Vegas in August 2015, Monaco Park, located near Desert Inn and Durango in northwest Las Vegas, did not allow dogs. I have never been a dog owner, primarily because I don’t want to handle the responsibility; I’m fond of animals at a distance. So that rule was certainly not a deal-breaker.

After I moved in, however, no less than three of my nearby neighbors acquired dogs, all brought in under “mental-health service-dog exemptions.” According to the Fair Housing Amendment Act, individuals have the right to live with their emotional-support dogs regardless of building rules if they can get a letter from their doctor, which according to my doctor is pretty much available on request. The former property-management company, out of fear of lawsuits, literally let the animals run wild and told other residents (including me) that we could get sued for even filing a noise complaint.

Two years ago, the building got new owners and a new management company. They immediately threw out the no-dog rules and even constructed a nice dog exercise area (well away from the apartments, pools, and other common areas). They also added an “animal addendum” to the lease that charged pet owners a $350 non-refundable fee per year, a $35 monthly rent increase, and a per-pet deposit of $150. Residents are limited to two animals per apartment, neither of which can be heavier than 75 pounds fully grown. They must be neutered and have all of their required shots. Plus, Monaco Park management (Alliance) takes a strong stance against noisy and certainly aggressive animals. The building will waive certain rules (and fees) for people with disabilities who need a specifically trained animal, but not because someone is lonely.

So how is it working? In a word, beautifully.

I would guess that there are more than two dozen dogs in the complex. Some are quite large and are gorgeous animals. I see them (but seldom hear them), plus dogs are great conversation starters when I do my morning constitutional. I found out two days ago that my next-door neighbor has had a dog (very cute Hawaiian breed) for over a month.

According to the local Las Vegas police, the two best things you can do to be safe in your home is get a well-trained dog and know your neighbors. The well-constructed and even better-enforced pet policies of Monaco Park facilitate both efforts.

Now, if they could only do something about my two elderly neighbors who insist on feeding the neighborhood feral cats!