Moving to NY--Pets-- animal lovers

[Schadenfrau]

Maybe your cat is different from every other cat I've encountered, but I've never seen a feline inclined to stick within the confines of a small, gated yard. In this area, people who let their cats roam free are generally looking for a pest-control device, not a pet. If you'd like to keep your cat, you won't let it go outside. It's so much a matter of crazy cat-nappers as it is that you just can't do that in an urban environment.

Again, I don't know your situation, but unless you're buying your home in cash and don't plan on working for a living, the ideas you're talking about aren't feasible for a person just starting out. Unless you plan on driving a car into the city every day and paying hundreds of dollars in parking, you shouldn't be thinking about living anywhere that far away. Also, homes that far outside of the city (the only places you might find doggy-doors), are going to cost nearly as much as city apartments, not mentioning the significant cost of transportation.

People your age who live in Queens generally live with roommates, and in neighborhoods with subway access. None of these people would live in a single-family home, and they definitely wouldn't have private yards with doggy-doors.

I'm sorry if I've missed it, but have you ever visited NYC? I would suggest that you hit the neighborhoods you would be interested in living in, because I don't know how else to answer the questions you're asking. The specifics you mention just aren't do-able when considering the personal details you've described.

[Formula86]

Maybe your cat is different from every other cat I've encountered, but I've never seen a feline inclined to stick within the confines of a small, gated yard. In this area, people who let their cats roam free are generally looking for a pest-control device, not a pet. If you'd like to keep your cat, you won't let it go outside. It's so much a matter of crazy cat-nappers as it is that you just can't do that in an urban environment.

Again, I don't know your situation, but unless you're buying your home in cash and don't plan on working for a living, the ideas you're talking about aren't feasible for a person just starting out. Unless you plan on driving a car into the city every day and paying hundreds of dollars in parking, you shouldn't be thinking about living anywhere that far away. Also, homes that far outside of the city (the only places you might find doggy-doors), are going to cost nearly as much as city apartments, not mentioning the significant cost of transportation.

People your age who live in Queens generally live with roommates, and in neighborhoods with subway access. None of these people would live in a single-family home, and they definitely wouldn't have private yards with doggy-doors.

I'm sorry if I've missed it, but have you ever visited NYC? I would suggest that you hit the neighborhoods you would be interested in living in, because I don't know how else to answer the questions you're asking. The specifics you mention just aren't do-able when considering the personal details you've described.

No, my cat wouldn't stay in the yard. I've heard that people have indoor/outdoor cats that are fine. ??? Was I mislead? Are there not any neighborhood type places in Queens (way out east)?

Yes, I've been to NYC many times.

I own my own home and could sell it. I would pay in "cash", yes. I would have a roommate.

I would drive to the subway or catch a bus there, and then take the subway to the city. I have been told this is possible from outer east Queens.

I'm not trying to be an ass, really. I just get like, three different answers from different people.

[ryan]

I don't think you should fixate on Queens so much. Sounds like you want to live in a suburban, so why not just look at straight-up suburbs? You'll find lots of places in Jersey, Westchester and LI that would have a yard. Look at Clifton, NJ - it's cheap and an easy commute into the city on a bus.

You seem to be looking for validation of something you were told in another context. Maybe you should go back to that person to ask for clarification? The answers you're getting on this thread seem realistic to me. (I would never let a cat go outside in my neighborhood - there's poison everywhere & too much traffic).

[Formula86]

I don't think you should fixate on Queens so much. Sounds like you want to live in a suburban, so why not just look at straight-up suburbs? You'll find lots of places in Jersey, Westchester and LI that would have a yard. Look at Clifton, NJ - it's cheap and an easy commute into the city on a bus.

You seem to be looking for validation of something you were told in another context. Maybe you should go back to that person to ask for clarification? The answers you're getting on this thread seem realistic to me. (I would never let a cat go outside in my neighborhood - there's poison everywhere & too much traffic).

Well, I found a couple of places in Westchester, but I heard that was very far from Manhattan.

I may give my cat to my best friend's mom to watch. That would really free up a lot of places for me to look.

If I just had the dogs, I could crate them during the day. My best friend may have a different schedule than me and could walk them, etc.

So we'll see.

Thanks for info.

[lofter1]

Many parts of Jersey are much more accessible via trains / busses than Westchester. Also closer to NYC / less expensive.

[Formula86]

Many parts of Jersey are much more accessible via trains / busses than Westchester. Also closer to NYC / less expensive.

How close are we talking? Are indoor/outdoor cats the norm?

[ryan]

Westchester is convenient if you work around Grand Central (like me). Close is relative to where you plan to commute to. I know lots of people who would never live anywhere but Westchester or CT. Depends on what you're looking for.

No, I've never heard anyone compare the outdoor-cat-friendliness of the various burbs. For that I'd assume that further away would be better.

[Formula86]

See, like two hours ago I asked my best friend to ask his mom if she would consider taking my cat. Then I go to the bedroom and see him and...it's just so hard.

This is why I've been going back and forth.

Not to mention that no matter what, it will be a big down-grade for the two dogs. Right now they have a doggy door open 24/7 with a yard that's bigger than my whole house. Spoiled a bit, eh? Haha.

So it's just hard. I feel like I'm being super selfish.

[lofter1]

Check out Teaneck NJ

[718Bound]

No, my cat wouldn't stay in the yard. I've heard that people have indoor/outdoor cats that are fine. ??? Was I mislead? Are there not any neighborhood type places in Queens (way out east)?

Yes, I've been to NYC many times.

I own my own home and could sell it. I would pay in "cash", yes. I would have a roommate.

I just noticed you mentioned in the moving to NY thread...

I own a house now and, if I sell it, I think I can get about 90-100 thousand for it. So that could be used for a big down-payment or maybe to pay for a house out-right

Here is a quick search on Craigslist of houses with a private yard. http://newyork.craigslist.org/search...vate%20yard%22

So if you got 90-100 for your house in Texas you still would be $300,000-$500,000 short of "paying cash".

You should seriously think of the type of life your animals would have in the area you want to move to. I grew up in Suffolk county (eastern LI) When I was younger one of my dogs got loose and got hit by a car, my sister watched her school bus run over one of our cats as it ran in the road (not a busy road either) and another cat got run over by a LIRR train.

Not trying to scare you, maybe my animals have bad luck, but its a real possible your cats could be in danger no matter how far out you live.

It really is unfar to make your animals give up a nice life they are used to (in and as they please nice big yard) and try to adjust to a situation that is different as night and day to them to persue your dream.

It might be hard to do but if you want to make this move you should find your pets a nice place to live in texas . Find yourself a nice apartment or roomate situation. Anything is possible, but it really is unlikely that you are going to find a place that "meets your needs" that you are going to be able to afford just starting off in your career.

[Formula86]

I just noticed you mentioned in the moving to NY thread...



Here is a quick search on Craigslist of houses with a private yard. http://newyork.craigslist.org/search...vate%20yard%22

So if you got 90-100 for your house in Texas you still would be $300,000-$500,000 short of "paying cash".

You should seriously think of the type of life your animals would have in the area you want to move to. I grew up in Suffolk county (eastern LI) When I was younger one of my dogs got loose and got hit by a car, my sister watched her school bus run over one of our cats as it ran in the road (not a busy road either) and another cat got run over by a LIRR train.

Not trying to scare you, maybe my animals have bad luck, but its a real possible your cats could be in danger no matter how far out you live.

It really is unfar to make your animals give up a nice life they are used to (in and as they please nice big yard) and try to adjust to a situation that is different as night and day to them to persue your dream.

It might be hard to do but if you want to make this move you should find your pets a nice place to live in texas . Find yourself a nice apartment or roomate situation. Anything is possible, but it really is unlikely that you are going to find a place that "meets your needs" that you are going to be able to afford just starting off in your career.

Yes, I know all of this. See my previous post. I already feel guilty enough.

[718Bound]

I am not trying to make you feel more guilty... Just after reading some of your posts you have unrealistic expectations. You need to seriously think about what some people are telling you.

I can't say that I know from experience but 90-100,000 sounds unrealistic for buying anything in the nyc area. Even if you use it as a down payment are you going to be able to afford the mortgage payment? Are you sure you want a two hour commute after spending 8-10 hours in the office?

Just because you are used to living in a big house with a private yard in Texas doesn't mean that is what you need in NYC.
I am sure you are fully aware there are trade offs any where you live. In Texas you can have your private house with all the animals you want roaming in and out. Maybe you don't have as many opportunities to go into the line of work you want. You have that opportunity in NYC, but it means living the NYC life style... an apartment, maybe a roommate, leaving your beloved pets behind (maybe not all).

Those are two different lifestyles you have to choose one, you cannot combine them. Not now anyway you cannot afford it. Thats just my opinion feel free to prove me wrong.

I am not trying to be a downer or an a s s hole but you have to be realistic.

Have you thought about renting out your place in Texas? Maybe to a friend or fellow animal lover and take some off the rent in exchange for caring for your pets? That way you can come to NY pursue your dreams and get the full NYC experience. Then maybe in a year or so find a place Westcheser, NJ, LI, etc...

Best of Luck

[Schadenfrau]

718Bound is giving good advice.

I do want to add that it's not impossible to have pets in the NYC area- I think the majority of people here manage it. However, people here do not have unleashed pets outside. It might be what you're used to in Texas, but it's certainly not acceptable behavior here. Your pets will just have to manage like the rest of them.

[Formula86]

Thanks for your advice, guys.

I don't know...I've heard different things. I've heard that out in eastern Queens (near the Nasseau County Border), people have doggy doors. So I'm really confused.

Basically - I'm just going through a lot of guilt right now because whatever I decide, it will be a downgrade for my animals. ~Sigh~ It's like, I have to decide what's more important - their lives or my happiness (living somewhere I want). They didn't ask to be adopted, etc, etc.

718Bound - I will rent this place out, but I don't want any strangers taking care of my animals. If anything, I would leave my dogs with my best friend (who is supposed to be coming with me, though) and give the cat to someone I trust.

I know that at least my dogs will come with me no matter where I go.

So we'll see.

I've taken to looking at Seattle, as well. Although, Seattle sounds great and everything, I still picture NYC in my head. I'm going to Seattle for a couple of days this weekend. We'll see what I think then, I guess.

[brianac]

March 31, 2008, 5:12 pm

Is New York the Most Pet-Friendly Place?

By Sewell Chan


Cooling off after a romp at an Upper East Side dog run. (Photo: Ruth Fremson/The New York Times)

Forget our odd tendency to keep big dogs in small apartments. Or the Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s ban on dogs on the subway unless they are “enclosed in a container and carried in a manner which would not annoy other passengers” (service animals and police dogs are excepted). Or the fact that taxi drivers aren’t required to allow dogs to ride along with their owners. Or the perennial brouhaha over off-leash rules governing when dogs can roam free in the parks. Or the out-of-the-way nooks and crannies where the city places its dog runs.

And don’t mention our former mayor’s dislike of ferrets.

In view of all those pet-owning disadvantages, it would seem surprising that readers of Animal Fair magazine have chosen New York City as the nation’s pet-friendliest destination. The fourth annual Cesar Five Dog Bone Awards Winners — named for Cesar, the dog-food company, not to be confused with Cesar Millan, “The Dog Whisperer,” on the National Geographic Channel — also went to an airline (Continental), an automobile (Volvo), a hotel (the Driskill in Austin, Tex.), a product (sherpa bags), a resort (the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess of Scottsdale, Ariz.) and, finally, a noncommercial entity, an animal shelter (the Humane Society Of Louisiana).

NYC & Company — the city’s official tourism promotion arm — did not waste a moment before trumpeting the Animal Fair awards as a triumph for the city.

“New York City is a vibrant destination for visitors year-round — whether they’re four-legged or two-legged. We want to remind travelers that the City offers plenty of options for owners traveling with their pets,” said George A. Fertitta, chief executive of NYC & Company.

In a news release, NYC & Company cited pet-friendly hotels like the London NYC, the W hotels in New York City, the Loews Regency, the SoHo and TriBeCa Grand Hotels, the Waldorf Towers, the Carlyle and the Hilton Times Square; pet-friendly department stores like Bergdorf Goodman, Bloomingdale’s and Saks Fifth Avenue; the pet-friendly Time Warner Center at Columbus Circle (where the Bouchon Baker sells “foie gras–enriched dog biscuits”); pet-friendly salons like Le Chien in Trump Plaza on Third Avenue; a pet-friendly pub, the Brooklyn Ale House in Williamsburg; and New York’s Pet Taxi, a company that transports pets.

City Room would like to note that both Animal Fair and NYC & Company seem awfully dog-centric. One wonders how Saks would respond to a customer bearing goldfish in a bag. And a quick call to the reception desk at the luxurious Carlyle Hotel, on East 76th Street, revealed that only dogs under 25 pounds are permitted; no iguanas, cats or lizards, please.

Alexis Mainland contributed reporting.

Copyright 2008 The New York Times.