Moving to a New Florida Home with a Dog: A Shar Pei-Approved Checklist

Pepper’s checklist for the heat, HOA pet rules, vets, and settling in.

Silver Dog Rebates guide · Updated October 2026 · 2 min read

Before you make an offer

• Read the pet rules. HOAs and condo associations can limit the number, size, or breed of pets. Ask for the documents before you’re under contract, not after.
• Look at the yard. Fencing, gates, and pool barriers matter. A screened lanai is a Florida bonus for indoor-outdoor dogs.
• Walk the neighborhood. Sidewalks, shade, and a nearby dog park make daily life easier.

Florida heat

• Walk early in the morning or after sunset in summer.
• If the pavement is too hot for the back of your hand after a few seconds, it’s too hot for paws.
• Short-nosed and heavy-coated breeds (yes, Shar Peis like Pepper) overheat faster. Bring water everywhere.
• Never leave a dog in a parked car, even for a minute.

Health and paperwork

• Update the microchip with your new address and phone number.
• Find a vet before move-in day, and ask about Florida-specific needs like heartworm and flea prevention.
• Check local licensing. Many Florida counties and cities require a pet license or rabies tag registration.

Moving day

• Keep your dog in a quiet room or with a sitter while doors are open.
• Set up their bed, bowls, and a favorite toy first, so the new place smells like home.
• Expect a little mischief. Pepper once dug into a brand-new couch cushion. It happens.

Give back to your new neighborhood

Silver Dog Rebates is named for Pepper, our Broker’s silver Shar Pei rescue. With every closed transaction, $100 of our profit goes to the animal shelter closest to the property. Buy, sell, or build: local shelter animals win too. More on the shelter pledge.

Common questions

Can an HOA ban my dog?

HOAs and condo associations can set pet rules, including limits on number, size, or breed. Always read the governing documents before you go under contract.

What’s the best time to walk a dog in a Florida summer?

Early morning and after sunset. Test the pavement with the back of your hand: if it’s too hot to hold for a few seconds, it’s too hot for paws.

How does the Silver Dog Rebates shelter pledge work?

$100 of our profit from every closed transaction goes to the animal shelter closest to the property, in honor of Pepper, our Broker’s silver Shar Pei rescue.