Frequently asked questions

Our properties are perfect for dogs, because we leave space for them, and we build separate areas with nice doghouses, shade and water (very important in tropical climate).Dogs are the very best security in DR. You will have cameras, maybe an alarm system, a perimeter wall, etc but nothing beats a good dog or two. Although we've never had any issues with crime where we live (in residential neighborhoods with gated entry). In the neighborhoods where we build, there are no restrictions on dogs, but they are not supposed to run freely in streets. There are miles of trails and streets where you can walk with dogs. In Puerto Plata, we have the Parque Nacional Isabella up in back of us -- a huge natural area. You will find horses and cattle roaming freely, and many species of birds, some quite rare.Sometimes we take our dogs to the beach. Once we pass the tourist areas, we let them run loose and go swimming -- great fun.We have two dogs, brothers, that were given to us by the local dairy farmer Hector. Our dogs prefer to live outside, in their cool, comfortable houses, and patrol the perimeter of our property day and night. They spend hours with us in out favorite spot -- the gazebo with pool in front and gardens in back.In DR, you can find purebred dogs, bring your own, or adopt one of the many strays. There is no licensing, but rabies shots are recommended and usually the Ministry of Health has free "Vaccine Days." For other shots ("7 Virus Vaccine" is common) you can go to a vet or just buy the vaccine at local farm and feed store.There are a couple of good veterinarians in Puerto Plata, and others in Sosua or Santiago.

Where we operate, Puerto Plata, North Coast DR, public services are quite modern. Costs are generally less than U.S., Canada or EU. We have properties in subdivisions of Puerto Plata, not in closed HOA-type projects (which receive no government services -- caution!!)OUR HOMES HAVE:PUBLIC WATER (government CORAAPLATA) About $10 to 15US / month. Plus, we have at least prepped, or built, rainwater harvesting for basically unlimited supply at no cost).SEWAGE COLLECTION provided by government, included in cost of water! We have also had properties with septic tanks; in tropical climate they function very well with zero maintenance in 24 years.TRASH COLLECTION (in Puerto Plata, provided by City government at no cost. Usually 3X A WEEKELECTRIC our Puerto Plata homes have electricity from a private company that serves most subdivisions near Playa Dorada (beach). More reliable than government electricity EDE. Cost, for us, with pool and (2) AC running nites, $80 to $120US a month. For this reason, we have homes that are prepped for solar electric but panels not installed because we use so little electricity to live comfortably.CABLE / INTERNET In puerto Plata area, there are a few different providers of cable TV and internet, They are mostly fiber optic now. Ours costs $35/month for the package. Our Villa Verde has Starlink installed -- it is fantastic at about same price and internet is much stronger.If you live in an "Urbanizacion" (a Puerto Plata subdivision), the local government provides maintenance and police patrol. Also, most have a neighborhood group called a "Junta" with a small voluntary monthly fee (we pay $15 to $30 a month depending location) and the Junta provides gated security, RapidPass vehicle entry, basic street cleaning, etc. The Urbanizaciones typically have both middle-upper class Dominicans, plus foreigners. The Dominicans tend to be more connected to local governments and this helps to obtain more services.Closed HOA-type subdivisions ususally receive NO MAINTENANCE from local government. The monthly fees are much higher ($200 to $500US / month or more), and usually have restrictions on planting, etc. They often resell electric, cable, water to owners at higher rates. The good ones are fine although very expensive, and provide better maintenance than local government can (although there is strict control over what you can do on your land). If an HOA-type subdivision fails, it becomes a nightmare. CAUTION.