Many Association owners have a dog or a cat as part of their household. Adopting a policy that protects the Association’s property and rights of all Members can be challenging for a Board.

Here are some basic tips for developing a Pet Ownership Policy.

Make it specific. A rule specifying that dogs must be leashed serves an obvious purpose, but a rule specifying how long that leash may be does not.

Make it consistent with governing documents and state statutes. Some states do not allow associations to ban dogs. Such a rule would be invalid. Some Association documents limit the number of household pets and the types of pets. Does the condo association have a policy regarding keeping exotic pets and reptiles?

Is it Enforceable Associations would probably find it challenging to enforce rules requiring owners to keep their dogs clean or their cats indoors.

Make it acceptable to homeowners. Everyone agrees that picking up after a pet is a must. Few are likely to agree to carry their pets through the hallways and lobby to ensure against accidents on the carpet. However, that does not excuse an owner’s responsibility if their pet causes damage to common hallways and lobbies.

It may be helpful to have input from some pet owners as the policy is being drafted. There is likely less push back from pet owners if they know that the policy was drafted with help from actual pet owners in the community.

The Humane Society of the United States also shares a few tips on crafting community pet-friendly policies:

Consider how many pets per resident are reasonable when determining which species to allow. Pets are often happier living in pairs, so don’t summarily restrict residents to only one pet per household.

Include restrictions such as “pets shall not be kept, bred, or used for any commercial purpose” and provisions that all cats, dogs, rabbits, and ferrets must by spayed or neutered by six months of age “unless the procedure is deemed medically unsafe by a veterinarian.”

Spell out that residents are responsible for the pets of their guests and those pets are subject to the same restrictions as resident pets.

When it comes to most infractions, it’s best to first try to discuss the issue “in a neighborly fashion with the pet caregiver” with hopes of compliance.

If the complaint isn’t resolved, give the pet parent written notice of the violation and spell out next steps per your declaration or pet rules.