An HOA Board has the duty to adopt rules known as covenants and restrictions. Those restrictions often include restrictions on HOA members owning pets. As an HOA Board member, you may wonder what is permissible especially with regard to service animal classifications and HOA Pet Restriction Enforcement. The following paragraphs explain what the classifications are […]
Former all-pro NFL lineman faces lawsuit alleging his 2 dogs terrorized Delray residents (FL)
Pahokee native Ray McDonald, 35, an all-pro NFL lineman whose career was cut short by allegations of domestic violence, is now facing a lawsuit alleging his two 115-pound Corso dogs terrorized a number of residents at the Foxe Chase development. Read the article………………………………
Solving The Poop Problem with Dog Owners in your HOA: 7 Things to Try
Are you having a problem with community members not following along with HOA guidelines when taking care of dog poop? More than 10.6 million pounds of dog waste is produced every year in the United States. When dog waste isn’t properly cleaned up, it can leave a stench and a mess. Read the article……………………………
Toronto condo building threatens legal action if tenant doesn’t muzzle dog (ON)
According to tenant Kat Wakefield, The Fly Condominiums is forcing her to muzzle her dog without justification and is threatening her and her landlord if she fails to comply. In a letter to the tenant in early July from the condo property manager and condo board, the condo requested that “the dog that is being […]
The Dangers of Pet Waste in a Community
Many pet owners are unaware of the dangers of pet waste in their yards and communities. The truth is that the waste our pets leave behind poses numerous hazards to humans, the environment, our lawn, and plants. Read the article……………………………..
Pets that Bite – What’s a Board and Management to Do? (NY)
Pets are fantastic but when they demonstrate the propensity to bite, action has to be taken. If a board and management do not do so and follow up relentlessly, they can end up in protracted lawsuits when people are injured. This happened to the Element Condominium board on the Upper West Side of Manhattan and […]
Dog Wars (ON)
There are an estimated three to five dogs per floor in condo buildings, accounting for more than 30 percent of a building population. Most buildings lack the infrastructure to handle this population which causes all kinds of problems for residents. Read the article…………………………..
HOA Pet Policy: Rules That Come With Owning A Pet (NC)
One of the top issues that HOAs face is related to residents and their pets. Usually, it is highly recommended to have a clear HOA pet policy to avoid a lack of compliance from residents and irritation from other residents who do not want pets in the community. If your HOA is considering a new […]
Creating a Pet Policy for the HOA
An important issue for homeowner associations is creating and managing policies for pets. This can be a challenge for many reasons, including the fact that service animals and therapy animals are likely to become an important part of your HOA members lives, if they aren’t already. Read the article…………………………
Are no pet restrictions enforceable? (FL)
Q: I live in a condominium that does not allow pets of any kind, and never has allowed them. One of the reasons I purchased a unit in this condominium is because I don’t like pets and I don’t want to be around them. Last year my condo board allowed a new owner, who is […]
Ensuring pet safety in condominiums
Q: A few of the residents at our condominium association had noticed increased barking from a dog in one of the units. Attempts to knock at the door and check on things or otherwise contact the owner were unsuccessful, and nobody seemed to be coming to take care of the dog. A family member eventually […]
HOA meets about Missouri City neighbors’ lawsuit against NFL star after brutal dog attack (TX)
Neighbors say their Fort Bend County homeowners association is refusing to enforce its rules when dealing with the property an NFL football player. Missouri City resident Jerry Flowers is suing The Manors Property Owners Association, Missouri City and Washington Redskins offensive tackle Trent Williams after he claims some of the football player’s 11 pit bulls […]
Dog Parks: Best Practices for Limiting an HOA’s Liability Exposure
One of the many benefits of living in a homeowners association (“HOA”) is the amenities provided to its residents. Common amenities include recreational rooms, pools, and fitness facilities. One amenity gaining in popularity is designated for the community’s canine companions: dog parks. Dog parks provide dogs with a designated off-leash area where they can run, […]
Pet Problems In Your HOA
Homeowner associations (HOAs) offer many benefits to their members. Communal amenities, increased safety, and a strong sense of community are some of the most significant. However, when individuals choose to live in an association community, they agree to follow set guidelines. One area that many associations struggle with is managing pet problems and complaints among […]
Condo applicants dogged by pet interview requests (NY)
As competition heats up among home buyers in an increasingly tight market, some condominium and co-op boards are demanding that pet owners subject their furry friends to an ‘interview’ to make sure they’re a good fit. Read the article……………………
HOA Myths and Misconceptions Series: Pets
A common HOA myth is that residents can have any many pets as they want and aren’t responsible for picking up after them. The truth is an association’s governing documents determine the number of pets residents can have, and residents are absolutely responsible for picking up their pet’s waste. Read the article…………………………..
Disengagement & Pet Topics: Handling Two Common Issues With Board Members
People all come with their own set of biases, opinions, and circumstances. So while each HOA board might have a slightly different list of common issues, these can often boil down to a handful of basic human tendencies. We’ll address two of them in this article. Read the article………………………
Reversal: Small claims courts cannot order mediation, ADR (IN)
Parties cannot be ordered to participate in alternative dispute resolution in small claims proceedings, the Indiana Court of Appeals ruled Thursday, reinstating a dog-bite case that a judge had dismissed after litigants refused to participate in court-ordered mediation. Read the article………………………..
Breaking Down the Law: HOAs can no longer restrict pet ownership (NV)
A new law no longer allows homeowners associations to call the shots when it comes to people keeping pets in their homes. It’s the topic of this week’s breaking down the law Read the article……………………
North suburban residents seek to get rid of neighbors’ dogs after man hospitalized in attack (IL)
Several residents in a northern suburb are fearful of their neighbors’ dogs after a series of attacks, including one that put a man in the hospital. On Friday, 55-year-old Jose Gutierrez nearly lost his life when answering a call for a tree trimming estimate from the owners of three dogs in Hawthorn Woods. Read the […]
Dog discrimination claim dismissed by B.C. tribunal in condo dispute about barking
Dog owner Jia Wu believes that she was fined inappropriately by her strata corporation. Wu has paid $300 for violating the condo development’s noise bylaw on account of her dog’s excessive barking while she is away at work. Wu also owes $200 more, which she has not paid. Wu believes that it isn’t fair […]
Condo Pet Ban – Emotions Run High Among Residents (ON)
Emotions are running high at two CityPlace buildings after the condominium corporation started enforcing a rule that prohibits any pets that were not registered with the corporation by a specified date. The effect of this rule means that any new pets, as well as any pets not registered by the cut-off date, are prohibited. Read […]
Why Behavior-based Rules are a Community Association Manager’s Best Friend
From Old Yeller to Lassie, Americans have a long history of loving their pets. According to The Harris Poll, 62% of households have at least one pet and 95% of pet owners consider pets part of their family. Responsible pet owners make responsible residents. Many community associations have rules related to pets, including restrictions based […]
Increase in reported dog poisonings puts Rio Rancho neighborhood on edge (NM)
A Rio Rancho homeowners’ association is urging people to keep an eye on their pets after more reports of dogs being poisoned. Last week, KRQE News 13 shared the story of a woman in the Northern Meadows Neighborhood whose dogs died within 24 hours of falling ill. She believed the dogs had eaten rat poison […]
Who is Responsible for Pet Waste Pickup in HOAs?
Would it be reasonable to charge just dog homeowners a monthly fee for the wear and tear dogs have on common areas and for a pet poop pickup service? Read the article…………………………..
Liberty Hill family wants pit bull removed from neighborhood after it killed their dog (TX)
Greg and Courtney Gold want one thing: for their next-door neighbor’s pit bull to be removed. This is after the dog broke through their shared fence on June 27 at the Santa Rita Ranch subdivision in Liberty Hill and mauled the Gold’s dachshund, Roxi, to death. Read the article…………………………
Effective Rules for Managing Stray and Feral Cats in Communities
We are a nation of animal lovers. Nearly seven in 10 Americans own a pet, according to the American Pet Products Association, and 16% of pet owners feed stray and feral cats. To clarify, feral cats typically have little to no human interaction and are born from other feral or stray cats. Stray cats, on […]
Woman moves out of her condo instead of giving up her dog (GA)
Petty, cruel, and obnoxious. That’s the description a resident gave of a condo policy forcing a woman to give up one of her dogs because she’s over the building’s pet limit. She sent her story to K9Kait, our digital hub for all dog news, and Kaitlyn Ross looked in to why she said she would […]
Pet Rules: What can your HOA really do? (CA)
Our HOA recently voted to update our CC&Rs. One section prohibits ownership of numerous breeds of dogs the board considers dangerous. Since California law (Food and Agri. Code 31683) outlaws dog breed discrimination by counties and cities, we are the only HOA in the region that bans ownership of certain dogs. Isn’t it illegal under […]
HOA Homefront – Can associations limit dogs? One ‘pet’ is allowed (CA)
Q:Our homeowners association recently voted to update our CC&R’s. One section prohibits ownership of numerous breeds of dogs that the board considers dangerous. Since California law (Food and Agriculture Code 31683) outlaws dog-breed discrimination by counties and cities we are the only HOA in the region that bans ownership of certain dogs. Isn’t it illegal […]
HOA Homefront: Can we limit dogs in our community? (CA)
Q: Our HOA recently voted to update our CC&Rs. One section prohibits ownership of numerous breeds of dogs the board considers dangerous. Since California law (Food and Agri. Code 31683) outlaws dog breed discrimination by counties and cities, we are the only HOA in the region that bans ownership of certain dogs. Isn’t it illegal […]
When man’s best friend isn’t the neighbor’s (MA)
In the old days, when people in condos or apartment buildings gossiped about the neighbors, the targets were typically fellow human beings. But now? Let’s let Gayle Saks, a resident in a dog-friendly apartment community in Melrose, take it from here. “There was a yappy Boston terrier upstairs and that dog was a jerk,” she […]
HOA residents need to be responsible dog owners (NV)
Q: I recently found your column in the Sunday paper and wanted to ask a question. My homeowners association states in the community rules that there are to be no pets over 25 pounds, as there is a two-dog limit rule, with having both dogs at a 45-pound limit for two pets. I was walking […]
Kass: Insurance and Animal Bites
Question: My condominium association is overrun with dogs. We are concerned that someone will be injured, and we will be sued because we did not impose the proper precautions. What should we do? Read the Q&A…………………..
Centennial woman says dog sickened by rat poison, seeks reimbursement of costs (CO)
When Patty Capson’s Shepherd mix, Titus, became lethargic just before Christmas, she thought he was a little depressed. “He got worse,” she said. “He began vomiting and was just getting sick.” Capson told Contact7 that’s when she remembered picking up a note that had been stuck on her front door. “It said a rat station […]
Makes sense HOA should follow dog breed laws (NV)
Q: I know of Nevada Revised Statute 202.500. In short: 6. A local authority shall not adopt or enforce an ordinance or regulation that deems a dog dangerous or vicious based solely on the breed of the dog. 7. This section does not apply to a dog used by a law enforcement officer in the […]
Ban on Pets in the Laundry Room Could Boomerang (NY)
A co-op board has updated its pet policy, specifying approved entrances and exits and forbidding pets from lingering in common areas, including lobbies and laundry rooms. The rule applies to service dogs and emotional support animals, and it carries a $225 fine for every violation. Can a co-op board do this? Read the article…………………..
Building Pet Policies: Some Best Practices
To the joy of some condo owners and the frustration of others, most buildings have some type of pet policy in place. These policies are really for the protection of the other residents — sooner or later, someone will come along with enough animals to really test the patience of his or her neighbors. Read […]
Mueller resident starts petition to lift pit bull breed restriction (TX)
….Gu wanted to adopt a pit bull mix dog. “We found one dog that was very tolerant of our cats,” she said. “And got along really well with my mom and dad.” Gu said she couldn’t adopt the dog even though she explained to the Mueller Property Owners Association that the dog didn’t have behavioral […]
Getting a Puppy to Pass the Canine Good Citizen Test
The American Canine Good Citizen Program is designed to help people positively train their puppies so they live safe and happy. Here’s how to get your puppy to pass the test! Read the article………………
Woman still in limbo about whether Westfield, HOA will let her keep living with 6 rescue greyhounds (IN)
A Westfield woman is still in limbo about whether the city and her homeowner’s association will let her keep living with a half-dozen dogs. Juliana Robertson owns six rescue greyhounds, three more than the city and her HOA allows. She hoped to be granted an exemption to that rule Tuesday night by the Westfield Board […]
Pet goats in Makakilo are irking the neighbors — and raising questions about allowable pets (HI)
Makakilo resident Lyndon Williams says his neighbor’s pet goats have been causing trouble all around their subdivision. He says they escape out of their pen, which was built against the owner’s back wall several houses down, and run into the street and people’s yards. He’s even caught them in his garage, rummaging through his things. […]
Woman may have to get rid of 3 dogs after HOA complaint (IN)
A Westfield woman may have to remove three dogs from her home after her homeowner’s association recently filed a complaint to the city. Julie Robertson lives with six greyhound dogs in her home. Read the article………………
Why Scoop the Poop?
Americans adore their pets. More than 43 million dogs and 36 million cats live in U.S. households—and many of them belong to the 68 million Americans who live in homeowners associations, condominiums, cooperatives, and common-interest communities. Besides being a nuisance, uncollected pet waste is a serious problem. Remember these facts: Read the article………………..
When Your Neighbor Hates Your Dog(s) (NY)
Yesterday we alerted you to a new wrinkle on the way New Yorkers live now. In essence, as the price of apartments in a neighborhood goes up, the size of that neighborhood’s dogs goes down. Translation: if you see a lot of Shih Tzus on the street, you’re probably in Tribeca or Greenwich Village. If […]
Animals: May a Community Ban or Restrict Them?
An Association may ban or restrict animals, if the restriction is: A) reasonable; B) enforced uniformly; and C) included in the governing documents. However, there are some exceptions: Read the article…………….
Dog Profiling…….Could It Be a Thing of the Past? (CO)
On January 19, 2018, House Bill 18-1126 was introduced and assigned to the Local Government Committee. HB 18-1126 proposes to prohibit association regulations banning dogs due solely to breed, weight, or size classifications. If passed, associations would no longer be able to adopt blanket restrictions prohibiting specific dog breeds, i.e. pit bulls, dogs larger than […]
Reasonable Doubt: Can condo corporations ban or restrict pets? (ON)
There is a cliché that most disputes in condominium communities arise from one of “people, pets or parking.” Given the number of disputes that can (and frequently do) involve pets, a question that we are often asked by both unit owners and condominium boards of directors is whether condominium corporations can ban pets from the […]
What to Do When Your Neighbor’s Dog Won’t Stop Barking
We’re all in agreement here – dogs are simply amazing. But, there are few things more annoying than a dog that barks nonstop, especially if it’s not your dog. Perhaps you work a night shift and can’t sleep during the day because a neighbor’s dog is barking nonstop; or you have just put your baby down […]