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Tips for Developing a Pet Friendly Community

If your HOA board is looking for ways to make your community pet friendly, this blog post is for you!
Staff Writer | Mar 27, 2024 | 2 min read
young girl next to dog

For many people, pets are like family members. As a result, checking an association's pet policy is important when moving to an HOA community. In fact, even those without pets should consider checking the pet policy to ensure that it won't interfere with their lifestyle.

Is your community looking for a way to please both types of prospective residents? If so, it should consider implementing the policies below.

1. Designate Pet-Friendly Areas

Identify and designate specific areas within the community where pets can exercise and socialize safely. This may include creating fenced-in dog parks, designated walking trails, or open green spaces where pets can be off-leash.

Ensure these areas are well-maintained, regularly cleaned, and equipped with waste disposal stations. By providing designated spaces for pets, you promote responsible pet ownership and encourage positive interactions among residents.

2. Include Barking in the Noise Policy

When the board or HOA management company receives a noise complaint about an animal, it often involves a barking dog. Dogs should be able to bark, but barking should be restricted in terms of duration and time of day.

At night, dogs should comply with the neighborhood’s quiet hours policy. During the day, dogs should be prevented from barking for extensive periods of time.

3. Encourage Responsible Pet Ownership

Promote responsible pet ownership by organizing educational programs and workshops. Topics can include pet health, training, and responsible breeding. Collaborate with local veterinarians, trainers, and animal welfare organizations to provide resources and support to pet owners.

By fostering responsible pet ownership, you can minimize potential conflicts and ensure the well-being of pets within the community.

4. Establish a Pet Waste Policy

Your HOA management provider probably already enforces a litter policy. Having a pet waste policy is similar; it prevents pet waste from accumulating in the neighborhood, and creating bad odors and a poor appearance.

In most communities, pet waste policies consist of requiring residents to expediently remove their pet’s waste from any area in the community where it falls.

Final Thoughts

As HOA board members, you have the power to create a pet-friendly community that enhances the well-being of residents and fosters a sense of belonging. Embracing a pet-friendly approach not only enriches the lives of residents but also contributes to a happier, healthier, and more vibrant living environment.

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