Living in a community under HOA management has numerous benefits, from well-maintained amenities to a sense of belonging and shared responsibility. However, an area that can create tension is pet ownership. Balancing the needs and desires of pet owners with those of non-pet owners requires a sense of understanding and thoughtful policies to create harmony for everyone in the community.
Clear & Fair Pet Policies
Setting clear guidelines from the get-go can easily negate any potential issues in the community. These guidelines can be as simple as defining the types of pets allowed, as well as the number of pets per household. Consider a form that homeowners can fill out specifying their pet information (quantity, sizes, breeds, etc.). It is also important to implement a way for residents to address noise complaints fairly and consistently, since when and why a dog starts to bark is rather sporadic, for example.
Waste Management
You simply cannot avoid the mess that comes with owning a pet, but you can control where owners allow their pets to relieve themselves. Since the community is essentially a shared space, it is especially important to require pet owners to clean up after their pets in common areas. Creating specific areas where pets are allowed, with waste stations and disposal bins, is another proactive solution to keeping the shared space clean.
Allergy Notices
An extra step HOA communities can take to keep their residents safe is to have a required lawn post or sign that lets other residents know that there is a pet in the household. This way, those with severe pet allergies know to keep their distance from the front yard landscape or anywhere on the property that the pet may have walked on. The same goes for the homes of those with allergies! A small sign notifying dog-walkers and pet owners to keep their pets off the lawn of a home because of a severe allergy. For other health and safety reasons, proof of vaccinations and regular health check-ups for pets should be required for pet owners.
Leash and Containment Rules
To make sure that pets are under control in shared spaces, leashes should be enforced for the safety of residents and pets. It is also crucial to specify areas where pets can be off-leash, such as at a designated dog park.
Pet Events & Activities
Along with making sure there are rules and regulations regarding pet ownership, it is just as important to create a relationship between pet owners and non-pet owners. This includes organizing community events that allow all residents to meet pet owners and their animals, to create a bond and enhance the neighborly feeling.
By implementing clear and fair pet policies, HOA management can create a harmonious environment for both pet owners and non-pet owners. For more information, please reach out to an Optimum professional today.
