According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, American households own over 89 million dogs as of 2024. Creating a harmonious living environment helps maintain a great relationship between pets and community residents.
Pets provide companionship and are also a source of protection. Many homeowner associations have strict guidelines on pet ownership within the community. Learn the best practices for keeping pets in a community.
Set Clear Pet Policies
The best pet-friendly communities are those with clear guidelines on pet ownership. Communicate the expectations and rules on owning pets to all residents, especially new or prospective tenants.
Having clear guidelines helps create a conducive environment for both humans and pets. Include these guidelines in the lease agreement to ensure that all residents understand what they should do if they have pets.
Some of the common areas pet regulations focus on are:
- Breed and size limitation
- Number of pets allowed per resident or household
- Waste management and guidelines on pet behavior
Community association managers are often responsible for overseeing policies and enforcing penalties if violations occur.
Create Pet-Friendly Spaces
Pets in shared spaces such as a residential community need an environment where they can play, interact with each other, and have fun. Setting aside a designated pet-friendly space within the community will make living with pets an enjoyable experience.
As a community, you can create a pet-friendly space by setting up a fund to buy pet-friendly amenities. For instance, create walkways or trails that are specifically designed for pets.
A professional HOA management company can help you manage your community's finances and oversee the construction of communal amenities.
Do Regular Pet Inspections
According to the Texas Health and Human Services Department, over 400,000 dog bites occur annually. The main reason for such instances is poor training and neglect by owners.
Assess and evaluate the number of pets residing in your community to ensure they're well-cared for and properly socialized. Some of the things you should look out for during a pet inspection are:
- Signs of malnourishment
- Health status of the pets
- Whether the pets are living in pet-approved areas
Pets in a community may face neglect if not properly cared for, and assessing their condition is vital for understanding how you can improve their welfare. A community association manager can evaluate the available pet living conditions and recommend ways to improve their quality of life.
Pet Caring Tips for Community Residents
Provide residents with resources and tools to enhance their ability to care for their pets. Some of the most valuable tips for pet parenting are:
- Training and socializing your pet
- Providing your pet with enough exercise
- Following leash policies in the community
- Getting your pet all the necessary vaccinations
Some pet breeds are not easy to train and can be a nightmare to keep if you're in a residential community. So, pre-screen any pets and prospective tenants before they move in.
Follow the Best Practices for Pets in a Community Today
Pets in a community are a source of much-needed companionship and emotional support. But, not properly caring for your pets can affect the quality of life of you and your neighbors.
As professional community association managers, PMI Bayou City understands how to create a conducive environment for humans and pets to thrive. We offer full-service property management, covering everything from policy enforcement to financial management.
Contact us today, and let us elevate your community living status.
