Cats and dogs are often viewed as family members, but they are also members of the community! Adhere to policies in your cooperative, condominium, or homeowners’ association to help preserve a welcoming, safe, and well-maintained environment for all, pets included.
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How to Use This Guide
Pet owners: Use this guide for general tips and reminders for in and around your community. However, we are not pet experts. Please seek training and advice from professionals if your pet requires behavior modification, training, etc.
Pet Policies and Amenities Can Vary Between Communities
Review your governing documents and common area rules to familiarize yourself with your co-op, condo, or HOA’s guidelines regarding pets (types permitted if any, etc.) and any amenities catered to them. For example, if your community has a pool, pets may not be permitted in the pool area. Another example: If your community has a dedicated fenced-in dog run, this may be the only communal area where your pet may be permitted without a leash.
Pet Reminders for Homeowners and Shareholders
Pet Supervision and Safety
- Always supervise your pet in shared spaces. Note that pet owners may be held responsible for any damage caused by their pet(s).
- Avoid tethering your pet to outdoor stationary objects on the premises. This may be prohibited as it can pose a safety issue for the animal or neighbors.
- Do not leave your pet unattended in your home or unit for more than 8 consecutive hours.
- Never leave your pet outside when it is below freezing outside and bring pets inside during heatwaves.
- After a snowstorm, keep pets off of snowbanks.
- Keep pets away from poisonous plants and keep poisonous plants out of your home. For example, popular seasonal houseplants plants such as lilies and poinsettia a toxic to pets.
Walking Tips
- Keep your pet leashed and on designated walking paths and curbs.
- Be courteous to other pets and neighbors and take proactive measures to prevent conflicts or aggression between your pets, animals, and others
- Maintain control of your pet by using a leash under 6 ft in length.
- When taking pets outside, protect them from the elements with proper paw protection, clothing, etc.
- At night, use reflective gear while walking your dog so that others can see them.
Pet Waste Reminders
- Use designated trash receptacles for pet waste disposal. For example, utilize pet waste bins while walking pets.
- Always pick up after your pet immediately. This is important for cleanliness and courtesy to your neighbors. Use proper pet waste disposal bags, ensuring they are securely tied before disposal.
- Remember to always bag cat litter and other pet waste when disposing it in the trash. Dumping loose waste in the trash, garbage shoot, trash compactor, etc. is unsanitary, and is not courteous to vendors or building staff.
- Pets should only urinate or defecate in designated outdoor areas. Additionally, avoid areas such as planted areas, tennis courts, fences, and private homes (HOAs). This may be enforced in your community to preserve landscaping around your community.
- Never flush pet waste down the toilet or drain. For example, cat litter clumps and can cause stress to plumbing systems. Dispose of it properly to prevent unnecessary damage.
Emotional Support Animals
- Register your emotional support animal with your property manager so they are aware of your accommodations.
- Follow proper procedures and policies for emotional support pets.
- All emotional support animals must be registered with a professional and licensed mental health provider, accompanied by an ESA letter.
- Check your town or municipality requirements for any additional registration requirements. While registration through New York state is not required, it may be necessary in other locations.
Pet Are Community Members Too
If your co-op, condo, or HOA permits any animals in your community, you must adhere to all policies within your community. Additionally, remember to keep their care in mind at all times for their overall wellbeing.
