Setting Pet Policies For Your Community

RESIDENT-FRIENDLY POLICIES FOR PET-FRIENDLY LIVING. Pets are family. And whether a property accepts pets is often one of the most important factors to a homeowner. So how can you be sure your pet-friendly community remains clean and considerate of all residents? Communicate clearly Issues that arise in pet-friendly communities have very little to do with the pets and more to do with their owners. Encourage neighborly etiquette Set and communicate reasonable, easily accessible ordinances to all of your residents so the whole community is clear about what to expect. A good pet owner is a good neighbor. So how can you be sure everyone follows the rules? Talk to your residents or distribute a survey to see how they feel about policies and their enforcement. Address first-time violations by approaching the resident with a friendly verbal reminder. Have a repeat offender on your hands? Send a written notice with a copy of pet regulations. If that the rules doesn't work, it may be time to issue a fine or bring in a mediator. Enforce Consider restrictions Can a resident have a pot-bellied pig as a pet? Or welcome a fourth pet into their home? The health and safety of your community is your first priority. Take appropriate precautions when considering restrictions-like types and size of animals permitted and animal behavioral issues. Make exceptions Work closely with the association's attorney to handle special cases like allowing service dogs in a no-pet community or considering residents who had pets before the policy was set in place. With the right policies in place, you can ensure your community is pet- AND resident-friendly. To learn more talk to FirstService Residential. FirstService RESIDENTIAL