As a member of your HOA board, you play an integral role in creating the rules and regulations for your community. Perhaps you've been debating going with a no-pet rule and you're wondering if this is a good idea.
According to the Arizona Pet Project, 70% of Arizona households have at least one pet. That means saying no to having four-legged neighbors is bound to ruffle some feathers.
Instead, it's best to learn how to manage pets in a community in a way that benefits everyone. Read on as we share our best practices for creating pet-friendly communities.
Create a Pet Registry
In order to implement a consistent pet policy, you need to know about the pets in your neighborhood. Create a community pet registry that includes:
- Name and descriptive details (e.g., age and size)
- Breed
- Proof of vaccination
- Owner contact information
Starting a pet registry is a great way to increase community safety by requiring up-to-date vaccinations. It can also serve as a useful tool for reuniting lost pets and their owners.
Know What Laws Already Exist
When you're creating community pet rules, keep in mind that some rules are legally required by the city. You can find a complete transcript of Phoenix's pet laws through the Animal Legal and Historical Center.
For example, dogs may not be at large within city limits. That means that unless they are contained in a designated area (such as a fenced-in dog park), they must be on a leash that is less than six feet long.
Aim for Fairness and Safety
As HOA property managers, we know how easily a well-intentioned HOA rule can become a point of contention. When you're creating regulations for pets in a community, aim for fairness and safety. That means:
- Defining pet cleanup policies
- Restricting numbers rather than breeds
- Outlining noise control expectations
- Enforcing all pet policies consistently
Remember, the goal of neighborhood pet policies is to protect the interests of both pet owners and non-pet owners. Your regulations should be designed to keep pets and people safe while promoting a clean neighborhood.
Incorporate Pet-Friendly Amenities
Not all of the considerations regarding community living with pets have to be negative or restrictive. You can also use this as an opportunity to enhance community engagement.
For example, if your community is home to several dogs, consider creating a fenced-in dog run in one of your parks. You can also incorporate dogs into your community events with activities like costume contests or "cookie" exchanges.
Let PMI Navigate Pets in a Community
With such high rates of pet ownership in Arizona, Phoenix HOAs shouldn't aim to ban pets in a community. Instead, create regulations that allow pet owners to enjoy your neighborhood without putting non-pet owners at risk.
Looking for a professional to weigh in and help you shape great community bylaws? PMI PHX SW offers a nationally-tested approach to association management with a local twist. Our entire team is based right here in Phoenix and can create solutions that work for Phoenix homeowners.
Contact us today to get started.
