Pets and Condos
Pets are an important part of many people’s lives, and many condo owners and occupants keep pets in their units. Unfortunately, pets and animals can sometimes lead to conflict within the condo community.
These issues most often arise when owners and occupants of condo units do not comply with the condo corporation’s governing documents (i.e. the corporation’s declaration, by-laws, and rules).
To ensure that owners, occupants and their pets can live together harmoniously, many condos have provisions in the corporation’s declaration or rules that limit the types, number, or breed of pets or animals that can be kept. Some even prohibit pets altogether.
Most often, pet disputes relate to what these documents say, what they mean and how they are enforced.
Examples of common issues with pets or animals include:
- Keeping pets or animals that are not allowed under the condo corporation’s governing documents.
- A pet or animal is causing a disturbance.
- Owners or occupants not cleaning up after their pet or animal.
- Owners or occupants keeping a pet or animal that is dangerous or illegal, such as a poisonous snake.
If you are wondering if your pet would be allowed in a condo you are considering, it is often best to discuss the matter the property manager with the condo in question. Each condo has its own set of pet rules that are described in a condo rules and regulations.
