Suggested Pet Guidelines, modified from Open Door Miami*:

Pet-ownership agreements between association management and unit owners should be in writing and pet owners should sign a pet rider. This document should state that the unit owner is liable for any damage done by pets.

Cats must be kept indoors and dogs must be on a leash. When cats are being transported they must be in carriers. If the housing unit is a house or townhouse, dogs should not be left alone in the yard when the owner isn’t home and chaining or tethering should not be allowed.

Reptiles and other exotic animals should not be allowed.

A limitation on the number of pets per unit should be stated in the guidelines. It is not recommended to limit to just one animal per housing unit because usually two pets can keep each other company while the unit owner is away and they tend to not get in trouble that way.

Do not allow dogs of a vicious or aggressive disposition.

Applications for puppies or kittens should be closely reviewed because of the special needs and behavioral activities of such young animals.

A rule should be in place that all cats and dogs should be spayed or neutered by 6 months of age.

It should be required that cats be kept indoors, but it should not be mandated that they be de-clawed.

A pet application form should be completed and signed, including a photo of the pet.

Areas for walking dogs should be designated and owners made responsible for cleaning up waste.

Cat litter should never be disposed of in toilets nor dropped down trash chutes unless securely bagged.

 

 Association Management Responsibilities

Pet ownership options should be clearly posted.

Unit owners should be advised about the pet ownership guidelines.

Association management should keep records of owners’ and pets’ pertinent information, deposits, etc.

 Association management should carry out the pet committee’s recommendations by issuing warnings or terminating the pet rider of a pet owner who does not follow the guidelines.

Instructions for disposal of pet waste and kitty litter should be clearly posted.

Association management should not require de-clawing of cats. Instead, the pet owner should be liable for any destruction of property.

 Sample Pet Rider

This pet rider is made a part of the interview agreement entered into between ______________________________ (unit owner) and ___________________________ (association management)  _____________________ (date).

1. Both parties have read, agreed to, and signed the attached Pet Guidelines in effect for the complex.
 
2. The unit owner will keep his/her pet in a responsible manner and provide proper care for the pet as detailed in the Pet Guidelines.
 
3. In accordance with the Pet Guidelines, below are the name, address, and telephone numbers of two pet caretakers who, by signing this form, will assume responsibility for the pet should the unit owner become unable to care for the pet. Also provided below are the name, address, and telephone number of the veterinarian responsible for the pet’s health care.
 

PET CARETAKER #1

Name:         ____________________________________

Address:     ____________________________________

Telephone: ____________________________________

Signature:  ____________________________________ 

PET CARETAKER #2

Name:        ____________________________________

Address:     ____________________________________

Telephone: ____________________________________

Signature:   ____________________________________

VETERINARIAN:

Name:         ____________________________________

Address:     ____________________________________

Telephone: ____________________________________

4. If the unit owner is unable to provide the name of a pet caretaker, he/she will provide details of other arrangements which have been made for the proper care of the pet.

 

5. The pet owner agrees to abide by each rule enumerated in the Pet Guidelines attached hereto, and incorporated by reference.

 

6. Unit owners may be fined for non-compliance with Pet Guidelines (per Florida statutes covering fines under Title XL, Real and Personal Property). 
 
7. It is the pet owner’s responsibility to update the information listed in item 3.

_____________________________________________(Unit Owner)

_____________________________________________(Date)

_____________________________________________(Association Board)

_____________________________________________(Date)


*modelled after the Open Door Miami Compete Guide, which was developed for rentals rather than for association-run housing. For further information, contact info@miamipetsalive.org

NOTE: Citizens for Pets in Condos does NOT recommend restricting dog size.  Other factors, such as temperament, basic obedience training and guardian/owner taking responsibility have been found to be better indicators of how a dog will fit into a particular setting.