As of 2024, 66% of US households own a pet. With over half of the US having some sort of animal in their home, it is important as an HOA to set guidelines that maintain the overall well-being of your community. St. Petersburg HOA management companies can help your board put pet-friendly policies in place so that residents can enjoy having a furry friend without issue.
Why Pet-Friendly Policies Matter in St. Pete
Growing in population by nearly 3% since 2020, St. Pete is no exception to the uptick in pet ownership since the start of the pandemic. The demand for pet-friendly spaces is growing, and residents expect their pets to be allowed in their homes and communities. Many people view their pets as family and prioritize their health and happiness.
By meeting the needs of your residents with openness towards pets, this helps promote a higher level of satisfaction. This also increases the perception of an inclusive and inviting community.
Structuring Pet Policies for HOA Communities
If you are not sure where to start in your community regarding pet-friendly policies, let our leading St. Petersburg HOA community management team at Wise Property Management help. We work to address common concerns of residents by implementing basic guidelines within your community centered around pet ownership.
Size Restrictions, Pet Registration, and Licensing
Requiring pet registration helps the HOA track pet owners and their animals to ensure the community’s safety. This allows your board to have knowledge of every animal in the community, ensure their county requirements are met, and be able to hold owners accountable if their pets get unruly. Furthermore, limiting the size and breed of pets can minimize the risk the community takes when it comes to noise, damage, or safety of shared spaces and others within the community.
Emotional Support Animals (ESA)
In Florida, ESAs are considered assistance animals and therefore protected under federal and state laws. It is required by the Fair Housing Act (FHA) to reasonably accommodate those with disabilities, including the need for an assistance or service animal to live with them. As a result, HOA policies should address the differences between standard pets and ESAs to ensure the community is well served.
Leash Laws and Outdoor Behavior
One of the best ways to ensure outdoor spaces and people moving between their homes are not disrupted by pets is to enforce leash laws and set expectations for pet behavior when in common spaces. As a St. Petersburg HOA management company, we recommend requiring pets to be on a leash when outdoors, and an owner to be responsible for behavior and noise levels. This holds owners accountable for their pet’s actions while minimizing disruptions to non-pet owners in the community.
Pet Waste Management, Damage, and Liability
Managing pet waste is important in maintaining the community’s cleanliness and showing respect for those who live there. Installing pet cleaning-up stations or hiring services to manage pet waste keeps your property clean and provides resources to pet owners.
Furthermore, outlining what pet damage could look like and how an owner could be responsible ensures accountability for potential property damage either in the individual home or within shared spaces.
Work with a St. Petersburg HOA Community Management Team Today!
Pets are an increasingly important part of residents lives’, and it is important to ensure your community’s needs are met and pets are served. Proudly serving HOA boards and the St. Petersburg community, Wise Property Management can help you establish and enforce pet-friendly HOA policies that will keep your board and your community happy.
For more information about how we stand out among St. Petersburg HOA community management companies, please request a proposal today or call our office at (813) 968-5665.