Are you a board member in an HOA community in Katy, TX? If so, one common topic in your meetings may be what to do with pets.
Why are pet issues so common in Texas communities? Simple: 58% of Texas households own at least one pet. With so many pets in a community, even small mistakes can inadvertently result in non-compliance with HOA rules.
The best way to avoid these issues is to have strong HOA pet policies. Here are some tips that will help you make this happen!
Use Common Sense
With such a large community pet ownership in Katy, your pet policies should be easy to follow. Use common sense to avoid touchy situations.
For example, one standard HOA pet rule is that owners should clean up their pet's waste in common areas. Consider collecting every pet's DNA during registration to identify people breaking this rule.
Another thing to consider is banning certain dog breeds from the community. You can also make restrictions based on a pet's size and weight.
Enforce Compliance
When it comes to pets, HOA compliance is crucial. Like any other HOA rule, you should enforce your pet policies swiftly and fairly.
If a pet owner violates a policy, your first step should be to talk to them. If they were simply unaware of HOA regulations in Katy, TX, let them off with a warning. You can address these issues at your next HOA meeting.
For repeat offenders, your best bet is to send them a written notice. The notice should include:
- Warning about the issue
- Copy of HOA pet rules
- List of consequences
Seek Community Feedback
Every Katy pet-friendly community depends on its residents. This is why you should always seek their feedback when deciding your policies.
Start by learning how your community feels about pet rules and enforcing them. Craft and distribute a survey that includes questions like:
- Is the community safe and clean?
- Are the pets in the community well-behaved?
- Is the HOA board efficient at handling violations?
Consider forming a committee comprised of pet owners and non-owners. They'll be able to craft a list of pet policies without bias. You can also consult a property manager to see if their expectations are reasonable.
Consider Policy Exceptions
Once you have a list of pet policies, you should enforce them as consistently as possible. That said, there are a few exceptions to keep in mind.
For instance, let's say your HOA chooses to transition to a no-pet policy. If some residents already have pets, you can "grandfather" them in. In this case, you should update your policies to communicate this rule clearly.
Your pet policies should also make an exception for service animals. These animals aren't pets and you must allow them in your community. Your HOA manager can help you accommodate service animals.
Keeping Pets in a Community Safe
HOA pet policies can be a sensitive subject for community members. By following these tips, you'll be able to quell many of their fears!
Need professional help with keeping pets in a community safe in Katy, TX? At PMI Prestige, we tailor our management services to suit each HOA's needs. Contact us here to see why we've been in business for 10+ years!
