The National Council of SPCAs (NSPCA) says heart-breaking stories abound of people having to give up animals because housing complexes will either not accept them in the first place, or that they have to be removed after problems arise.  Most of the latter situations can be avoided by the owner doing some homework:

Pets in complexes – is it allowed?

Take time to check if the complex accepts pets and, if so, under what circumstances. From a body corporate, HOA or landlord’s point of view, various checks can be carried out in advance and the results are indicative of the kind of animal owner who would be moving in.

Get Written Permission Before You Move in

It may be advantageous to both sides if documentation is requested and confirmed: a letter of reference from a previous landlord or body corporate, written proof the adult dog has completed a training course or obedience class – or that a puppy is enrolled in a socialisation class.  A recommendation letter from a veterinarian providing documentation of the pet having been spayed or neutered and is fully vaccinated is also a good idea.

Do not sneak your pet into a complex

Pets in complexes are sometimes sneaked in. Sadly it happens that pets are sneaked in, with owners thinking their presence may not be discovered or by the time it has, it will be too late to do anything about it. This is irresponsible and may carry consequences for more than one owner and his/her pets.

Why do some complexes not allow pets?

This usually happens when conflict has arisen, due to bad experiences with irresponsible pet owners who haven’t sterilised their pets, confined them safely or removed faeces. Likewise, it only takes one resident to bring in a pet whose persistent howling or barking disturbs other residents, so that a “last-resort” decision is taken which affects everyone.

How much space does each dog need?

This is a question often asked about pets in complexes.  A qualified animal behaviourist is best placed to answer this but the NSPCA view is that there are other very important factors to consider. These include the level of interest in the animal, meeting its behavioural needs, exercise, interaction with people generally, socialisation and general care and attention.

It doesn’t necessarily follow that the smaller the breed, the more suitable it is to a smaller property. A Jack Russell terrier may well be small, but it would be hard to find a more energetic breed of dog.

Source: South African Pet Magazine (edited)

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