Essential tips that will improve your condo petiquette

Nothing is more annoying than an unruly neighbour. Whether they’re too loud, too rambunctious or just can’t grasp reasonable boundaries, this can prove to be a trying feat, especially when the neighbour in question is an animal (literally). Have you ever considered that your four-legged friend may be your condo building’s foe? While pets are often at the centre of their owner’s world, they can also find themselves at the centre of conflict, so it’s important that you’re on top of your condo petiquette.

This summer, a downtown condo made headlines when the building’s board proposed a ban on pets. While the proposal was met with uproar, the board backed their choice with concerns that dog owners were letting their pets roam off-leash around the development, weren’t cleaning up after them and often left their pups unattended on balconies.

Residents rallied behind their furry friends and in a recent article, The Star’s Condo Law Columnist Gerry Hyman told condo dwellers not to worry about pet bans when they’re merely rules because “the courts have held that (this ruling) is unreasonable.”

As more young homebuyers are moving into condos, leashes in hand, there is a greater need for ground rules to be established among pet owners, so here is some essential ‘ condo petiquette’ that will help you steer clear of conflict and keep the peace:

1) Do your research

Before expanding your family, be sure that you’re fully informed of your building’s stance on pets in the home. Even if they’re allowed, it’s not uncommon for buildings to impose specific training standards and anti-nuisance rules that can put you in hot water if your pet is rowdy or begins making excessive noise at inconvenient hours.

2) Lower is better

Everyone dreams of living in the penthouse but if you’re a pet parent, that may not be the best choice. Sacrifice glamour for convenience and live on a lower floor for the sake of your pet. Consider this: when your dog wants to relieve himself at an untimely hour, you will be happy that you only have to go down five floors instead of 40, sparing your carpet and your sleep schedule.

3) No shortcuts

Though it seems like an easy solution when you’re not willing to trek to the elevator, always remember that your balcony is not a pet potty. Not only can this cause complaints from the owner below you, but it can also result in tragedy. Condo balconies are not designed to accommodate pets so even if your pet is only outside for fresh air, be sure to inspect the balcony to ensure that your beloved pet can’t slip over the edge.

4) Always on-leash

Harmless as your pet may be, off-leash animals can be unpredictable so always be conscientious when it comes time to let your dog off-leash outside of your unit.

5) Know your pet

Nobody knows your pet better than you. So before moving in, be wary of the pet-condo pairing and don’t take the transition to a new environment lightly. Is a condo the best choice for your dog? And will your dog be accepted in your condo community? For the most part, the answer to the latter is yes, but it still requires some reflection.

We hope that these tips help you and your pet fall in love with condo life!