Controlling pets in a homeowner association can be a wild goose chase that leaves you barking up the wrong tree.

It's important that you deal with the issue in a way that is controllable and minimizes potential for confrontation. Posting the rules is fine although sometimes problematic, in some cases animal concerns go far beyond barking dogs and stray cats. Just look at some of the warnings posted by of Brevard County Florida's Suntree Homeowners Association:

Alligator Safety Tips

• Don't bother them and usually they won't bother you.

• Don't swim in waters that might contain large alligators.

• Don't feed alligators. It causes them to lose their natural fear of humans.

• Don't throw fish scraps along the shore.

• Don't allow dogs to swim in areas used by gators. Many dogs are killed by alligators.

• Don't kill, harass or attempt to move an alligator.

• Don't try to make a pet of a gator.

• Don't play with baby alligators. The mother probably is nearby.

It's interesting that they actually worry about their residents doing these things. They should probably be more worried about the people than the alligators. But back to more normal circumstances.

The three main pet issues are:

1. How they impact the common area.

2. The noise and smell they create, and

3. The threat to safety they pose.

While most pet owners are sensitive, some get immune to the negative aspects of their pets. Example: A dog that barks all day or all night.

A pet policy is always needed. As you shape one for your community, make sure it's compassionate. People and their pets have an extremely close bond that is sensitive to criticism. Make sure it's fair. Rather than ban pets, look for ways to make them work. Most pet owners will respect the rules. The few that remain may need special "encouragement". For more on this subject, see www.regenesis.net

Pets are here to stay...or sit...or rollover. Keep a healthy perspective on the issue. Woof!

For more information on this subject, see www.Regenesis.net.

Published: September 5, 2001

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Richard Thompson owns Regenesis, a management consulting company that specializes in condominium and homeowner associations. He is a nationally recognized expert on HOA management issues. Regenesis publishes The Regenesis Report, a monthly newsletter for HOA boards, developers and managers. To subscribe, go to Regenesis.net. He can be contacted by email at .