Pet Policy

PURPOSE OF THE POLICY:

The keeping of pets is a privilege; not a right. Pet ownership is subject to the overall comfort and safety of the Membership, and respect and responsibility of the Member to the Co-op’s property in accordance with Bylaw 2, Clause 4 as well as Bylaw 2, Clause 18.

The household must apply beforehand to keep a maximum of two pets in any combination and with the following conditions:

  1. ALLOWABLE PETS

1.1 Dogs

  • The maximum height at maturity must be no more than 20 inches at the shoulder;
  • Cannot be left in the backyard when Member is not home or after 9:00 pm in accordance with Bylaw 2, Clause 4.3(c);
  • Must be licensed with Strathcona County requirements (proof required);
  • Must not be a dog previously labeled “vicious” by the County;
  • Must remain on a leash at all times when outside of the unit or backyard;
  • Pit bull, Rottweiler, or Doberman breeds or their cross breeds are not allowed as pets.

1.2 Cats

  • Cats must be kept indoors at all times.

1.3 Birds

  • Birds are allow as pets

1.4 Fish

  • Tanks may not exceed a size of 20 gallons;
  • Members are required to carry comprehensive insurance with no exclusion for fish tanks.
  1. STIPULATIONS
  • The pet must be in good temperament with no history of vicious behaviour;
  • The member will be responsible for the total care of their pet(s) and all clean-up and disposal of bodily by-products, both in the home and on Co-op property;
  • All pets are required to have up-to-date vaccinations (proof required);
  • All pets (cats/dogs) must be spayed/neutered (proof required);
  • If the behavior of the pet causes a problem for other members, staff, contractors or property of the Co-op, whether inside the home or in common areas, the member will be held responsible;
  • A member who has a complaint against another member’s pet must notify the Board of Directors (in writing) stating the nature of the complaint. The Board reserves the right to determine what action is to be taken in accordance with the Bylaws;
  • Repeated contraventions of this Policy, by a member ‘s pet(s), will lead to revocation of the privilege to own a pet and/or termination of membership;
  • Members are not permitted to have visiting pets in their unit;
  • All members are required to register their pets. A copy of your pet’s photo (one per pet) is required with the registration
  1. FEES
  • A refundable deposit of $500 is required per cat/dog. Members who have not been in arrears in the preceding 12 months may be allowed to make payment arrangements with the Board for the deposit;
  • No deposit will be required for fish or birds;
  • The wear and tear schedule of the unit’s condition will be a factor in the return of the refundable deposit.
  1. INSPECTIONS
  •  Inspections will take place biannually for pet owners;
  • However, if concerns are raised, a quarterly pet inspection may be undertaken to determine any damages to the unit caused by the pet(s);
  • If the member and the Co-op disagree on the amount of damage caused by the pet(s), then the cost/amount of damages will be assessed by a third party;
  • The member is required to either repair the assessed damages or to provide cash deposit equal to the amount of the assessed damages to the Co-op in accordance with Bylaw 2, Clause 18.2.
  1. VIOLATIONS

Members found to be in contravention with any portion of this Policy are subject to the following penalties:

Offence Fine
1st offence $50.00
2nd offence $50.00 and meeting with the Board;
the Board may determine that the member can no longer keep their pet
3rd offence Meeting with the board;
the Board may decide to terminate membership

If members are found to have pets over the size or number limit the member will be fined $50 and asked to re-house their pet(s). The member may also be called before the Board, and it could be determined that the member is no longer being allowed to keep any pets or even have their membership terminated.

  1. GRANDFATHERING (for members with existing pets prior to December 2014)
  • Units within the Co-op will be subject to an inspection to determine if there is any current pet damage. If it is found that there is damage, the member will be required to repair all damages as well as bring their pet deposit up to the new rate;
  • Members who are found to have no damage caused by pets will not be required to pay any further deposit on their existing pets only;
  • Any new/existing owners are required to pay a new deposit for that pet;
  • Current member’s pet(s) will be grandfathered regarding the size of the pet; however they are required to submit an application to keep the pet within 60 days of this Policy being passed or that pet will be treated as a new pet and may no longer be able to be kept;
  • Members are required to register their pets with the office after the pet has been approved. A photo of each pet is required with the registration.