Has anyone fought the "no dogs rule" at their condo?

I'm going on a limb here and posting it here, cause it's part home and part pets, so...bear with me please.

I am a ball of nerves this morning because tonight my DH is going to officially request that we change the rules of our condo association to allow dogs.

Currently it reads; "No animals or reptiles will be kept, bred or raised in any unit our outside any unit." This was written in 1989.

Currently, there are about 6 units (out of 15 residential and 7 business) that have cats. Some have mulitple cats. There is no addendum allowing to have cats.

I've talked informally to a few people there, we have owned the unit for almost one year, and some agree if we got a K-9 dog it would be exempt. But at this time, it looks like we are looking for a regular "pet"....

I can not go to the meeting - but I'm wondering if anyone has been in the same situation - so I can give DH some tips on what to say. Our basic argument is that if it says No Animals...then why are they allowing Cats informally but going after owners with Dogs (they have done this before).

TIA!

Message edited 8/16/2006 10:20:40 AM.

Re: Has anyone fought the "no dogs rule" at their condo?

Well, in my mom's complex you can have indoor cats only but no dogs. I think the rationale is that dogs would have to go outside, and are then more likely to do their business and leave treats around. Indoor cats may mess up the inside, but are never outside.

Cats are easier to hide, even if everyone knows that they are there. Anyway, good luck!

Message edited 8/16/2006 10:24:28 AM.

Re: Has anyone fought the "no dogs rule" at their condo?

Instead of suggesting other people get rid of their pets, go the other way by giving a reason to have one.

Ask your doctor for a letter stating that you or DH suffer from stress related symptoms and suggests a family pet to alleviate the condition. Attach that to a letter quoting something from the Housing Authorities rules regarding discriminating against people with disabilities or somethng like that.

Good luck.

Message edited 8/16/2006 10:27:13 AM.

Re: Has anyone fought the "no dogs rule" at their condo?

Re: Has anyone fought the "no dogs rule" at their condo?

Posted by leese

Posted by Christine

Instead of suggesting other people get rid of their pets, go the other way by giving a reason to have one.

Ask your doctor for a letter stating that you or DH suffer from stress related symptoms and suggests a family pet to alleviate the condition. Attach that to a letter quoting something from the Housing Authorities rules regarding discriminating against people with disabilities or somethng like that.

Good luck.

Thanks - no we actually WANT a dog and don't want anyone to get rid of their cats.

We want to say that we should be allowed, or maybe change the rules of the association to allow small dogs and cats. That way, everyone is in compliance.

Thanks for the suggestion!

Re: Has anyone fought the "no dogs rule" at their condo?

Posted by leese

Posted by Christine

Instead of suggesting other people get rid of their pets, go the other way by giving a reason to have one.

Ask your doctor for a letter stating that you or DH suffer from stress related symptoms and suggests a family pet to alleviate the condition. Attach that to a letter quoting something from the Housing Authorities rules regarding discriminating against people with disabilities or somethng like that.

Good luck.

Thanks - no we actually WANT a dog and don't want anyone to get rid of their cats.

We want to say that we should be allowed, or maybe change the rules of the association to allow small dogs and cats. That way, everyone is in compliance.

Thanks for the suggestion!

Re: Has anyone fought the "no dogs rule" at their condo?

Re: Has anyone fought the "no dogs rule" at their condo?

Posted by Christine

Posted by leese

Posted by Christine

Instead of suggesting other people get rid of their pets, go the other way by giving a reason to have one.

Ask your doctor for a letter stating that you or DH suffer from stress related symptoms and suggests a family pet to alleviate the condition. Attach that to a letter quoting something from the Housing Authorities rules regarding discriminating against people with disabilities or somethng like that.

Good luck.

Thanks - no we actually WANT a dog and don't want anyone to get rid of their cats.

We want to say that we should be allowed, or maybe change the rules of the association to allow small dogs and cats. That way, everyone is in compliance.

Thanks for the suggestion!

I know you are tying to get a pet -- I would just hate to see the board refuse you and be forced to enforce the no pets rule for the people with cats.

Would either of you consider volunteering to be on the board?? The easiest way to make change is to be one of the rule makers. DH is on ours and they have been throwing around ammending the no pets rule. Like your place, there are exceptions but they are talking about lifting the no pet rule to allow one pet per unit type of thing.

Good luck!! It worked for us

Message edited 8/16/2006 10:47:57 AM.

Re: Has anyone fought the "no dogs rule" at their condo?

In order to change a condo rule, you need at least 3/5 of the owners to agree. You can check this out with the Condo's attorney.

I don't understand why buildings do not allow pets! We live in a pet friendly Co-op with many dog haters and I feel very sorry for them!

Good Luck!