GENERAL:
Members are allowed to keep pets in the co-op. It is the member’s responsibility to read and be familiar with the policies pertaining to the type of pet(s) allowed. All pets must be registered with the co-op. All pet owners must comply with the following regulations, and pets must not interfere with another member’s use or enjoyment of their unit or common areas, nor create a nuisance or dangerous condition. Corrections of any damage caused, and which has not been adequately corrected, during the period of occupancy must be paid for by the member. The cost for the correction of the damage may be deducted from the share capital or may be paid for directly by the member.
CATEGORIES OF PETS:
a) Contained, non-dangerous pets: pets which could not cause damage to the health or safety of co-op members due to normal characteristics or habits of the species, and which are contained in a cage, tank, or other restricting container. This category includes birds, small rodents, fish, and rabbits. Rabbits housed outdoors will be subject to the same regulations listed under the pet policy for dogs, and cats
b) Contained, potentially dangerous pets: pets contained in a cage, tank or other restricting container which have normal physical characteristics or habits that might pose a danger to the health or safety of co-op members if accidentally released. This category includes venomous snakes, insects, constrictors, piranhas. The examples given are illustrative but not restrictive.
c) Dogs and cats are allowed with the exception of large or aggressive pet. Also the pets are not to exceed a mature height of eighteen (18) inches at the shoulder plus the head, this would include puppies of any breed expected to exceed this height restriction.
d) Non-contained, potentially dangerous pets: all pets not falling within the above three categories, including, but not limited to attack-trained dogs, monkeys and cats other than domesticated housecats.
LIMITS OF PETS/UNIT:
Dangerous pets [categories (b) and (d)] are not allowed.
No household may have more than a maximum of two pets from category c). Where existing pets in category c) bear offspring, the offspring may be kept in the household until they reach three months of age, at which time the limit of two pets per household will again be enforced. If a nuisance or dangerous situation is created or if other pet regulations are violated, the household limit will immediately be enforced.
MEMBERS GUESTS’ PETS:
Members are responsible in all respects for their guests’ pets. If a member’s guest has pets in category c) and is staying longer than 36 hours at the member’s household, the member must notify the Pet Committee. If the member’s guests have pets in category c) and are staying longer than 2 weeks, the guest’s pets must be registered, at which time the maximum limit of 2 pets per household will be enforced.
In all cases, violation of pet regulations by guest’s pets will result in an immediate request for removal.
REGISTRATION:
Registration of a pet will include the signing of an agreement by the pet owner to abide by the regulations.
Pets in categories (b) and (d) are not allowed.
With the exception of category (a), all pets must be registered, two of which may be kept provided that a nuisance or dangerous situation is not created. A photograph of each pet in category (c)
These items must accompany the registration form. Dog license numbers must be recorded on the registration form. Upon registration, proof of appropriate vaccinations must be supplied. (Cats - rabies, distemper, rhinovirus; dogs - rabies, distemper, Parvo, Parinfluenca, Rhinotelecyvirous, or any other inoculations for communicable diseases as recommended by the Pet Committee on the advice of local health authorities.)
Help with the registration of guide/aid dogs, will be offered to visually impaired people, by the Pet Committee.
CONDITIONS OF PETS:
a) Photocopies of vaccination certificates for animals in category © must be submitted on a yearly basis.
b) When vaccination is delayed upon a veterinarian’s advice, due to age or health factors, the owner must provide proof of such veterinary advice.
c) If required, pet owners must be prepared to provide a veterinarian’s certificate, attesting to the health of the pets.
The co-op strongly recommends that all pets be spayed or neutered. In the case of any nuisance or danger caused by breeding animals, the co-op reserves the right to demand that the pet be neutered or removed from the co-op.
The co-op will not concern itself with the health of the pets, except as noted above. However, neglect or abuse of pets may be reported to the appropriate authorities. Responsibility for such reporting rests with the member observing the evidence of abuse or neglect.
CITY STANDARDS OF CONTROL:
Pet owners are expected to abide with all city bylaws concerning pets including the licensing, vaccination, and control requirements. A portion of the Animal Control Bylaw is attached and the complete document is available at the office for further reference. The co-op may call upon the appropriate authorities to enforce the city bylaws.
a) Dogs are allowed in common areas of the co-op only when on a leash and under the immediate control of a responsible person. Dogs are allowed in the yard attached to the owner’s unit only if the yard is properly secured. The manner, in which the yard has been secured, must be approved by the Pet Committee. Dogs may not remain in the yard for more than 12 hours at a time, unless a responsible person is in the unit. Where dogs are tied up in an unfenced yard (front or back), the owner must ensure that the rope is not long enough to permit the dog to stray onto neighbouring yards or common areas.
b) Cats in the co-op must be contained in the unit, or must be on a leash when outside.
c) A pet owner must clean up immediately any mess (excrement or otherwise) created by pets in common areas or unit yards (including the owner’s yard).
d) Pet owner is responsible for the repair of damage caused to co-op property by her/his pet.
e) A pet owner must control her/his pet to prevent unnecessary or unreasonable noise.
Where a violation of the pet regulations or City Bylaws constitutes an emergency or otherwise requires immediate action, it is the responsibility of the complainant to contact the appropriate authorities—the pound or the police—and have immediate action taken. Contact the animal control warden at 653-1330.
Any member with a complaint against a pet owner must first make a reasonable attempt to approach the owner and resolve the problem on an individual basis. Assistance may be sought from the office to identify the owners of the pet by means of the description/ photograph on the registration form. If, despite reasonable efforts, it is not possible to contact or identify the owner, or if negotiation between the pet owner and the complainant is not successful, a written complaint on an authorized pet complaint form must be submitted to the Pet Committee through the co-op office. The Pet Committee will meet upon the submission of a complaint.
Where the Pet Committee is satisfied of the validity of a complaint after having met with the pet owner and attempted to reconcile the situation, the following action will be taken:
1st Verified Complaint: a written warning will be issued
2nd Verified Complaint: a fine of $25.00 will be levied
3rd Verified Complaint: a fine of $50.00 will be levied
4th Verified Complaint: the member may be required to remove the pet from the co-op.
Upon recommendation by the Pet Committee, the Board of Directors may revoke pet privileges. If a fourth complaint is filed or if there have been three verified complaints within a 12 month period, the member may be required to remove the pet from the co-operative. If this situation should occur, the Pet Committee will inform the pet owner in advance of its decision to recommend removal of pet privileges to the Board of Directors. The pet owner then has the option of presenting her/his case to the Board of Directors at the same time as the recommendation of the Pet Committee is presented to the Board of Directors. The Board shall make its decision based on the evidence presented by both the pet owner and the Pet Committee. The decision made by the Board of Directors is final.
Failure to pay fines, obey a removal order, or in any other way contravene the pet policy, may result in the termination of pet privileges, or in the termination of occupancy rights under the Occupancy Agreement.
The Board of Directors has the right to modify or waive requirements regarding “stoop and scoop” rules in the case of dogs trained for and used by visually impaired persons as guides, provided the owner requests such consideration.
All prospective members (pet owners and non-owners) shall be informed of the pet regulation upon being interviewed for acceptance into Rainbow Housing Co-operative. All members (pet owners and non-owners) shall receive a copy of the pet regulations upon moving into Rainbow Housing Co-operative. Registration of a pet will include the signing of an agreement by the pet owner to abide by the regulations. It is the member’s responsibility to read and be familiar with the rules pertaining to the type of pet s/he wishes to keep.