Pets and Animals
Step 2: Legal Considerations
There may be municipal bylaws regarding pets, depending on where you live.
Pet and animal provisions
Condo corporations often have specific provisions related to pets and animals in their governing documents. Everyone must follow these requirements.
Condo owners and board can take action to address pet-related issues.
Examples of areas of pet and animal provisions govern:
Review your condo’s governing documents for the provisions related to pets or animals if you are experiencing an issue.
Boards make legal action against those not following the governing documents, including by filing an application with the Condominium Authority Tribunal. Tenants can’t file CAT cases and should contact their landlord when dealing with Pet issues in their condo.
Service Animals
Service animals are working animals that assist persons with disabilities and are not considered pets. This includes emotional support animals, guide dogs for people with visual disabilities and other animals that may assist with mobility or psychiatric conditions.
An animal may be considered a service animal if:
- They wear a vest or harness that is easily identifiable as relating to a disability.
- The owner can provide documentation from a regulated health professional confirming the animal’s status or that the animal is required to assist with a disability.
Municipal By-Laws
Some municipalities have by-laws related to pets and animals. Owners and occupants are required to comply with both municipal by-laws and the condo’s governing documents.
For example, your municipal bylaws may allow you to have up to three animals, but your condo has a rule only allowing two pets per unit. In this case, you would only be allowed to have two pets in your unit.
Contact your municipality to find out more.