Pets rank high among the many factors new home buyers need to take into consideration when considering purchasing a new property. If you own a pet or are a prospective pet parent (premature congratulations are in order), it’s important to find answers to some key questions like:

• What types of pet restrictions are in place?
• What type of rules does the strata have?
• Is the space a good fit for my pet? Is there enough space to play inside?
• Is this a pet-friendly neighborhood?

Taking the time to research the answers to these questions before committing on a big purchase will help avoid future headaches. Having a trusted realtor walk you through these bylaws is an excellent way to ensure that you and your furry friend(s) are both welcomed and appreciated in the new home. It’s common practice for strata corporations to limit the number or type of pets owners are allowed. Other stratas prohibit pets altogether, although this type of bylaw doesn’t apply to certified guide dogs and service dogs. Examples of such bylaws might look something like:

• ban pets altogether
• limit the number of pets that can be kept
• provide restrictions on keeping pets, such as leashing them in common areas
• limit the kind of pets that can be kept, such as no dogs, or no dogs over 20 kilograms
• require pets to be registered with the strata council

The main point to keep in mind: make sure pet bylaws are suitable for your needs.

What about when strata corporations start enforcing new pet bylaws? You might be interested in reading this article.