Sone Curves Cohousing Pet Policy

 Introduction from 7/1/06 Cohousing-L message:
 From: Gina, Stone Curves, Tucson, AZ NetiPotLady@aol.com
 Pet policy, Stone Curves Cohousing

The following pet policy was written and consensed upon before move  in. It
was done with the advice and help of numerous cohousing pet  policies and
tweaked to our environment ie. having a outdoor cat  (especially left out at night)
in Tucson close to the river or washes is  quite dangerous for the cats as
there are coyotes that come to town for  meals also we have a major feral cat
population problem.  We are now  in the process of adding a pet park to our site
so that dogs can get some  exercise here without being taken to a park away
from their home.

Gina
Stone Curves Cohousing
Tucson, AZ



Stone Curves Pet Policy
Adopted 4/20/03

Our community  includes many pets. Community members acknowledge the fun,
affection, comfort  and meaning these animals add to their families' lives. We
also acknowledge that  some members may prefer (or are prevented due to
allergies) neither to have pets  nor to interact with others' animals. This policy
regarding pets is intended to  promote a harmonious relationship among pets, pet
owners, and non-pet owners and  a peaceful, clean, and safe environment for
all.
Each pet owner is responsible for  his/her animal's behavior and should see
to it that the pet is not a nuisance or  danger to others. If a member has a
concern about a specific pet, he/she should  speak directly to the owner.

1. Domestic pets ("domestic pets" are dogs,  cats, hamsters, gerbils, guinea
pigs, rats and mice, fish, birds, rabbits,  turtles, snakes, small reptiles
and amphibians, but not endangered and other  non-domesticated animals or
livestock) may do what they wish inside their  private residences as long as their
behavior does not interfere with the  community's quality of life and the City
of Tucson ordinances.

2. With  the exception of service dogs, no pets shall be allowed inside the
Common House  or pool or playground areas. No pets are allowed in the Community
 gardens.

3. Owners are expected to thoroughly clean up their pets' poop  at the time
of deposit in all outdoor areas.

4. Out of consideration for  other community members, residents are not to
leave dogs unattended outside  resulting in prolonged or disruptive barking.
Dogs are not allowed to wander  loose. They must be on a leash at all times
(except in fenced/walled  backyards).

5. Cats are to be kept indoors except when walked on a leash  or kept
contained in   backyards or on balconies. It is unhealthy for  the animals as well as
the community environment for them to roam unattended.  Keeping them and all
loose pet foods indoors (where it can't be an enticement to  feral cats and
other such animals) will serve to cut down on the homeless cat  population drawn
to the site. Pet foods may be stored outdoors in secure sealed  containers.

6. Pet owners are expected to prevent their animals from  destroying private
or community property. Pet owners should be sensitive to the  fact that other
community members may feel threatened or frightened by animals.  The owners
should monitor and if necessary control their pets  behavior.

7. Pet owners are to be responsive to concerns expressed by  others regarding
noise or other problem behavior. The process/mediation team  will be
available to assist in resolving disputes which may arise between  community members,
if the dispute cannot be resolved between the parties  themselves.

8. The community encourages all pet owners to regularly  immunize their pets
(beyond the required by law for licensing, rabies  inoculations). The vets in
this area suggest for cats and dogs living in  communities where they are in
close contact with other animals, Bortatello,  Parvo Distemper, and Giardia
immunizations since these diseases are either  highly contagious and/or difficult
and expensive to cure.