Pets

(Policy revised March 1, 2005)

Many pets are welcome at Old Town In Town Cooperative. The first step is to visit the OTIT Manager to discuss the details for application and registration.

Pet caregivers must complete a Pet Application Form before the pet(s) may occupy the unit. If the pet is a dog or a cat, a current photograph should be attached. The OTIT Manager will present a copy of the house policies to the member for review and signature.

A deposit is required upon signature of the registration agreement. This deposit will be returned (minus any pet damage to the unit) once the member fulfills all requirements terminating their lease agreement with OTIT.

(a maximum of two pets are allowed in each unit)

No other animals are allowed.

1. Pets shall not be kept, bred, or used for any commercial purpose. All cats and dogs must be spayed or neutered by six months of age unless the procedure is deemed medically unsafe by a veterinarian.
2. Pets must be confined to the pet owner’s unit and must not be allowed to roam free or be tethered. Pets must not be left unattended on patios or balconies. Pets in transit are to be carried, restrained by a leash, or placed in an animal carrier. Resident dog caregivers in transit may take their pet out of the building only by way of front building exits. Pets shall be exercised in the OTIT parking area, and the designated boulevard area.
3. Persons who walk pets are responsible for immediately cleaning up after their animals and discarding securely bagged pet droppings. Cat litter may not be disposed of in toilets. Pet waste must be securely double-bagged and disposed of in the main trash bin. Public trash cans may not be used for pet waste.
4. Pet caregivers are responsible for any damage caused by their pets. Any damage caused by cleaning chemicals or other such materials used in an attempt to remedy said damage is also the full responsibility of the pet owner.
5. No pet shall be allowed to become a nuisance or create any unreasonable disturbance. Examples of nuisance behavior the purposes of this paragraph are:
   1. Pets whose unruly behavior causes personal injury or property damage.
   2. Pets who make noise continuously and/or incessantly for a period of ten minutes or intermittently for 1 hour or more to the disturbance of any person at any time of day or night.
   3. Pets in common areas who are not under the complete physical control of a responsible human companion and on a hand-held leash of no more than six feet in length or in a pet carrier.
   4. Pets who relieve themselves on walls or floors of common areas.
   5. Pets who exhibit aggressive or other dangerous or potentially dangerous behavior.
   6. Pets who are conspicuously unclean or parasite infested.
6. Not withstanding any other provision herein, disabled individuals may keep assistance animals in their units. Furthermore, nothing herein shall hinder full access to the apartments and the common areas by individuals with disabilities.
7. Feeding or otherwise caring for stray animals is prohibited. Stray or injured animals shall be reported to the local animal control authority to be picked up.
8. Residents are responsible for the pets of guests who visit their unit; such pets are subject to the same restrictions as resident pets. No pet(s) of guests can stay in the unit for more than 7 days (consecutive or staggered) in any one-year period without prior written permission of the resident manager.
9. Pet caregivers shall indemnify OTIT and hold it harmless against loss or liability of any kind arising from their pets(s).
10. Dogs and Cats must be registered, vaccinated, licensed and neutered.

1. Any resident or managing agent personnel observing an infraction of any of these rules shall discuss the infraction in a neighborly fashion with the pet caregiver in an effort to secure voluntary compliance. If the complaint is not resolved, it must be put in writing, signed, and presented to the (board of directors or resident manager). If the board is in agreement with such complaint, the pet caregiver will receive written notice of the violation. If upon the [third] violation the problem is still unresolved, arrangements will be made for a hearing. (At the board’s discretion, immediate arrangements for a hearing may be made if the nature of the complaint involves personal injury or the imminent threat thereof.) The board of directors may require the permanent removal of any pet, if such pet is determined by the board to be a nuisance or a danger to the housing community and its residents. If so determined, the pet caregiver will have [seven] days to remove the pet from the premises. The board of directors also has the authority to assess and collect fines for violations of the house rules pertaining to pets and to assess and collect amounts necessary to repair or replace damaged areas or object.

Note: it is mandatory that carpets be professionally cleaned and fumigated on the last day of occupancy at the expense of outgoing member (residents). This assures removal of pet dander and possible extermination of fleas and odors.

(Attachment: ANIMAL CARE AND CONTROL WARNING NOTICE form)