Unless your favourite hobby is reading strata rulings and by-laws, navigating whether you can actually have a pet in your apartment can be overwhelming. To make matters more confusing, the increase in pandemic puppies and quarantine kitties have meant more push-backs and changes in housing regulations than ever before.
In this article, we’re going to explain what the current rules are for Pet Owners and how you can be sure that your pupper or cat will be happy as can be in your strata apartment.
What is the latest ruling on pets in strata apartments?
For five years, an NSW-based Dog Owner named Jo Cooper fought in the courts for the right to keep her pet, a 14-year-old Schnauzer named Angus, when moving into a strata apartment. And much to the benefit of Dog Owners around the state, she won! As of August 25, 2021, the blanket ban on companion animal ownership in strata buildings was eliminated.
This means that for those looking to purchase a strata apartment, they don’t have to worry about whether their loving Labradoodle can come with them. And for existing strata owners who have forever longed for a feline friend, the laws allow them to start browsing their local adoption options.
The strata ruling is good news for Pet Owners! But there are a few things you should know
Given that Australia has one of the highest rates of Pet Ownership in the world (we just love our furbabies!), this is undoubtedly good news for a lot of people! But, you might still have a few questions about what the ruling means for you and your companion. Here are a few more in-depth details on the strata ruling:
- The strata ruling applies to NSW, only. Each state has its own by-laws, so the ruling in NSW may not change things for Pet Owners in other states. Of course, the ruling is a move in the direction of more relaxed Pet Ownership laws in general, so we wouldn’t be surprised to see other states following suit.
- The ruling only applies to strata owners. Renters, unfortunately, still have to have their furry friend approved by the landlord.
- The court ruling did set up some guidelines. Non pet-owning strata owners needn’t be worried; the ruling doesn’t mean that strata apartment buildings are suddenly going to become overrun by unwieldy animals! In contrast, the owners’ corporations will still be able to set some rules about Pet Ownership in order to keep the peace with other residents in the building. These guidelines will ensure that pets in strata apartments won’t cause too much of a disturbance or threaten the well-being of other residents. Animals who can’t comply can be required to leave.
- It’s possible that the ruling will be challenged. As is often the case with legal rulings, there is a possibility that it will continue to be challenged in the courts. It’s important to stay engaged so that you can be aware of any upcoming changes to the current regulations.
How can you be sure that your pet is the perfect resident?
No matter if you own a strata apartment or are renting a pet-friendly one, there are plenty of things that you can do to avoid any problems when it comes to your pets. Here are some tips to living drama free with your dog or cat:
- Make sure that your living space can accommodate the size and personality of your pet. In general, big dogs with lots of energy are not going to do well in small apartments. Of course, it depends on your lifestyle and the personality of your pup! Great Danes, for instance, do quite well as apartment dogs, and if you have a boisterous Border Collie on your hands, visits from a dedicated Dog Walker may be able to help.
- Socialise your pup to give them a good chance at getting along with the neighbours. Whether your strata building is filled with other pets, playful children, or neighbours who may not particularly like pups, you’ll want your dog to learn to get along with everyone. This will require regular socialisation or desensitisation if your dog is reactive or fearful of others.
- Meet your dog’s exercise and mental stimulation needs. To lower the risk of your dog bothering the neighbours while you’re out with howling and general ruckus, make sure that their needs have been met before leaving them alone. This could mean a trip to the dog park or leaving your pup with a treat-filled puzzle toy to keep them occupied.
- Work with a trainer if you’re struggling with separation anxiety or aggression. A certified trainer can be a brilliant resource in getting your dog settled into your strata apartment. They’ll be able to identify your dog’s triggers and offer helpful advice for phasing out behaviours that will have your neighbours complaining to the owners’ corporation. While you work with a trainer, it’s also a good idea to leave your dog in the care of an experienced Dog Sitter if you’ll be gone for longer than your pup can tolerate alone.
- When all else fails, know your next steps. While the recent ruling made it much harder for a dog to be ejected from a strata apartment, it’s still important to know your rights and how to navigate the system if things get tough. If you do have a problem with another animal in the building or a neighbour has a problem with your pup, NSW Fair Trading can offer mediation services.
Will you be welcoming a doggo to your strata apartment?
Now that you know how the recent ruling on Pet Ownership in strata schemes will play out, will you welcome a pet to your home?
Let us know your thoughts, hesitations, and continuing questions on having dogs and cats in strata apartments. In the meantime, remember that Mad Paws offers a range of services, from Pet Sitting to Dog Walking, to help your furry friend with the transition!
