Dogs offer comfort, companionship, and help build community in multifamily housing. However, these benefits come with risks if pets are not properly managed. Housing providers must balance welcoming pets with ensuring a safe environment for all residents, addressing both liability and compliance concerns.
This risk resource outlines practical considerations and policy strategies to help housing organizations manage dog-related risks and support responsible pet ownership.
What you’ll learn:
- How to develop clear, enforceable pet policies that prioritize safety
- Why focusing on behavior and control, not just breed, is key
- The differences between service animals and support animals, and related compliance requirements
- Important considerations for dog-friendly amenities, including dog parks
- Best practices for reducing liability and preventing incidents
Why this matters
Dog ownership offers real benefits but also introduces risk. Since 2017, dog-related incidents have resulted in over $1.4 million in claims, underscoring the need for proactive planning and enforcement of policies. Even well-trained dogs may behave unpredictably, especially in shared living environments. Without clear guidelines, these situations can result in injuries, disputes, and legal exposure for housing providers. By implementing thoughtful policies and consistent enforcement enables housing organizations to protect residents, reduce liability, and foster a safer, more inclusive community.
Understanding service and support animals
It is essential to distinguish between service animals and support animals when developing and enforcing pet policies:
- Service animals are trained to perform specific tasks for individuals with disabilities.
- Support animals provide emotional or therapeutic benefits but are not task-trained.
Under federal guidelines:
- Housing providers may ask what tasks a service animal performs
- Providers cannot require proof of training
- Reasonable accommodations must be made under the Fair Housing Act (FHA)
Failure to properly accommodate these animals can expose organizations to legal risk, making compliance a critical component of any pet policy. For further information, refer to the Service Animals, Support Animals, and Pets (Public Housing) course by the Housing Training Institute.
Bottom line
Dogs can significantly enhance life in multifamily communities, but only when supported by clear expectations and responsible management.
By developing well-defined, legally compliant policies, housing providers can reduce incidents, protect residents and staff, and create a more harmonious community. A proactive approach ensures that both pets and people can thrive safely together.
Access more resources
Explore additional risk management tools, checklists, and guidance in HAI Group's Resource Center, created to help housing organizations stay informed, prepared, and resilient.
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