b'Proceed With CautionThe method and manner in which a pet restriction is can save the Association time, money, and headaches inimplemented and enforced should be carefully reviewed the long run. !with legal counsel; failure to correctly notice and adoptsuch policies may jeopardize the enforceability of the pro- When Stephen Bardy stepped into thevision itself, as does the inconsistent enforcement of the Executive Director role with Pet Alliance ofrestriction. It is also important to carefully draft such poli- Greater Orlando in 2016, his number onecies while ensuring that the restriction is not unreasonable, goal was to reduce the number of animalsarbitrary, or capricious. Start by considering what the who end up at the shelter.Bardy quicklyrestrictions intended effect is, and what problem the noticed the main reason people were sur-Board seeks to solve by enacting the restriction. For exam- rendering their pets was because their petswere not accepted where they lived.The bigple, does the Association wish to restrict pet ownership problem was dogsprimarily larger dogsamong all members, or only as to tenants? Drafting withnot being accepted. The shelter workedthe least restrictive, but still effective, language can help in Stephen Bardy, with The Balmoral Group, who prepared ashowing that the restriction is reasonable. Executive Director, cost/benefit analysis of pet-friendly hous-An Associations Board of Directors should carefully Pet Alliance of Greater ing for the Orlando area.The results of thereview the Associations rulemaking authority with legal Orlando, and his analysis proved that the benefits of offeringcounsel to ensure the manner such a restriction is imple- dog Jan. more pet-friendly housing outweighed themented correctly. Counsel should also be consulted in costs.The benefits included increased rent income and tenantdrafting the content of any such restriction. Clear drafting pools, longer renter retention, decreased vacancy times andcan help the Board of Directors and members alike, anddecreased costs of advertising vacant units. !Thereisnonationallyrecognizedcertifyingagencyandnocertificationgrantedtoservice,therapy,emotionalsupport,orotherassistance-typeanimals.NeithertheFederal Housing Administration nor the Americans with Disabilities Act require serviceanimalcertification.Anumberofreputableagenciescertifythatananimalhasparticipatedintheirprograms,completedtrainingcourses,orotherwisemeetsthecriteria for a service animal. These are legitimate, but not official, and they offer no guarantee of an animals status. Bewareof fraudulent service-animal certifications that are easily available for purchase online. To learn more, visit www.HUD.govor www.ADA.govAssistance animals play an important role in the lives of people with disabil-ities. The federal Fair Housing Act (FHA), the Americans with Disabilities Act, aswell as state and local laws govern assistance animals in community associa-tions. Assistance animals are not considered pets subject to restrictions fromcommunity association governing documents. Most pet-related policies do notapply to them.Assistance animals are categorized into three groups:Serviceanimals: Specificallytrainedtoworkorperformtasksforindividuals with physical disabilities.Therapy animals: Providepsychologicalorphysiologicalbenefitstoindividuals or groups in a clinical environment.Emotional support animals: Provide comfort for people with mentalhealth issues.Questions regarding pet issues and service animals should always be referred to an attorney when legal advice is needed.Wounded warrior with Yoda, his service dog. Community Associations Institute ! Photographed during the Warrior Games heldin Tampa, Florida in 2019Summer 2022 Suncoast Review - 15'