Topic: Advice please - What is a good thing to say to Residents who ask why we have dogs outside our pet restrictions

Advice please - we allow dogs with restrictions. What is a good thing to say to Residents who ask why we have dogs outside our pet restrictions when those dogs are ESA without compromising privacy? TY

You aren’t compromising privacy if you let them know your blanket policy.

I tell them just that. We only allow restricted breeds if they are ESA or Service. If they ask of a certain person's dog is I simply tell them I cannot disclose but If they want to report the animal I'd research it and handle it appropriately with the owner.

Some people are disabled and we have accommodations for their disabilities.

Not all animals you see on property are PETS.

I always go with that

Perfect! Don't disclose that people are disabled and give a clear answer to the question without being judgemental. WELL DONE!

I just went to a fair housing seminar in April and was told to say the following: “We are aware of the animal’s presence and we are complying with all state and federal laws.”

"not all animals on the property are considered pets. If a resident follows our reasonable accommodation process and their request is approved, they are allowed to have animals that are otherwise restricted."

That’s the nicest way to say, “mind ya business “

I tell them if they have a question about a particular animal, that they should ask that person if they have any questions

We take care to make sure all animals in our community are registered appropriately and abiding by our policies. <- this was a response we came up for a review complaining about people having restricted breeds. Covers ESAs without fully confirming they have it bc its an ESA. I feel like saying anyone with restricted breeds are ESAs confirms their medical needs even though we say we can't.

I like that! You definately shouldn't say anything about fair housing, service or support animals (esa) because that indicates the person with restricted breed has a disability and you can't disclose or imply that.

Tell them that not all animals are pets. Some are service animals.

I always said any animal on site has met all of our qualifications and leave it at that. If you tell them they are service animals, you are inadvertently releasing the residents private/health information. Less said, the better.

“Some animals are ESA’s”. Thats it lol.
If they ask follow up questions about the resident, I politely decline to answer, but I’ll answer questions about how to register an ESA.

You can't say anything about fair housing, service or support animals (esa) because that indicates the person with restricted breed has a disability and you can't disclose or imply that.

Best to have no restrictions in the first place. Haha. If everyone did their dog’s DNA, they would quickly learn their dog had some of the “bad breed” in him or her. It should not be about the dog, but about the owner being responsible as a pet owner.

I cannot discuss another residents information with you.

Thanks for your concern. We can't discuss other residents but i can assure you that We're in compliance will all local and federal laws.

You can't say anything about fair housing, service or support animals (esa) because that indicates the person with restricted breed has a disability and you can't disclose or imply that.

This is why restrictions are rediculous! Most major insurance companies no longer have restrictions. I called my State Farm Agent to get an additional policy for my Dogo Argentino and was told I have $300,000 in liability and it covered him. Owners are going to have to drop this excuse soon. I don’t understand size restrictions either. I got that changed at the last property I managed because I asked why. My DM said how would you like having a 200 pound dog above you? I said I have 3 , 400 pound people above me now and a 200 pound dogs weight is distributed between four feet not 2. She thought I had a good point. We don’t have issues with our large breeds. We have a couple of dogs who are muzzled outside. It’s called responsible owners.

All the answers above are great! Have your PM company research using PetScreening to help take that part of the process off of your hands, streamline your system and help to stay compliant with federal guidelines!!

If enough people ask, post something once a quarter on your property portal about the dog policy and note that the exceptions are service animals and ESAs. Maybe include something in your move in folder too. Even cite local regulations and the company policy that apply. Use positive positive messaging.

Something simple like "that pet is approved to be at this property" is a way to say "we know, it's allowed, mind your business"