Pet-Friendly Condo & Townhome Living Guide

A cute corgi in a modern townhome. Photo Credit: Cole Keister from Unsplash

Gone are the days when people living in condominiums or townhomes couldn’t have a furry family member.

Nowadays, condo and townhome communities court animal lovers by offering amazing amenities for pets — but with great amenities come great responsibility. Nobody likes a badly behaved animal. This guide to living in a condo or townhome with pets can show you how to respect your neighbors, their pets, and the shared spaces in your community.

Keep Pets Safe

Keeping your beloved pets — and your neighbors’ beloved pets — safe is the best way to live respectfully in a condo or townhome community. Follow these simple safety measures for all types of animals:

Dogs Should Stay on Leash

• Always keep dogs leashed unless they’re in a designated dog park.
• Prevent negative interactions with neighbors, including those who may be afraid or allergic.

Don’t Let Cats Roam the Community Grounds

• Roaming outdoors can annoy neighbors and endanger your cat.
• Keep cats indoors to protect wildlife and avoid unwanted “gifts” on doorsteps.

Small Animals (Birds, Reptiles, Rodents) Need to Stay in Unit

• Small animals can escape, cause messes, or damage HVAC/electrical systems.
• Keep them securely housed within your unit.

Clean Up After Pets

• Use provided pet pick-up stations — no excuses!
• Leaving waste in shared spaces is inconsiderate and unhygienic.

Don’t Stretch the Truth About Service Animal Status

• Only certified service animals belong in animal-free zones.
• Fake service animals create resentment within the community.

Respectful Pet Ownership in Unit

Being a respectful pet owner doesn’t stop at your front door:

Minimize Stink

• Clean feeding stations, litter boxes, and pet bedding regularly.
• Prevent odors from affecting neighbors or common areas.

Minimize Noise

• Train pets to limit barking, squawking, or loud stomping.
• Use rugs/carpets to muffle sounds for downstairs neighbors.

Understand That Some People Just Don’t Like Animals

• Respect personal space — not everyone wants interaction.
• Avoid passive-aggressive behavior about shared spaces.
• Accept that fears, allergies, or personal preferences are valid.

Share Your Tips!

Do you have advice for living respectfully with pets in shared communities? Have your furry friends ever created mayhem? (We’re sure our perfect pets never misbehave…) Let us know in the comments below!