Springhill
Cohousing
Pets
policy
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For sale
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Lots of pictures
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Brief history
how it got built
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What is Cohousing?
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Latest revision date: 29 March 2011, First Publication Date: 24 February 2001
Pets Policy - March 2011
The Pets Policy at Springhill aims to balance two sets of priorities. On the one hand, to protect the wildlife on our site and to keep the outside spaces clean and safe for our children to play in, and for our adults to enjoy. On the other hand, not to impose unreasonable restrictions on those for whom a pet is an important member of the family.
Current policy sets a recommended limit for the number of cats living on site, and asks each household to consider its own need for a cat in relation to the impact on the site as a whole. Over time, we hope that the overall number of cats at Springhill can be reduced. Currently there is only one dog on site [update at November 2014, now three dogs on site], but we would consider limiting dog numbers in the future if the need arose, though we recognise their impact is less.
However, the existing pets of new arrivals at Springhill will be considered on a case-by-case basis, as we respect the role that established pets play in a household. In the case of dogs, this consideration will involve meeting at least one member of the Pet Committee.
How the Pet Committee works
The Pet Committee, currently comprising Liz C (coordinator), Madi, Stephen, Felicity and Karen will continue to act to accept pets according to the Lease under the following code:
- To make any new arrivals or prospective owner of a new pet aware of existing pet guidelines, which are also stated on the website.
- To help any prospective owner of a new pet understand, and agree to follow the pet guidelines.
- Pet Committee meetings will be publicised and are open to any other resident. Any resident may formally join the Committee at any time.
- The approvals process is as follows:
- All residents must inform a member of the Pet Committee if they want to acquire a new pet.
- The Pet Committee will then give the community two weeks notice, by email to the Cocoresidents, to raise any objections.
- If any objections are raised then the decision as to whether the pet will be approved is then brought to the next Residents Association meeting, whose decision is final.
- If no objections are raised then the Pet Committee will inform the resident of their pet’s approval.
- To keep a record of all pets that have been approved.
Pet Guidelines
- Pet owners to be sensitive to other residents’ needs and anxieties, and not allow their pet to cause disturbance to other residents. Any dispute over pets to be arbitrated by the Pets committee. In the event of any unresolved conflict or issue over pets, then that issue to go to a Residents Association meeting, whose decision is final, including the potential eviction of any problem pet.
- All pets should be well cared for and not neglected.
- No pets allowed in Common House.
Dogs
- Dogs must be accompanied and to be kept under proper control at all times when on communal land.
- Owners to ensure dogs do not poo in communal areas. Any accidents to be cleared up by owner.
Cats
- Cats should be discouraged where possible from pooing in communal areas i.e. by the provision of litter trays. Cat owners to collectively be responsible for regular clearing up of any contaminated areas.
- All cats should be sterilized.
- Limit on Cat numbers:
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- Total cat numbers on site to be limited to 14, bar any increase above that caused by the acceptance of any existing cats owned by new arrivals, whereupon no new cats will be approved until that number once again falls below 14.
- Existing cat owners can replace a cat when it dies but only in one cat households.