Pet-friendly communities: Co-existing with your furry friends in UAE

The UAE is regarded as a pet-friendly nation with an estimated one million pets. This has resulted in an increase in pet-friendly communities around the country, and while we are keen to accommodate a comfortable environment for our furry friends, we are faced with unique challenges as community managers.

To ensure peace and harmony among pet-friendly community members, pet etiquette, rules, and regulations are reasonably crafted in accordance with the owner association declaration, local and municipal statutes, and federal requirements pertaining to domesticated and exotic pet ownership.

Enacting these rules, encouraging compliance, and enforcing them are often the primary challenges that community managers face. So, how do we craft a community structure that ensures the smooth running of a pet-friendly environment?

Tackle challenges

Uncollected animal waste: We all do love our furry friends, but let’s admit it, uncollected animal waste causes a multitude of concerns such as destroying the grass, hygiene issues as well as being an environmental pollutant. Thankfully, most pet owners are responsible and rarely do we receive a complaint that has to be dealt with.

Un-leashed pets: Pets that roam around freely in common areas could cause fear and anxiety among some residents. Although we are certain that these pets are friendly, we always remind owners of the importance of leashing their pets.

Dirtying common area locations: Pets urinating on trees, building corners and metal poles could stain the walls and leave behind strong, unpleasant odours that are difficult to remove due to the chemical composition of animal urine. These habits cause damage to trees and other community assets.

Keeping pets on balconies and terraces: Keeping pets on balconies and terraces unattended poses a safety risk to the animal themselves and so is keeping food and water dishes, as well as bedding and litter boxes.

Absence of pet screening/animal registration: Pets that are unregistered/unscreened with community management could be wrongfully confiscated and mistaken for strays.

Feeding stray cats: Many well-meaning residents enjoy feeding stray animals, which can occasionally cause foul odours, block entrances, pathways, and amenities, and even detract from the appearance of an otherwise well-kept space.

Possible solutions

Leashing or utilising pet carriers: Pet owners should be advised to always use a leash or a pet carrier when transporting/walking their pets.

Stray cat feeding stations: Some communities found a great solution – stray cat feeding stations. These feeding stations can be installed in the community to ensure strays are treated humanely while keeping them away from the community boundaries. Community managers can also collaborate with municipal authorities to implement trap, neuter, and release (TNR) programmes to control the stray cat population.

Pet registration: No one wants to lose their loved pets because of a simple registration issue. That’s why residents are asked to register their pets with the designated community management team before bringing them into their home; the type and breed of the pet must be included in the registration. We also recommend getting pets micro-chipped as it is required by law. Community management may also ask for proof of rabies vaccination and any other vaccinations required by UAE law.

Keep them close: Owners should place a doghouse, shed, screen, fence or other structure inside the unit in the best interest of their loved pet.

Creating a pet play area: A pet-friendly area is a wonderful way to attract pet loving residents as it removes the concern that pets will disturb the community landscaping, keep the common areas clean, and avoid any health hazards such as allergies for tenants. It is also a fantastic way for residents to socialise and encourage community engagement.

Host pet friendly events: Hosting a pet friendly event to promote resident mingling is one of the best ways to avoid conflicts between pet owners and those who don’t own animals. These types of events allow you to use your community’s pet-friendliness to bring together residents and foster a more inclusive and social environment for all.

Resource list to help pet owners: Being a pet friendly community means accepting that accidents will happen, such as dogs chewing the carpets or shedding, among others. When signing a lease with a tenant, it is best to provide them with a list of local veterinarians, dog and cat grooming services, and local pet trainers to help them in resolving pet issues.

Install pet waste stations: While out for a walk with their pet, tenants may forget to bring waste bags. That’s why pet waste stations are a great way to reduce pet waste while also supporting tenants in meeting the community standards. Installing such stations encourages pet owners to clean up after their pets and properly dispose of waste and communicating to non-pet owners about the management of pet waste.

Awareness campaigns: Reach out to residents to show the impact of increased cleaning schedules in the community, set up and inform of dedicated pet walking areas to highlight the importance of pet training, introduce technology available to comfort pets while owners are away, are steps to create a more inclusive community environment.

Raising a pet brings a lot of joy and fun to members of the community. However, it is important to understand the needs of your pet, and the associated responsibilities that come with pet ownership not only to make your furry friends happy, but also to help keep your community safe and clean.

Rima Nassair is the director of Owners Association at Provis

Read: How to create more sustainable communities within the UAE