Pet Policy
Pet Policy
Attachment to the Dwelling Lease
Arkansas County Housing Authority
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The purpose of this Policy is to establish the PHA's policy and procedures for the ownership of pets in public housing units and to ensure that no applicant or resident is discriminated against in regard to admission or continued occupancy because of pet ownership. The policy also establishes reasonable rules governing the keeping of common household pets.
- Management Approval of Pets
- All pets must be seen and approved in advance by the PHA management.
- The pet owner must submit proof of required vaccinations and inoculations and spaying/neutering for the pet by a licensed veterinarian.
- The pet owner must submit and enter into a pet agreement with the PHA.
Tenant Registration of Pets:
All pets must be registered with the PHA before they are brought onto the PHA premises. Registration includes a certificate signed by a licensed veterinarian, or other state/local authority, showing that the pet has been spayed/neutered (or will be soon), received all inoculations required by State and local law, and that the pet has no communicable diseases and is pest-free.
By executing a pet agreement with the PHA, the tenant acknowledges that it is their complete responsibility to care for and to clean up after the pet as required by the PHA.
Tenants having a pet under this policy are subject to all provisions of the PHA lease, including but not limited to maintaining the residence in a clean and sanitary manner and paying charges for damages to a tenant's housing unit caused by the pet.
All dogs and cats must be spayed or neutered.
All PHA registration requirements must be met and completed before any pet will be allowed to be kept on PHA premises.
Pet registration must be renewed and will be coordinated with the tenant's annual recertification. Proof of current license and inoculations will be required at that time.
PHA Refusal to Register Pets:
If the PHA refuses to register a pet, a written notification will be sent to the pet owner stating the reason for the denial. This refusal notification shall be served in accordance with HUD notice requirements and may be combined with a notice of pet policy
violation.
The PHA may not refuse to register based solely on its determination that the pet owner is financially unable to care for the pet.
The PHA will refuse to register a pet if:
- The pet is not a common household pet as defined in this policy.
- Keeping the pet would violate any household pet rules.
- The pet owner fails to provide complete pet registration information or fails to complete the annual renewal process.
- The PHA reasonably determines that the pet owner is unable to keep the pet and is in compliance with the pet rules and other lease obligations.
- The pet's temperament and behavior would prevent the pet owner from being able to comply with the provisions of the pet rules and the lease provisions.
- Standard for Pets
Persons with Disabilities
The Pet Policy will not be applied to approved Assistance Animals that assist persons with disabilities. Please refer to the Assistance Animal Policy for the PHA's policy and procedures for reasonable accommodations for Assistance Animals, including Service Animals and Emotional Support Animals.
Types of Pets Allowed:
Only the types of pets listed may be kept on PHA premises by any tenant. Any type of pet excluded below or not listed below may not be kept on PHA premises.
Tenants will not be allowed to have more than one type of pet at any given time.
- Dogs:
- Maximum Number: One (1)
- Maximum Adult Weight: 30 pounds
- Must Be Housebroken
- Must Be Spayed or Neutered
- Must Have All Required Inoculations
- Must Be Licensed at All Times as Required by State and local laws or City Ordinance
- Must not display any aggressive tendencies
- Must be under the owner's control at all times
- Cats:
- Maximum Number: One (1)
- Must Be Housebroken
- Must Be Spayed or Neutered
- Must Have All Required Inoculations
- Must be licensed at all times as required by State and local laws or City Ordinance, if any
- Must not display any aggressive tendencies
- Must be under the owner's control at all times
- Birds:
- Maximum Number: Two (2)
- Must be housebroken or kept in a suitable cage/ enclosure
- Must Have All Required Inoculations
- Must be licensed at all times as required by State and local laws or City Ordinance, if any
- Must be under the owner's control at all times
- Fish:
- Maximum Aquarium Size: Fifty (50) Gallons
- Must Be Kept in a Suitable Aquarium
- Aquariums should be regularly cleaned
- Types of Animals that are Prohibited:
- The Following Dogs are NOT allowed to be registered as Pets or to be on PHA Premises: Rottweilers, Pit Bulls, Dobermans, Labradors, Large Bird or Hound Dogs, Dalmatians, German Shepherds, Chows, Boxers, or any large mixed-breed dogs.
- The Following Dogs are NOT allowed to be registered as Pets or to be on PHA Premises: Rottweilers, Pit Bulls, Dobermans, Labradors, Large Bird or Hound Dogs, Dalmatians, German Shepherds, Chows, Boxers, or any large mixed-breed dogs.
- Additional Prohibited Pets:
- Spiders of any kind are prohibited.
- Snakes and Reptiles of any kind are prohibited.
- Amphibians of any kind are prohibited.
- Rodents of any kind are prohibited
- Any animal not considered a common household pet, including but not limited to exotics, wild or undomesticated animals, and barnyard animals are prohibited.
- Dogs:
- Pets Temporarily on the PHA Premises
Pets not owned by a Tenant will not be allowed on any PHA premises at any time.
Humane Society or other visiting pet programs of non-profit organizations are exempt from the section, provided they have been approved in advance by the PHA Main Office. - Designation of "Pet/No Pet" Areas:
All common areas and playgrounds are designed as "no pets" areas.
All pets must normally be kept and maintained within the Tenant's unit. Collars and tags must be worn at all times. When dogs or cats are outside of the Tenant's unit, they must be kept on a leash or carried, and must be under the control of the Tenant or other responsible household member at all times. Pets and Assistance Animals must never be allowed to run freely on the PHA premises.
The Tenant or responsible individual will be required to clean up after their Pet.
Breeding of any Pet is expressly prohibited on PHA premises.
Tenants are prohibited from feeding or harboring any stray or wild animals. - Additional Fees and Deposits
All Tenants with pets must pay a pet deposit along with the required registration forms.
Elderly families must pay a deposit of $100.00.
All other families must pay a deposit of $200.00.
If payment arrangements are needed, at least $50.00 must be paid on a monthly basis until the specified deposit has been paid in full. Failure to pay the pet deposit in full in a timely manner will be grounds for PHA removal of the pet(s).
The PHA will refund the pet deposit to the Tenant, less any damage to the dwelling unit caused by the pet, upon the removal of the pet or the Tenant from the unit.
In the event of the Tenant's incapacitation or death, the PHA will remit any refundable pet deposit to the person designated by the Tenant.
The PHA will provide the Tenant or designated person with a written list of any and all charges against the pet deposit. If the Tenant or designated person disagrees with the amounts charged against the pet deposit, an opportunity will be provided to review the disputed charges.
All reasonable expenses incurred by the PHA as a result of damage directly attributable to the presence of the pet on the PHA premises shall be the responsibility of the Tenant, including repairs, replacements, or fumigation to the dwelling unit or any other portions of the PHA premises.
Pet deposits are not a part of any rent payable by the Tenant.
The Tenant will be liable for any harm caused by the animal, including bodily injury or property damage. - Alterations to the unit of premises
Tenants who are pet owners shall not alter their unit, patio, any common areas, or other premises of the PHA in order to create an enclosure or other permanent alteration for their pet(s).
The installation of pet doors is expressly prohibited. - Noise
Pet owners must control the noise of all pets so that such noise does not constitute a nuisance to other residents or interrupt the peaceful enjoyment of their housing unit and the premises. This type of noise includes, but is not limited to, loud or continuous barking, howling, whining, biting, scratching, chirping, or other types of noises. - Cleanliness Requirements
All animal waste and/ or litter shall be picked up immediately by the pet owner and shall be disposed of in a sealed trash bag/ plastic bag and then placed in a trash can or bin. Cleanup must occur IMMEDIATELY.
A separate pet waste removal charge of $5.00 per occurrence will be assessed against pet owners who fail to remove pet waste in accordance with this policy.
Waste and/or litter shall NOT be disposed of by flushing down the toilet.
Litter boxes shall be kept inside the dwelling unit at all times and shall be kept clean.
Pet owners shall take adequate precautions and actions to eliminate any and all pet odors within and around the dwelling unit and shall maintain the dwelling unit in a sanitary condition at all times.
Pet owners are expected to promptly notify PHA staff and arrange for extermination when a flea or pest infestation is noted. Any flea or pest infestation must be attended to promptly by a professional extermination company at the tenant/owner's expense. - Pet Care
No pet or pets (with the exception of aquarium fish) shall be left unattended in any dwelling unit or other PHA premises for a period of time exceeding twenty-four (24)hours.
Pet owners shall be responsible for the adequate and proper care, nutrition, exercise, and medical care of their pet.
Pet owners must recognize that other residents may have chemical sensitivities and/ or allergies related to pets or may be easily frightened or disoriented by animals. Pet owners must exercise courtesy with respect to other residents. - Responsibilities
Any resident who takes care of another resident's pet must notify the PHA in writing and must agree, in writing, to abide by the PHA pet rules.
Pet owners shall be required to designate two (2) responsible parties for the care of their pet(s) in the event that the health or safety or the pet(s) is threatened by the death or incapacity of the pet owner, or by any other factors that render the pet owner unable to properly care for their pet(s), including the Tenant being away from the unit for more than 24 hours. - Inspections
The PHA may, after reasonable notice to the Tenant, and during reasonable hours, enter and inspect the dwelling unit and premises for pet-related conditions, in addition to other allowed inspections.
Pet-related inspections are allowed only if a complaint is received alleging that the conduct or conditions of the pet(s) in the unit constitute a nuisance or a threat to the health or safety of the other occupants or other persons. - Pet Rule Violation Notice
If a determination is made based upon objective facts, supported by written statement(s), that the pet owner has violated the pet policy, written notice will be served on the pet owner/ tenant.
The notice will contain a brief statement of the factual basis for the determination and the pertinent rules that were violated.
The notice will also state that:- The pet owner has seven (7) days from the date of service of the notice to correct any violation or to make a written request for a meeting to discuss the violation under the Grievance Policy Procedure.
- The pet owner is entitled to be accompanied at the meeting by another person of his/her choosing.
- The pet owner's failure to correct the violation, request a meeting, or to appear at a requested meeting may result in the initiation of procedures to terminate the pet owner's tenancy.
- Notice of Pet Removal
If the pet owner and the PHA are unable to resolve the violation at any meeting, or if the pet owner fails to correct the violation in the time period allotted by the PHA, the PHA may serve notice to remove the pet(s) from the PHA premises.
The notice for removal shall contain a brief statement of the factual basis for the PHA's determination that the pet policy has been violated; that the pet owner must remove the pet(s) within five (5) days of the notice; and that failure to remove the pet(s) will result in the initiation of procedures to terminate the pet owner's tenancy. - Termination of Tenancy
The PHA may initiate procedures for termination of a pet owner's tenancy based upon a pet rule violation if the pet owner has failed to remove the pet(s) or to correct a pet rule violation within the time period specified, and the pet rule violation is sufficient under the terms of the Lease Agreement to begin termination of tenancy procedures. - Pet Removal by the PHA
If the death or incapacity of the pet owner or other factors occur that threaten the health, care, or safety of the pet(s), the situation will be reported to the responsible party(s) designated by the pet owner/tenant. - Emergencies
The PHA will take all necessary steps to ensure that pets that become vicious, display symptoms of severe illness, or demonstrate behavior that constitutes an immediate threat to the health and safety of others are referred to the appropriate state or local agency authorized to remove such animals.
If it becomes necessary for the PHA to place the pet in a shelter or other appropriate facility, the cost of such placement shall be the full responsibility of the pet owner/ tenant.
If the pet is removed from the PHA premises as a result of any aggressive act of the pet, the pet will not be allowed back on the PHA premises. - Liability
The PHA is not liable for the health, safety, care, or replacement of any pet on the PHA premises or in the event the animal is removed as a result of the previous paragraphs N-P or other violation of this policy or the Tenant Dwelling Lease.
All liability for the actions of pet(s) (property damage, bites, scratches, etc.) is the responsibility of the owner/tenant. The tenant hereby acknowledges that the failure to properly care for or control their pet(s) may result in removal of the animal or termination of tenancy under this policy.
The purpose of this Policy is to establish the PHA's policy and procedures for reasonable accommodations for Assistance Animals, including Service Animals and Emotional Support Animals, in public housing units and to ensure that no applicant or resident is discriminated against in regard to admission or continued occupancy because of the presence of an Assistance Animal. The policy also establishes reasonable rules governing the keeping of Assistance Animals on the PHA premises.
What is an Assistance Animal? An assistance animal is an animal that works, provides assistance, or performs tasks for the benefit of a person with a disability, or that provides emotional support that alleviates one or more identified effects of a person's disability. An Assistance Animal is NOT a pet. An Assistance Animal under this policy can be a Service Animal or an Emotional Support Animal.
Individuals with a disability may request to keep an Assistance Animal as a reasonable accommodation to PHA's pet restrictions, subject to this policy and PHA approval of their reasonable accommodations request.
- Management Approval of Assistance Animals
- All Assistance Animals must be seen and approved in advance by the PHA management.
- The Assistance Animal owner must submit verification of a legitimate need for an Assistance Animal as provided by a doctor or other medical professional, a counselor or social worker, a peer support group, a non-medical service agency, or a reliable third party who is in a position to know about the
individual's disability. - The Assistance Animal owner must submit proof of required vaccinations and inoculations for the Assistance Animal by a licensed veterinarian.
- The Assistance Animal owner must submit and enter into an Assistance Animal agreement with the PHA.
- Tenant Registration of Assistance Animals:
All Assistance Animals must be registered with the PHA before they are brought onto the PHA premises. Registration includes a certificate signed by a licensed veterinarian or other state/local authority, showing that the Assistance Animal has received all inoculations required by State and local law, and that the Assistance Animal has no communicable diseases and is pest-free. In submitting a doctor's or other third-party's verification of need for the Assistance Animal, owners must submit one verification per animal. The total number of Assistance Animals in a household should not exceed one per household member, unless a doctor's verification specifically allows for more than one animal to assist in an individual's various disabilities.
By executing an Assistance Animal agreement with the PHA, the tenant acknowledges that it is their complete responsibility to care for and to clean up after the Assistance Animal as required by the PHA. Tenants allowed an Assistance Animal under reasonable accommodations are subject to all the other provisions of the PHA lease, including but not limited to maintaining their residence in a clean and sanitary manner and paying charges for damages to their housing unit for damages caused by an Assistance Animal.
All Assistance Animals are encouraged to be spayed or neutered, if possible, as it generally improves the health and well-being of the animal and reduces the risk of accidental litters which are not Assistance Animals. Low-cost Spay /Neuter Vouchers are available to those Tenants who cannot afford to alter their Assistance Animal.
All PHA registration requirements must be met and completed before any Assistance Animal will be allowed to be kept on PHA premises.
Assistance Animal registration must be renewed and will be coordinated with the tenant's annual recertification. Proof of current vaccinations and inoculations will be required at that time.
- Dogs
- Maximum Number: One (1)*
- Must Be Housebroken
- Should Be Spayed or Neutered
- ( Must Have All Required Inoculations
- Must be licensed at all times as required by State and local laws or city ordinance
- Must not display any aggressive tendencies
- Must be under the owner's control at all times
- Cats
- Maximum Number: One (1)*
- Must Be Housebroken
- Should Be Spayed or Neutered
- Must Have All Required Inoculations
- Must be licensed at all times as required by State and local laws or city ordinance, if any
- Must not display any aggressive tendencies
- Must be under the owner's control at all times
- Birds
- Maximum Number: Two (2)*
- Must be housebroken or kept in a suitable cage/ enclosure
- Must Have All Required Inoculations
- Must be licensed at all times as required by State and local laws or city ordinance, if any
- Must be under the owner's control at all times
- Fish:
- Maximum Aquarium Size: Fifty (50) Gallons
- Must be kept in a suitable aquarium
- Aquariums should be regularly cleaned
- Turtles
- Maximum Aquarium Size: Fifty (50) Gallons
- Must be kept in a suitable aquarium
- Aquariums should be regularly cleaned
- Must be under the owner's control at all times
- Rabbits, Gerbils, Hamsters, and Guinea Pigs
- Maximum Number: One (1)*
- Must Be Housebroken or kept in a suitable cage/ enclosure
- Should Be Spayed or Neutered- (if more than one animal is allowed)
- Must Have All Required Inoculations
- Must be licensed at all times as required by State and local laws or city ordinance, if any
- Must not display any aggressive tendencies
- Must be under the owner's control at all times
- Miniature Horses
- Maximum Number: One (1)
- Maximum Size: up to 34 inches, measured at the shoulders
- Maximum Weight: up to 100 pounds
- Must be individually trained to do work or perform tasks for individuals with disabilities and ADA certified
- Must Be Housebroken
- Must Have All Required Inoculations
- Must be licensed at all times as required by State and local laws or city ordinance, if any
- Must be under the owner's control at all times
- All males must be castrated
- Must not display any aggressive tendencies
- *Miniature horses taller than 34 inches or over 100 pounds will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis, and may be rejected if the PHA reasonably determines that the housing unit cannot accommodate the miniature horse's size and weight, or its presence would compromise legitimate safety requirements necessary for safe operation of the housing unit.
- Types of Animals that are Prohibited:
- Spiders of any kind are prohibited
- Snakes of any kind are prohibited
- Reptiles of any kind are prohibited, other than turtles
- Amphibians of any kind are prohibited
- Rodents of any kind are prohibited, other than rabbits, gerbils, hamsters, and guinea pigs
- Any animal considered exotic or non-traditional is prohibited, including but not limited to: Guinea/Pea Fowl, Kangaroo, Monkeys, and Sugar Gliders
- Any animal that is a wild or native species or not domesticated is prohibited, including but not limited to: Squirrels, Ferrets/Mustelids, Raccoons, Skunks, Opossums, Deer
- Any animal considered a barn-yard animal ( other than an ADA-certified miniature horse) is prohibited, including but not limited to: Potbellied Pigs, Pigs, Goats, Donkeys, Geese, Roosters, Turkeys
Prohibited animals will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis, and may be allowed ONLY if the PHA reasonably believes that the prohibited animal is a reasonable request for accommodation as an Assistance Animal and the housing unit can accommodate the animal's size and weight, the animal is housebroken, and the animal is under the. control of the owner, and the animal's presence would not compromise the legitimate health and safety requirements necessary for safe operation of the housing unit.
If the type of animal is also a prohibited animal, the PHA will request the tenant provide additional evidence from their healthcare provider or treating third-party as to the date of last consultation with the patient/ tenant, any unique circumstances justifying the patient/ tenant's need for the particular animal or particular type of animal, whether the health care professional has reliable information about this specific animal or type of animal, and whether the health care professional specifically recommends this type of animal for the patient/tenant.
- Dogs
- Assistance Animals Temporarily on the PHA Premises
Assistance Animals not owned by a Tenant are allowed on any PHA premises, but Tenant should reasonably give prior notice to the PHA main office of said Assistance Animal's presence, and Assistance Animal owners should abide by the PHA's stated policy for Assistance Animals.
Humane Society or other visiting pet or Assistance Animal programs of non-profit organizations are exempt from the section, provided they have been approved in advance by the PHA. - Control of Your Assistance Animal
All Assistance Animals must normally be kept and maintained within the Tenant's unit. Collars and tags must be worn at all times. When dogs, cats, miniature horses, or other approved Assistance Animals are outside of the Tenant's unit, they must be kept on a leash/harness or carried and must be under the control of the Tenant or other responsible household member at all times. Assistance Animals must never be allowed to run freely on the PHA premises.
The Tenant or responsible individual will be required to clean up after their Assistance Animal.
Breeding of any Assistance Animal is expressly prohibited on PHA premises.
Tenants are prohibited from feeding or harboring any stray or wild animals. - Damages
There shall be no fee or deposit for an Assistance Animal kept on the premises. However, if any damage to the dwelling unit is caused by the Assistance Animal, whether found during routine inspection or upon the removal of the Assistance Animal or the Tenant from the unit, the PHA will provide the Tenant or designated person a written list of any and all charges against the Tenant for damages caused by the Assistance Animal. If the Tenant or designated person disagrees with the amounts charged, an opportunity will be provided to review the disputed charges.
All reasonable expenses incurred by the PHA as a result of damage directly attributable to the presence of the Assistance Animal on the PHA premises shall be the responsibility of the Tenant, including repairs, replacements, or fumigation to the dwelling unit or any other portions of the PHA premises.
The Owner/Tenant will be liable for any harm caused by the Assistance Animal, including bodily injury or property damage. - Alterations to the Unit or Premises
Tenants who are Assistance Animal owners shall not alter their unit, patio, any common areas, or other premises of the PHA in order to create an enclosure or other permanent alteration for their Assistance Animal(s). The installation of pet doors is expressly prohibited. - Noise
Assistance Animal owners must control the noise of all Assistance Animals so that such noise does not constitute a nuisance to other residents or interrupt the peaceful enjoyment of their housing unit and the premises. This type of noise includes, but is not limited to, loud or continuous barking, howling, whining, biting, scratching, chirping, or other types of noises. - Cleanliness Requirements
All animal waste and/ or litter (indoors and outdoors) shall be picked up immediately by the Assistance Animal owner and shall be disposed of in a sealed trash bag/ plastic bag and then placed in a trash can or bin. Cleanup must occur IMMEDIATELY.
A separate animal waste removal charge of $5.00 per occurrence will be assessed against Assistance Animal owners who fail to remove animal waste in accordance with this policy.
Waste and/ or litter shall NOT be disposed of by flushing down the toilet.
Litter boxes shall be kept inside the dwelling unit at all times and shall be kept clean.
Assistance Animal owners shall take adequate precautions and actions to eliminate any and all animal odors within and around the dwelling unit and shall maintain the dwelling unit in a sanitary condition at all times.
Assistance Animal owners are expected to promptly notify PHA staff and arrange for extermination when a flea or pest infestation is noted. Any flea or pest infestation must be attended to promptly by a professional extermination company at the tenant/owner's expense. - Care of Assistance Animals
No Assistance Animal(s) (with the exception of aquarium fish) shall be left unattended in any dwelling unit or other PHA premises for a period of time exceeding twenty-four (24) hours.
Assistance Animal owners shall be responsible for the adequate and proper care, nutrition, exercise, and medical care of their Assistance Animal.
Assistance Animal owners must recognize that other residents may have chemical sensitivities and/ or allergies related to certain animals or may be easily frightened or disoriented by animals. Assistance Animal owners must exercise courtesy with respect to other residents. - Responsibilities
Assistance Animal owners shall be required to designate two (2) responsible parties for the care of their Assistance Animal(s) in the event that the health or safety or the Assistance Animal(s) is threatened by the death or incapacity of the Assistance Animal owner, or by any other factors that render the owner unable to properly care for their Assistance Animal(s), including the Tenant being away from the unit for more than 24 hours.
Any resident who takes care of another resident's Assistance Animal must notify the PHA and must agree to abide by the PHA Assistance Animal policy rules. - Inspections
The PHA may, after reasonable notice to the Tenant, and during reasonable hours, enter and inspect the dwelling unit and premises for animal-related conditions, in addition to other allowed inspections.
Animal-related inspections are allowed only if a complaint is received alleging that the conduct or conditions of the Assistance Animal(s) in the unit constitute a nuisance or a threat to the health or safety of the other occupants or other persons. - Assistance Animal Policy Rule Violation Notice
If a determination is made based upon objective facts, supported by written statement(s), that an Assistance Animal owner has violated the Assistance Animal policy, written notice will be served on the Assistance Animal owner/tenant.
The notice will contain a brief statement of the factual basis for the determination and the Assistance Animal policy rules that were violated.
The notice will also state that:- The Assistance Animal owner has seven (7) days from the date of service of the notice to correct any violation or to make a written request for a meeting to discuss the violation under the Grievance Policy Procedure.
- The Assistance Animal owner is entitled to be accompanied at the meeting by another person of his/her choosing.
- The Assistance Animal owner's failure to correct the violation, request a meeting, or to appear at a requested meeting may result in the initiation of procedures to terminate the Assistance Animal owner's tenancy.
- Notice for Assistance Animal Removal
If the Assistance Animal owner and the PHA are unable to resolve the violation at any meeting, or if the Assistance Animal owner fails to correct the violation in the time period allotted by the PHA, the PHA may serve notice to remove the Assistance Animal(s) from the PHA premises.
The notice for removal shall contain a brief statement of the factual basis for the PHA's determination that the Assistance Animal policy has been violated; that the Assistance Animal owner must remove the Assistance Animal(s) within five (5) days of the notice; and that failure to remove the Assistance Animal(s) will result in the initiation of procedures to terminate the Assistance Animal owner's tenancy. - Termination of Tenancy
The PHA may initiate procedures for termination of an Assistance Animal owner's tenancy based upon an Assistance Animal policy rule violation if the Assistance Animal owner has failed to remove the Assistance Animal(s) or to correct a Assistance Animal policy rule violation within the time period specified, and that the Assistance Animal policy rule violation is sufficient under the terms of the lease to begin termination of tenancy procedures. - Assistance Animal Removal by the PHA
In the event of the death or incapacity of the Assistance Animal owner, or other factors occur that threaten the health, care, or safety of the Assistance Animal(s), the situation will be reported to the responsible party(s) designated by the Assistance Animal owner/ tenant.
If the designated responsible party is unable or unwilling to care for and/ or remove the Assistance Animal(s), or if, after reasonable efforts, the PHA is unable to contact the responsible party, the PHA may contact the appropriate state or local agency and request the removal of the Assistance Animal(s). - Emergencies
The PHA will take all necessary steps to ensure that Assistance Animals that become vicious, display symptoms of severe illness, or demonstrate behavior that constitutes an immediate threat to the health and safety of others are referred to the appropriate state or local agency authorized to remove such animals.
If it becomes necessary for the PHA to place the Assistance Animal in a shelter or other appropriate facility, the cost of such placement shall be the full responsibility of the Assistance Animal owner/ tenant.
If an Assistance Animal is removed from the PHA premises as a result of any aggressive act of the Assistance Animal, the Assistance Animal will not be allowed back on the PHA premises. - Liability
The PHA is not liable for the health, safety, care, or replacement of any Assistance Animal on the PHA premises or in the event the animal is removed as a result of the previous paragraphs N-P or other violation of this policy or the Tenant Dwelling Lease.
All liability for the actions of the Assistance Animal(s) (property damage, bites, scratches, etc.) is the responsibility of the owner/tenant. The tenant hereby acknowledges that the failure to properly care for or control their Assistance Animal(s) may result in removal of the animal or termination of tenancy under this policy.
