Doggie Do’s and Don’ts

A Guide for Responsible Pet Ownership in HOA Communities

Living in a Homeowners Association (HOA) community in Colorado comes with many benefits: shared amenities, property value protection, and a unified neighborhood standard. But when it comes to pets, especially dogs, unclear expectations or lack of enforcement can quickly turn a neighborly community into a contentious one.

Doggie Do’s and Don’ts: What Every Pet Owner Needs to Know in an HOA Community

If you live in an HOA community in Colorado and own a dog, there’s a lot more to responsible pet ownership than picking up after your pup. From state laws to HOA-specific covenants, many pet-related issues are governed by both legal requirements and community expectations. As one of Colorado’s top HOA management companies, we’ve seen firsthand how ignoring these guidelines can lead to neighbor disputes, fines, and even intervention from animal control.

Here’s what every dog owner and board member should know.

🐾 What the Law Says (Yes, These Are Actual Rules)

Let’s start with the basics that go beyond your HOA’s rules and into state and local law:

●     No Tethering or Leaving Dogs Outside Unattended: In Colorado, it’s illegal to tether a dog outside for extended periods or to leave them outdoors unattended—including in your backyard or garage. Violations can lead to reports to animal control and HOA enforcement action.

●     Walking Dogs in Heat: During the summer months, walking your dog between 10am and 6pm can be dangerous and, in some cities, even cited under animal cruelty guidelines. Avoid paved surfaces and stick to early morning or evening walks.

●     Invisible Fences Require HOA Approval: Planning to install an invisible fence? It must be approved by your HOA’s Architectural Review Committee before installation—even if it’s not visible. Most CC&Rs require board approval for any containment system.

✅ Doggie Do’s: Be a Good Neighbor and Pet Owner

Do Follow Your HOA’s Pet Rules
From breed and weight restrictions to leash laws and noise expectations, your HOA has detailed policies outlined in its governing documents. Following these isn’t just courteous—it’s required.

Do Clean Up (But Only Take One Bag!)
Many communities provide waste bag stations, but please don’t empty the whole roll into your pocket. Take what you need for your walk and leave some for others. Not picking up waste—or taking too many bags—can result in fines.

Do Leash and Supervise Your Dog
Even if your dog is well-trained, leash rules still apply in common areas. It’s for everyone’s safety—and required by both HOAs and most local municipalities.

Do Manage Barking
Barking complaints are one of the most common HOA enforcement issues. If your dog barks while you're away, consider hiring a trainer, using cameras to monitor them, or consulting your vet about separation anxiety.

🚫 Doggie Don’ts: What Not to Do in an HOA

Don’t Leave Dogs Unattended—Garage Included
Leaving your dog in the garage, yard, or on a porch while you're away is considered leaving them unattended, and it's against the law in many Colorado cities. Your HOA may issue warnings or fines—and animal control could get involved.

Don’t Ignore Architectural Rules
Fences, gates, dog runs, and yes—even invisible fences—often require board approval. Install first without permission, and you could face violation notices and costly rework.

Don’t Walk Your Dog During Extreme Heat
As mentioned earlier, 10am–6pm is typically too hot for safe walks in summer. Hot pavement can burn paws in minutes. Choose shaded routes early or late in the day.

Don’t Let Barking Go Unchecked
Ongoing barking is not only disruptive, it’s a violation of both HOA rules and local noise ordinances. If neighbors file multiple complaints, enforcement action will follow.

Don’t Breed or Board Dogs Without Permission
Most HOAs prohibit home-based breeding or pet-sitting businesses unless explicitly approved. These activities can create noise, traffic, and liability concerns.

💬 What to Do If a Neighbor’s Dog Is a Problem

Whether it’s constant barking or unscooped poop, here’s how to handle it:

1.  Try a Polite Conversation First – Many pet owners have no idea their dog barks all day or is causing frustration.

2. Document the Issue – Include dates, times, and any supporting photos or videos.

3.  Report to the HOA or Community Manager – Most HOAs won’t act unless there’s a formal complaint on file.

4.  Be Consistent and Patient – Enforcement takes time, but the more consistent the complaints (especially from multiple neighbors), the more likely it is to result in action.

🐕‍🦺 A Word on Service and Support Animals

Service animals and emotional support animals (ESAs) are protected under the federal Fair Housing Act. HOAs cannot prohibit or penalize these animals without legal cause, even if they exceed community pet limits. However, documentation may be required.

Final Thought: Create a Community Where Pets and People Can Thrive

Pet ownership in an HOA community can be a joy or a source of conflict. It all depends on whether expectations are clear, rules are followed, and issues are handled with respect and fairness.

Looking for the best HOA management company in Colorado to help create a more harmonious, pet-friendly community? Get in touch with Five Keys today. We’re dedicated to unlocking your community’s full potential.

If you’re looking for more on HOA Covenant Control and Enforcement, listen to our recent episode of Hey Neighbor!, a podcast dedicated to improving the HOA experience, featuring attorney and Five Keys partner, David Graf.