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Pet Policy

PET POLICY

Residents must be pre-approved to have a common household pet and must have entered into a Pet Agreement with the North Central Florida Regional Housing Authority (NCFRHA). Failure to execute this agreement will result in withdrawal of approval to keep the pet.

By signing the Pet Agreement, the resident certifies that they:

  • Have received a copy of NCFRHA's Pet Policy and applicable house rules;

  • Have read and understand the Pet Policy and applicable house rules;

  • Agree to comply with all provisions of the Pet Policy, applicable house rules, and lease requirements; and

  • Understand that failure to comply with the Pet Policy, applicable house rules, or lease requirements may result in withdrawal of NCFRHA approval of the pet and/or termination of tenancy, as permitted by applicable requirements.

COMMON HOUSEHOLD PETS

A common household pet means a domesticated animal, such as a dog, cat, bird, or fish, that is traditionally recognized as a companion animal and is kept in the home for pleasure rather than commercial purposes.

The following animals are not considered common household pets:

  • Reptiles;

  • Rodents;

  • Insects;

  • Arachnids;

  • Wild or feral animals;

  • Pot-bellied pigs; and

  • Animals used for commercial breeding.

PROHIBITED ANIMALS

The following animals are not permitted:

  • Dogs of the pit bull, Rottweiler, Doberman, or Chow breeds;

  • Ferrets or other animals whose natural protective mechanisms pose a risk to small children of serious bites or lacerations; and

  • Any animal that is not permitted under applicable state or local law or code.

NUMBER OF PETS

Residents may own a maximum of two (2) pets, only one (1) of which may be a dog.

For fish, residents may keep no more fish than can be maintained in a safe and healthy manner in an aquarium or tank holding a maximum of 10 gallons. The aquarium or tank will be counted as one (1) pet, regardless of the number of fish maintained in it.

SPAYING AND NEUTERING

Dogs and cats must be spayed or neutered at the time of registration.

For underage dogs and cats, the procedure must be completed within 30 days after the pet reaches six (6) months of age.

An exception may be granted upon certification by a licensed veterinarian that subjecting the particular pet to the procedure would be temporarily or permanently medically unsafe or unnecessary.

PET VACCINATIONS

All pets must be vaccinated in accordance with applicable state or local law.

Residents must provide proof of current vaccinations:

  • At the time of initial pet registration; and

  • Annually, in conjunction with the resident's annual reexamination.

Failure to maintain required vaccinations may result in withdrawal of approval to keep the pet.

PET CONFINEMENT AND CONTROL

Pets must be maintained within the resident's unit.

When outside of the unit, including within the building or on NCFRHA grounds:

  • Dogs and cats must be kept on a leash or carried;

  • Pets must remain under the control of the resident or another responsible individual at all times; and

  • Pets may not be permitted to roam freely on the property.

PETS IN COMMON AREAS

Pets are not permitted in common areas, including but not limited to:

  • Lobbies;

  • Community rooms;

  • Laundry areas; and

  • Other designated common-use areas.

The only exception is common areas that serve as entrances to or exits from the building, through which a resident may pass with an approved pet while complying with all applicable leash and control r

PET FEES

Pet owners are required to pay a one-time, non-refundable, pet fee of $300.

VISITING PETS 

Animals that are not owned by a tenant are not allowed on the premises. Residents are prohibited from feeding or harboring stray animals.

EXCLUSION FOR ASSISTANCE ANIMALS

For an animal to be excluded from the pet policy and be considered an assistance animal, there must be a person with disabilities in the household who has a disability-related need for the animal. In other words, the animal must work, perform tasks or services, or alleviate the emotional effects of your disability in order to qualify. The family must request and the PHA approves a reasonable accommodation in accordance with the policies contained in Chapter 2. Residents must care for assistance animals in a manner that complies with state and local laws. Residents must ensure that assistance animals do not pose a direct threat to the health or safety of others, or cause substantial physical damage to the development, dwelling unit, or property of other residents. When a resident's care or handling of an assistance animal violates these policies, the PHA will consider whether the violation could be reduced or eliminated by reasonable accommodation. If the PHA determines that no such accommodation can be made, the PHA may withdraw the approval of a particular assistance animal.