Why community schemes should require pets to be registered

One of the most common challenges faced by all community schemes is dealing with resident complaints about pets, the most frequent being dogs out on the loose, defecating on common property and uninvited cats entering residents’ homes.  Yet despite this, many schemes still do not require pets to be registered, notes Omar Kinnear, developer of ResidentPortal, the fast-growing community scheme management and communication portal.

“While registration on its own doesn’t alleviate the problem, it is a critical first step in being able to identify who the pet belongs to, so that owners can take action to remedy the situation,” says Kinnear. 
 
But there are multiple additional reasons why registering pets h is a good idea, he believes.  These include:
 
Maintaining a safe environment – Registering pets allows the scheme to keep track of the types of animals in the community, which can help prevent potentially dangerous situations, such as aggressive dogs or pets with a history of biting.
 
Insurance and liability – Although not common, some schemes have liability insurance coverage that might be affected by the presence of certain pets. By registering pets, the HOA can determine if any animals pose a risk that could impact the scheme’s insurance coverage or increase liability.
 
Maintenance of common areas – Registering pets allows the HOA to better monitor potential issues related to pet-related damage, such as digging in flower beds.
 
Health and sanitation – Some complexes require that all dogs and cats be neutered or spayed and fully vaccinated. This can be important for preventing the spread of diseases among pets and residents. 
 
Resale and property values – A well-managed community with clear pet regulations can be more attractive to potential homebuyers, and registering pets helps demonstrate that the association is proactive in maintaining a harmonious living environment.
 
Dispute resolution – In case of conflicts between neighbours, such as noise complaints or property damage caused by pets, having a record of registered pets can help the scheme address and mediate these disputes more effectively.
 
Emergency situations – In case of emergencies, like natural disasters or other community-wide events, knowing the number and types of pets within the community can be important for organising evacuations or providing assistance to pet owners.
 
Kinnear concludes that registration of pets is by far not a cure-all for the problems that can and will arise with pets in communities, but it is a prudent requirement for all the reasons described.
 
“It helps to have a system like ResidentPortal, which in addition to providing a host of features including AI-enabled request management, but also includes vehicle, domestic workers and pet registers.”
 
About ResidentPortal

Resident Portal is a comprehensive online portal designed for managing sectional title, HOA, or any other community scheme. The system is specifically designed to streamline community communication, request management, and event scheduling, allowing for a more organised and efficient living experience for all residents.
Resident Portal enables easy access to vital information about the community, including contact information, upcoming events, and facility bookings. It provides a centralised location for logging requests and complaints, ensuring that all issues are addressed in a timely and effective manner.
We invite you to try Resident Portal and experience the benefits of streamlined communication, simplified request management, and efficient event scheduling.
For more information, contact:  Omar Kinnear, 078 798 3378
info@residentportal.co.za
www.residentportal.co.za