Animal Policy Filed with Dallas County

Note: 73% of owners do not have dogs
Chart last updated 12/2024

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The community has recently expanded its Animal Policy, aligning it with long-standing Deed Restrictions, Bylaws, past practices, and feedback gathered in the 2018 community-wide survey. While the policy continues to represent a compromise between animal owners and non-animal owners, it has been made more comprehensive to ensure consistent application from board to board. The updated policy has now been formally recorded with the Dallas County Real Estate Records (#2022 - 202200206203) and is in full effect.

Reaffirming the 30-Pound Dog Weight Limit

One of the most significant aspects of the updated policy is the reaffirmation of the long-standing 30-pound weight limit for dogs. This restriction—part of our community standards for over 40 years—was overwhelmingly supported by residents during the 2018 survey.

New Disclosure Requirement for All Animals

To ensure fairness and prevent misunderstandings after-the-fact,the updated policy requires that all animals must be disclosed and approved before being brought into the community. This step is designed to deter the mindset of "asking for forgiveness instead of permission."

Violations of this policy are serious. An automatic $2,000 fine applies for non-disclosure, with an additional $200 per day for each day the violation continues unresolved.

Emotional Support and Service Animals: A Balanced Approach

The Association fully supports the rights of residents with disabilities to keep service animals or emotional support animals (ESAs) as allowed under the Fair Housing Act. However, it is also committed to preserving the integrity of these protections by preventing misuse.

To ensure compliance and compassion:

• All ESA requests must be submitted through a formal application developed by a Fair Housing attorney.
• Requests are reviewed on a case-by-case basis by the Association’s Fair Housing attorney.
• Supporting documentation must clearly establish a legitimate, disability-related need, as defined by federal law.
• Animals introduced without proper approval will face the same penalties as non-ESA animals.

How to Apply for a Waiver

 Assistance Animals and Service Animals

• If you are requesting a reasonable accommodation under federal housing laws (42 U.S.C. §3604 and §3602), please follow these steps:
• Submit the Reasonable Accommodation Request form, completed and signed by a licensed healthcare provider.

Await written acknowledgment from the Board confirming that all documentation is complete and approved prior to occupying a unit.

Download the required forms. Completed forms should be submitted to Richard Hunt, Esq. via board@lakesofbenttree.org. Please include your unit address and “Animal Waiver” in the subject line.

Comfort Dogs Performing Community Service

The Association may, at its discretion, grant a waiver for dogs over 30 pounds that serve as comfort or therapy dogs with legitimate community service roles (e.g., visits to nursing homes or hospitals). Conditions include:

• The dog must belong to a support breed recognized by the American Kennel Club.
• The community must not have exceeded its cap for larger dogs. 
• The dog must pass a behavioral interview with the Board or its designee.

To apply, please provide:

• A resume detailing the dog's current and planned service activities. 
• A letter of service from your program supervisor outlining the dog's contributions and their contact information.
• Photographs of the dog in action and a log of service visits.
  
• Information about your affiliation with any formal comfort dog program.

Approved comfort dogs must submit an annual summary of their community service to maintain their waiver.

Comfort Dogs in Community Service

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