We strive to fulfill our vision of finding harmony with each other and with the earth in a sustainable way. We acknowledge that pets can have a positive impact and be very dear to their owners yet can also cause unintentional harm to others through noise, pollution, killing of wildlife, disease, etc. We attempt to establish a balance between the positive aspects of the presence of pets while limiting the potential for harmful effects.
Pet Policy
We will have farm animals to engage with and care for in our community.
All dogs and cats must be approved by the PTEV. There will be no more than 4 dogs and 4 cats total at the EcoVillage, limited to no more than one dog or cat per member. A waiting list will be available if others wish a dog or cat and the maximum number has been reached. The owner of a dog or cat will be responsible for all of the cleaning to eliminate odors and/or repairs of damage to personal dwellings or common buildings caused by his/her pet.
There will be no more than five pounds of pets in any dwelling without PTEV approval. This includes total weight of fish (estimated), terrarium animals and birds, but does not apply to approved dogs and cats.
Mammals normally considered to be wild, such as tigers and raccoons, will not be allowed as pets.
Pets are allowed on common paths and driveways but not in food gardens or common buildings, unless fulfilling an approved community task/role (see #8)
Pets that are outside of the owner’s dwelling must be restrained by leash or carrier or stay within an approved, protected, outdoor area for pets. An owner who has demonstrated that a pet can clearly be controlled by voice command may go without a leash if the pet stays within 15 feet of the owner and stays in approved areas. This restriction does not apply if the pet is fulfilling an approved community task/role (see #8)
All cats and dogs must have legally required vaccinations kept current. They must be spayed/neutered unless there is an approved reason to not do so, such as old age or potential use for breeding.
There will be no free-roaming pets at the PTEV except for those approved by the PTEV to play a specific role that requires them to roam freely. Examples include perhaps a cat for rodent control and a dog for deer control. Approved free roaming pets may be required to be in an enclosed area during the bird nesting season.
Protected/enclosed outdoor areas for pets must be approved by the PTEV.
All pet waste must be disposed of in the most eco-friendly manner. Currently this means down a flush toilet, in a dog doo composter or in a hole with at least 10" of ground cover in a specified and approved location, for example in the part of the forest and/or a perennial ornamental garden. Pet owners are responsible for immediately picking up pet feces from common areas.
Pet noise beyond an occasional bark or screech is not allowed.\
Provisional Members who wish to have their pets live with them at the PTEV must bring them, if feasible, for PTEV approval during a member’s provisional status.
Visitors will be informed that they may not bring their pets to the PTEV. Pets that do arrive unannounced or that have been specifically authorized to visit, must be confined in a vehicle or cage or be restrained by a leash or rope in the parking area.
Owners of pets who do not comply with this policy must remove them from the PTEV if asked to do so by the community.
Background
Since our vision includes the concept of living more sustainably, and given that pets do consume resources because of pet waste, pet food, electrical and water needs for fish tanks, etc. we believe that setting limits on the number of pets is reasonable. Some individual pet owners may have put a lot of thought & research into this and be able to show the community how s/he can have more pets in a sustainable fashion, but we thought it best to do this on a case by case basis. In a similar way we are limiting square footage and other aspects of consumption in the community.
Our definition of adequate voice command is that nine times out of ten the pet responds and comes when called. The person does not need to repeatedly call to the pet to get a response. Also the animal can obey simple commands like down, heel, stop, sit, etc.
As in any conflict, individuals with concerns about a pet are expected to initially address their concerns to the pet owner directly, using NVC as appropriate. If unable to resolve the concerns, they can bring it to the community for assistance.
