Dogs are part of many households in Florida communities, and most of them are good neighbors. A dog that barks for hours while its owner is away, however, can disturb everyone nearby. The owner is often unaware of the problem until a letter from the association arrives.
This article is general information and is not legal advice. The association's attorney should be consulted.
Why Some Dogs Bark All Day
Dogs left alone for long periods can become bored, anxious, or restless, and barking is how many of them cope. Some dogs react to every passing car, delivery, or neighbor. Others bark from separation anxiety. Understanding the cause is the first step toward a fix.
Fixes for Dog Owners
- Training. Training is the best first step for any behavior problem. A trainer can help identify why the dog barks and what it is trying to communicate.
- Exercise. A long walk or active play before the owner leaves can reduce restlessness during the day.
- Indoor time. A dog that barks outside can be brought indoors while the owner is away. An indoor dog may settle better in a crate or a quiet room.
- Fewer triggers. Blinds or curtains can be closed to block the view of the street, and a radio or white noise machine can mask outside sounds. Doorbells and other devices that set the dog off can be silenced.
- Company. Dogs are social animals. A midday visit from a pet sitter, a dog walker, or a trusted neighbor, or a day or two each week at a dog daycare, can make a large difference.
- A veterinarian's advice. Sudden or constant barking can have a medical or anxiety cause, and a veterinarian can recommend options, including humane bark control devices.
What Neighbors Can Do
A neighbor who is bothered by barking should start with a polite conversation. Many owners do not know their dog barks while they are gone. If a conversation does not help, a written complaint can be sent to the association with the dates, times, and duration of the barking. A simple log kept over a week or two makes the complaint easier to act on.
Neighbors should avoid confrontation and should not enter another owner's property. If an animal appears to be in distress, local animal services should be called.
How the Association Handles a Complaint
Most declarations and rules prohibit nuisances, and many pet rules address noise directly. When a complaint is received, the usual steps are:
- The complaint and any supporting log are reviewed.
- The governing documents are checked for the nuisance or pet provision that applies.
- A courtesy letter is sent to the dog's owner describing the problem and asking that it be corrected.
- If the problem continues, the board may consider a fine or other remedy allowed by the documents.
Florida law sets the process for fines. Under sections 720.305 and 718.303 of the Florida Statutes, a fine or suspension may not be imposed until at least 14 days' written notice and an opportunity for a hearing before an independent committee have been given. More detail can be found in
how to properly handle HOA violation notices.
Some documents allow a pet that is a continuing nuisance to be removed from the property after proper notice. That remedy should be used only on the advice of the association's attorney. Requests involving assistance animals are handled under fair housing rules and should also be reviewed by the attorney.
Many cities and counties also have noise or animal ordinances that are enforced separately by local government. Those ordinances vary, and residents can contact local authorities directly.
Keeping the Peace
Barking complaints are best resolved early and calmly. Pet rules should be clear, applied the same way to every owner, and shared with new residents when they move in. More on pet rules can be found in
what your HOA needs to know about pet restrictions.
Help From Condominium Associates
Complaints, courtesy letters, and hearing schedules are handled for the communities managed by Condominium Associates in Tampa Bay, Sarasota, and Pasco. To talk about your community's pet and nuisance rules,
contact us.
