Adams Stirling PLC
Menu

COMPANION DOGS

In Auburn Woods v. FEHC the Court of Appeal held that a condo owners' association could not enforce its CC&R prohibition of dogs against owners who suffered from depression and other related disabilities. This case from Placer County involved requests by husband and wife condo owners, who each suffered from diagnosed depression, to keep their eleven-pound terrier "Pooky" despite a CC&R ban on dogs. The association denied the request and threatened to impose fines. The owners took Pooky to a friend's house and their depression worsened.

Canine Companion. The owners then asked the association for a waiver of the restriction as a "reasonable accommodation" for their disabilities and provided a letter from their treating psychiatrist as to the medical benefits of their canine companion. The association denied the request and suggested the owners get a cat. The owners sold their condo and moved to Oklahoma, but before doing so filed a complaint with the Civil Rights Department (CRD).

Emotional Distress. The CRD charged the association with disability discrimination and after a lengthy hearing, ruled that a companion dog would have been a reasonable accommodation and that the association's denial was unlawful discrimination. The association was ordered to pay $12,500 in emotional distress damages.

Appellate Court. The association challenged the CRD decision in superior court and prevailed, arguing that there was insufficient evidence at the CRD hearing to establish that a companion dog was a necessary reasonable accommodation. The owners and CRD appealed. The Court of Appeals reversed, holding that the evidence had established a causal link between the no-dogs policy and the interference with the owners use and enjoyment of their condo. The court noted, "It is clear that, under the right circumstances, allowing a pet despite a no-pets policy may constitute a reasonable accommodation . . . even if an animal does not qualify as a service animal."

Insufficient Evidence. When someone claims to be disabled and wants an exception from the association's pet restrictions, boards generally can ask for:

  • certification from a health care provider confirming the existence of a disability,
  • confirmation that a service animal is needed for that particular handicap, and
  • evidence that the animal received special training to accommodate the handicap.

If a resident cannot provide sufficient evidence of the above, an association can prohibit a dog that violates the association's governing documents. (See Abuse of Rights.)

Recommendation: While courts will generally defer to associations in CC&R enforcement, pet restrictions are vulnerable to challenges based on legally protected classifications. If there is any question as to the enforcement or validity of a restriction or the handling of a request for reasonable accommodation, boards should seek legal counsel.

ASSISTANCE: Associations needing legal assistance can contact us. To stay current with issues affecting community associations, subscribe to the Davis-Stirling Newsletter.

Adams Stirling PLC