What is Right?

No pet should be allowed to run free, ever.

No pet should be allowed to approach strangers or other pets without the other person's permission.

Dog owners should abide by the 3 bark rule.  After the third bark, the pet should be brought indoors, or told to stop barking.

All waste should be picked up.

Pets should not be chained or contained in small areas.

Pets should never be left for more than ten hours, six to eight is preferred.

Pets are companion animals, they should never show aggressive behavior (aside from protective behavior, which the owner should be able to subside quickly).

Pet owners should be courteous to neighbors reasonable wishes.

Everyone should accept that mistakes can happen and to only be upset at habitual negative behavior.

Times are changing!

When the APA was founded, things were a little different.  If you had trouble with a neighbor, it may have been uncomfortable, but pretty simple to handle.  You could just walk over and politely ask about the issue.  That would usually help the situation. 

Today things are different.  Our communities are different.  Neighbors do not interact as they once did and many people are less concerned about what their neighbors think.

One big problem that has arisen out of this new attitude is bad pet neighbors.  People are much more likely to let their pets behavior adversely affect their neighbors, intentionally or not.  We now face dogs that bark incessantly, cats sleeping on the hoods of our cars, pet waste in our yards and other problems.

So how do you handle these situations?  Calling your local humane agency can help in some situations.  Often these agencies are overworked and do not have the resources to handle complaints.  Also, filing a traditional complaint can sometimes worsen matters as your neighbor can take this, incorrectly, as an act of aggression.

The APA now offers a new, very effective solution.  We will contact your neighbor and address the issue in a non aggressive way specifically designed to produce positive results. 

There are many points that need to be considered when approaching a person in this type of situation.  Our approach uses the following:

• Letter and envelope addressed directly to the neighbor.  Personal, friendly but to the point.
• Only information about the particular problem is sent.  A mass of information tends to confuse the issue.  Information is designed to help the pet owner to solve the problem.
• The issue is addressed in a more positive, "good for everyone" approach. 
• Follow up, or involvement with local Humane Agencies, is done when necessary.

This approach has been very successful and is in the best interest of the community and the pet's welfare.  We can help to stop the annoying behavior without the need for a confrontation by you.

Sometimes people need a little help being a good neighbor.  If you have an issue you would like help with, please click on the assistance link above.