Condo Association Trying to Force You to Remove Your Dog? Massachusetts Owner Rights
- Jeremy Cohen
- 11 minutes ago
- 3 min read
We're seeing a sharp increase in calls from condo owners — not renters — who are being pressured by associations or HOAs to get rid of their dogs. It could be because the dog is barking excessively. It could be because your dog has gotten out and roamed the neighborhood.
Or, it could simply be because your dog "looks threatening."
Often, it starts with a single complaint. Then it escalates quickly.
We see these disputes arise often in Massachusetts condominium communities, where condo associations sometimes act quickly — and aggressively — in response to complaints involving dogs, without fully understanding their legal obligations.
If your condo association is threatening action over your dog — or if you are a landlord whose association is pressuring you to evict a tenant because of their dog — here's what you should understand before responding.
Common Condo and HOA Complaints About Dogs in Massachusetts
Most dog-related condo disputes arise from:
Barking complaints
Allegations that a dog is "aggressive" or "threatening"
Claims that a dog scared someone — without evidence
Pressure to remove a dog as the "simplest solution"
In many cases, there's no investigation or even an incident — just assumptions.
Why Condo Dog Disputes Escalate So Fast
Condo boards and HOAs hold real power, and that imbalance can leave owners feeling trapped.
People worry about:
Fines or penalties
Legal costs
Being labeled a problem resident
Losing their home or being forced into compliance
Not having the ability to present their side
Too often, dog owners are pressured to act before they understand their rights.
What Massachusetts Condo Associations Often Get Wrong About Dog Complaints
A complaint is not proof.
We regularly see condo boards:
Treat allegations as established facts
Skip due process
Over-interpret bylaws
Ignore reasonable mitigation options
Act out of fear rather than evidence
Deny pet owners the opportunity to defend themselves
In Massachusetts, treating allegations as fact without investigation or due process is a common — and costly — mistake made by condo associations.
That's not how these situations should be handled. There are laws that protect pet owners.
Massachusetts Law: Condo Associations and Dog Disputes
In Massachusetts, condo associations are governed by their declaration, bylaws, and state law. While associations may regulate pets, they must do so consistently, reasonably and in accordance with established procedures.
Complaints alone do not eliminate an owner's rights — and boards that act without proper process can expose themselves to legal risk.
This is especially important for owner-occupied condominiums in Massachusetts, where removal demands can have permanent consequences.
What Massachusetts Dog Owners Can Do Before a Condo Dispute Escalates
Depending on the facts, options may include:
Know your Massachusetts pet owner rights
Challenging exaggerated or false allegations
Requiring the board to follow its governing documents
Addressing legitimate issues without surrendering ownership rights
Pushing back early to prevent permanent consequences
Early intervention matters. The wrong response at the beginning can make everything harder later.
Standing Up to HOA and Condo Bullying in Massachusetts — Strategically
We don't encourage unnecessary conflict. But we also don't believe dog owners should be bullied into giving up a family member because it's easier for a board to demand compliance than to do its job properly.
Our role as Massachusetts dog lawyers is often to:
Step in as a buffer
Reset the conversation
Demand accountability
Protect owners from being steamrolled
Frequently Asked Questions: Massachusetts Condo Association Dog Disputes
Can a Massachusetts condo association force me to remove my dog?
Not automatically. Condo associations must follow their governing documents and apply rules consistently under Massachusetts law.
Do barking complaints mean my dog has to go?
No. Complaints are not proof and should be investigated proportionally by your HOA or condo board.
Should I talk to a lawyer before responding to my condo association or HOA?
Often yes. Early legal guidance can prevent escalation and costly mistakes in Massachusetts condo dog disputes.
