1. Families with pets who are applying for dwelling units as well as existing residents should read and fulfill all requirements. Failure to abide by these regulations will result in the removal of the pet at the owner’s expense.

2. Residents are responsible for any damage caused by their pets, including the cost of fumigating or cleaning their units.

3. In exchange for this right, resident assumes full responsibility and liability for the pet and agrees to hold the Poughkeepsie Housing Authority harmless from any claims caused by an action or inaction of the pet.

4. Residents must have the prior written approval of the Housing Authority before moving a pet into their unit.

5. Residents must request approval on the Authorization for Pet Ownership Form that must be fully completed before the Housing Authority will approve the request.

6. Residents must give the Housing Authority a picture of the pet so it can be identified if it is running loose.

7. A pet deposit of $250 is required at the time of registering a cat or dog. A deposit is not required for fish, birds, turtles or caged rodents. Deposit is refundable after move-out inspection or the death of the animal.

8. The Poughkeepsie Housing Authority will allow only common household pets. This means only domesticated animals such as a dog, cat, bird, fish in aquariums or a turtle will be allowed in units. Common household pets do not include reptiles (except turtles).

All dogs and cats must be spayed or neutered before they become six months old. A licensed veterinarian must verify this fact.

Any animal deemed to be potentially harmful to the health or safety of others, including attack or fight trained dogs, will not be allowed.

No animal may exceed fifteen (15) pounds in weight projected to full adult size.

9. In order to be registered, pets must be appropriately inoculated against rabies, distemper and other conditions prescribed by state and/or local ordinances. They must comply with all other state and local public health, animal control, and anti-cruelty laws including any licensing requirements. A certification signed by a licensed veterinarian or state or local official shall be annually filed with the Poughkeepsie Housing Authority to attest to the inoculations.

10. The Poughkeepsie Housing Authority, or an appropriate community authority, shall require the removal of any pet from a project if the pet's conduct or condition is determined to be a nuisance or threat to the health or safety of other occupants of the project or of other persons in the community where the project is located.