From Top O’Topanga Rules and Regulations (Revised 10-2015). The following were additions/amendments to the pet policies as updated on 6/30/14 and adopted on 6/23/14.

A. A house pet is defined as a domestic animal that spends its primary existence within the home. This includes dogs, cats, hamsters, birds, fish, reptiles, etc.

B. The following dog breeds are not allowed in the Community: Pit Bull (including American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier), Pit Bull Mix, Doberman Pinscher, Chow Chow, Rottweiler, Akita, and Wolf/Wolf-hybrid. If a dog appears to be a mix of any of the above breeds, the HOA reserves the right to request one or more of the following:

• A DNA-test at the dog owner’s expense provided by the HOA’s choice of a reputable vendor.
• Proof of liability insurance that covers the dog. Owner must provide continuous proof of liability insurance clearly stating that the Insurance Company is aware of the breed of dog and there is no “dog exclusion” on the policy for that particular individual dog. This proof must be renewed and resubmitted each policy term prior to expiration of current policy and remain in effect continuously without lapse.
• Proof of the dog’s completion of the AKC’s Canine Good Citizenship certification or equivalent training (added back by rules appeal ballot September 22, 2014).

C. Residents with cats or dogs must complete, sign, and return a Pet Agreement with a recent photo of each cat or dog to the onsite manager.

D. Dogs and cats are not to exceed two (2) in the aggregate per residence.

E. Dogs known to be vicious or dangerous, according to L.A. County Animal Care and Control, are not allowed in the Community.

F. Any dogs found to attack, menace, chase, display threatening or aggressive behavior, or otherwise threaten or endanger the safety of any person or domestic animal are subject to Board investigation and may not be allowed in the Community.

G. Pets shall not be permitted to roam at large.

H. Dogs and cats must be restrained by a substantial chain or leash not exceeding six feet in length and must be in the charge, care, custody or control of a competent person at all times when outside the Resident’s home.

I. Pets are not allowed upon private residential lots without permission other than those of the person owning or having charge, care, custody or control of the pet, property or premises other than those of the person owning or having charge, care, custody, or control of the pet.

J. Pet owners or custodians must immediately remove all excrement left by their pets anywhere in the Community, including the dog park, trail areas, and the Pet Owner’s Lot or dwelling.

K. Pets must not urinate or defecate on any private residential lots other than those of the person owning or having charge, care, custody, or control of such animal. (Of note, but not a rule… Thank you for bagging your dog poop and putting it in park receptacles or your own trash cans. Please don’t put it in other people’s trash cans without their permission.)

L. Dogs must not bark continuously or for an extended amount of time.

M. Pets must not be a nuisance or cause damage in the Community.

N. Pets must not be tethered, tied, or chained outside or left outside, including in a fenced yard without the owner or custodian being in attendance.

O. Residents are responsible for any violation of rules, any damage to property and/or any physical injury caused by their pets or their guests’ pets.

P. The HOA is not responsible for any damage to property or physical injury caused by any animals.

Q. All Los Angeles County Animal Care & Control Codes and Ordinances and California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) Title 25 codes apply.