Animal Control & HOAs | Rules & Regulations

In our community, many residents live in neighborhoods managed by homeowners associations (HOAs). Others live in areas governed solely by county ordinances. When it comes to animals — especially pets — it’s important to know who enforces what. 

What Does Animal Control Do? 

Summit County Animal Control is a government agency responsible for enforcing local codes that protect both animals and people. These laws apply to everyone in the county — regardless of whether you live in an HOA or not. Summit County Animal Control enforces: 

• Leash laws and running at large ordinances
• Animal cruelty or neglect investigations
• Dangerous or aggressive animal cases
• Rabies vaccination and quarantine requirements
• Pet licensing and registration
• Barking/noice complaints (if covered by county ordinance)
• Stray or injured animal response

Example: If a dog is frequently running loose in your neighborhood or bites someone, Summit County Animal Control should be contacted — even if the incident occurs inside an HOA. 

What Does an HOA Handle? 

Homeowners associations are private organizations that can create and enforce community-specific rules, also known as Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions (CC&Rs). These are civil rules, not laws, and they often go beyond what the county requires. HOAs may set their own standards for: 

• Number or breed of pets allowed
• Leash requirements within private parks or paths
• Pet waste cleanup rules
• Fencing or kennel restrictions
• Barking nuisance rules (in addition to or stricter than county code)

Important: HOA rules only apply to residents who live within the HOA boundaries and have agreed to abide by their CC&Rs. HOAs cannot enforce county laws, nor can they investigate cruelty, handle stray animals, or issue legal citations outside of HOA rules.

Example: If your HOA limits residents to two dogs per household, but the county allows four without a kennel permit, the HOA may enforce its rule through fines or warnings — but only for residents under their jurisdiction. 

Key Differences

Who Should I Call? 

• Emergencies, animal bites, strays, or cruelty concerns → Call Summit County Animal Control
• Neighborhood pet rule violations or disputes between neighbors (in HOA) → Contact your HOA board or management company
• Unsure who handles it → Call Summit County Animal Control, and we'll help point you in the right direction

Final Note 

HOAs and Animal Control do not work for each other and operate under different sets of authority. While we share a goal of keeping communities safe and clean, we focus on legal enforcement, while HOAs manage private community standards. 

If you live in an HOA, it’s a good idea to review their pet policies. And remember: all county ordinances still apply — no matter what your HOA allows or restricts.

Let us know if you have questions about local ordinances, licensing, or how to report an animal issue. We’re here to help keep Summit County a safe and pet-friendly place to live!