“Strata buildings can no longer enforce blanket bans on pets, but owners are still responsible for ensuring their animal is not a nuisance.”
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Last year, a miniature schnauzer called Angus hit the headlines in a big way. The beloved pet of Jo Cooper, a resident of the Horizon apartment building in Darlinghurst, was at the centre of a bitter six-year legal battle surrounding the right of Ms Cooper to keep him in her home.
While the initial verdict didn’t go her way, a surprise NSW Court of Appeal ruling last October subsequently overturned the right of apartment blocks to pass by-laws prohibiting animals. In short, it means no strata block can set blanket bans on apartment pets.
While this is fantastic news for animal-loving apartment owners, there are a few points that you still need to consider before calling in our mobile Sydney vet to meet your new fluffball.
Owners, renters and responsibilities
The Court of Appeal ruling in the Jo Cooper case stated that a blanket ban on animals infringed the limitation that a by-law must not be “harsh, unconscionable or oppressive” and that the by-law also restricted the lawful use of each lot.
Apartment pet owners – as per any animal owners – still have a responsibility to ensure their pet isn’t a nuisance or danger to other tenants. So, it may be that some apartments implement by-laws to prevent excessively noisy birds or dogs, for instance.
The other issue is that it really only applies to apartment owners. For renters, it’s the same old story.
There are no restrictions in the Residential Tenancies Act 2010 (NSW) prohibiting you from keeping a pet or requiring you to ask for your landlord’s consent to keep a pet; however, landlords frequently include pet restrictions in residential tenancy agreements.
That means while refusing pets to apartment owners might be seen as being “harsh, unconscionable or oppressive” it’s unfortunately still the case for many animal-loving renters.
Choosing an apartment pet
If you are excited at the thought of finally bringing home your apartment pet, our advice is not to jump in without some planning. The choice of animal really will depend on the type of apartment you have. Is it on ground level or a high-rise? How large is it? And very importantly, do you have a balcony, courtyard or any outdoor space?
Even with little space, there are some animals very suited to apartment settings. Cats, rabbits, guinea pigs and rats, for instance, make great companions, are clean and can be very comfortable indoors.
Bear in mind that the RSPCA recommends that cats and kittens live an indoor lifestyle where possible, to protect native bird and wildlife, and for their own safety. At VETaround, we make the health and safety of your pets a top priority and you should too.
So, if you are in a high rise, you also need to ensure that your pet is 100% safe and not at risk of falls from windows or balconies.
Apartment dogs
So, you have an apartment and you’re set on a dog? Our Sydney mobile vet provides in-home vet services across Sydney, in houses and apartments. You just need to be sure that you have the right dog – for your peace of mind, and very importantly, for their health and wellbeing.
While your first thought might be to look for a small breed, traits are also key. When you’re researching dogs, also think about their temperaments, inclination to bark and energy levels. If you have children, make sure your preferred choice is good with your kids’ ages.
Some dogs such as Bichon Frise, English and French Bulldogs, Pugs, Chihuahua, Maltese, Dachshund, Shih Tzu and Cavalier King Charles Spaniel tend to be apartment owner favourites due to lower energy levels and low shedding. Even low energy dogs do need exercise to maintain a healthy weight, so they will still need a daily walk or a run at the dog park.
“Choosing the right apartment pet depends as much on temperament and environment as it does on size.”
Mobile vet care for your apartment pet
As a pet owner, it’s your responsibility to look after every aspect of your pet’s health and wellbeing, from pup or kitten through to geriatric care. And we’re here to help.
Our Sydney mobile vet provides high quality and comprehensive in-home veterinary services, including annual health checks, pet vaccinations, flea and tick prevention, heartworm prevention and worm control. We also focus on the long-term health of every animal, with services including weight management and palliative pet care. And we provide hospital services from our partner clinic.
Please contact us for high quality and comprehensive mobile vet care in the comfort of your apartment.
Key Takeaways
- Apartment pet ownership is now more accessible
NSW rulings mean strata buildings cannot enforce blanket bans on pets, but reasonable by-laws may still apply. - Pet owners remain responsible for behaviour
Pets must not create noise, disruption or safety risks for other residents within the building. - Choosing the right pet depends on your space
Apartment size, layout and access to outdoor areas all influence which animals are suitable. - Ongoing care can be managed at home
Mobile vet care allows pets to receive routine treatment in a familiar apartment setting, helping reduce stress.
In-Home Services
In-home care forms the foundation of how we treat and manage your pet’s health. Most conditions can be assessed, treated, and monitored in a familiar environment where pets are calmer and easier to handle. Available to residents of Sydney’s inner city, Inner West, Eastern Suburbs and the Lower North Shore.
Testimonials
Debby Ross
First visit from Ari and Ellie and it went beyond all expectations. They were so genuinely interested in my two cats. Of course I couldn’t stop talking about them but they clearly were not bored. Did excellent health checks and vaccinations – was an absolute pleasure and I would totally recommend them to anybody. So fabulous having no stress of lugging…
Daniel Birchall
Elle’s exceptionally professional, warm, and helpful phone manner, together with Dr Ari’s prompt arrival, gentle approach with Hudson, and clear, thorough medical explanations and recommendations, immediately put my mind at ease. The high level of care and professionalism demonstrated confirmed that contacting VETaround was the right decision.
Amanda Yeates
Ari is the best vet ever. His home visits are incredible. Such a great service to not have to put your beloved pets in the stressful situation of a car. Or around sick pets in a waiting area. My cats LOVE HIM. Ollie my male cat NEVER comes out of hiding when visitors come over. With Ari, he not only came out, let him weigh him, have his check up done…
Charmaine Caffrey
I was very pleased with the ladies from VETaround Mobile vet. Professional, polite and very knowledgeable. Certainly eased my mind about my cat 🐈 would recommend them to anyone needing good veterinary care for their pet. We all know just how important our four legged friends are!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can apartment buildings in NSW legally ban pets completely?
No, strata buildings cannot enforce blanket bans on pets following the NSW Court of Appeal ruling. However, they can still introduce reasonable by-laws to manage issues such as noise or safety. Pet owners must ensure their animal does not negatively impact other residents.
Do renters need permission to keep a pet in an apartment?
In many cases, yes. While the law does not explicitly prohibit pets, landlords often include restrictions in tenancy agreements. This means renters may still be limited even though apartment owners have more flexibility.
What should I consider before choosing an apartment pet?
You should consider the size of your apartment, whether you have a balcony or outdoor space, and the building type. Different animals have different space and activity requirements. Planning ahead helps ensure the pet is suited to your environment.
Are some dog breeds better suited to apartment living?
Yes, certain breeds are often more suitable due to lower energy levels and reduced shedding. However, temperament, barking tendencies and exercise needs are just as important as size. Even lower-energy dogs still require daily exercise.
Is it safe to keep pets in high-rise apartments?
Pets can live safely in high-rise apartments if proper precautions are taken. Owners need to ensure windows and balconies are secure to prevent falls. Indoor living can be suitable, particularly for animals like cats, when safety is managed carefully.
Can a mobile vet treat pets inside an apartment?
Yes, a mobile vet can provide routine care such as health checks, vaccinations and preventative treatments within your apartment. This allows pets to be assessed in a familiar environment. It can also make handling more controlled and reduce stress during consultations.