Good afternoon resident(s),
Following an incident reported yesterday in the Clubhouse/Amenities area where an altercation occurred involving a fellow resident and another resident’s unleashed dogs, the Fox Point Board and Management would like to reiterate the HOA’s rules and expectations concerning pets and animals, and also provide a few “best practices” for ensuring you are being mindful of your neighbors and maximizing safety for all. Full language for the official HOA rules governing animals on the premises can be found in the Fox Point Declaration, Article 8, Section 8.2(o).
First and foremost, while domestic pets (i.e. dogs) are welcome in the community’s common areas, they should be always leashed and/or under the immediate control of their owner. This is requirement per HOA governing documents, and it is also a local-level ordinance for the entirety of Spotsylvania County (Spotsylvania County, VA, Code § 4-21). However, if your pet has a history of aggression, we ask that you refrain from bringing them onto the property entirely.
Secondly, if you experience an incident involving a fellow resident’s pet or other animal on the premises, be it in the common areas, on the roads, or on private property, it should be reported immediately to local authorities first. Below is the contact info for local Animal Control and the Spotsylvania County Sherriff’s Office. If the incident occurred in community common areas, please report to the HOA Office after you have notified local authorities.
Spotsylvania County Sherriff’s Office
Non-Emergency Line: (540) 582-7115
For any life-threatening emergencies, always call 911!
Spotsylvania County Animal Control
Phone: (540) 582-7115
Email:animal@spotsylvania.va.us
Thirdly – please clean up after your pet(s)! Per community rules, all residents are required to immediately clean up and properly dispose of any animal droppings left when your pet leaves your property. This applies to common areas, roads, and private lots. We very much appreciate everyone doing their part to keep the neighborhood clean, sanitary, and poop-free!
Finally, in addition to the above, we also encourage all residents with pets to adopt the following general habits to ensure proper “pet etiquette” within the community:
- Know your pet(s) and their limits/abilities. Always err on the side of caution and avoid putting your pet in any situation where there is a chance they could harm themselves and/or others.
- Never assume a neighbor or other animal wants to interact. Always ask for permission when approaching others and allow adequate personal space when passing.
- If you are walking your pet in the community, avoid your neighbors’ private property. Do not allow your pet to enter others’ yards, gardens, etc.
- Manage excessive barking. This is recommended both on and off your property to minimize nuisance to the general community.
- Be mindful of traffic. For the safety of both you/your pet and others, be alert and mindful of oncoming traffic when walking your pet in the neighborhood. Walk against/facing oncoming traffic, stop at all intersections, and consider wearing reflective gear when walking your pet at night.
We appreciate everyone’s attention to this and your cooperation to maintain a safe and enjoyable environment for all of Fox Point. If you have any questions, please contact me directly at the HOA Office.