Can I Have a Comfort Dog in a Co-op That Doesn't Allow Pets?

Aug. 10, 2015 — The co-op we are interested in doesn't allow pets. My dog is a "comfort dog," so how do I handle this?

My advice is to be straight with the board. When you submit your purchase application, be sure and tell them about the dog. In your board submission, include proper documentation for the dog confirming that he is a true comfort animal (in some cases we have seen such certification). Additionally, you should submit proper documentation for yourself, or whoever is residing with you, asserting that the dog is needed. The board cannot discriminate against an applicant who legitimately needs a comfort animal and has proper documentation. Not being upfront can lead to an unnecessary legal challenge, which can be very expensive for all parties.

Ira Meister is president of Matthew Adam Properties.