Pets · British Columbia

Strata Property Act, s. 123

Limits to pet bylaws

Official text ↗ Checked against the official source on 2 November 2026

At a glance

What is protected: Guide dogs, service dogs, and retired team dogs are protected

“A bylaw that prohibits a pet or other animal or that restricts the access of a pet or other animal to a strata lot or common property does not apply to”
Restrictions the HOA may set: Strata may restrict pet access to lots and common property

“restricts the access of a pet or other animal to a strata lot or common property”
What is protected: Retired team dogs are protected for owners, tenants, occupants

“(b) a dog that is a member of a retired guide or service dog team if the person who is a member of the team is an owner, tenant or occupant.”

Each fact is shown with the exact words of the statute it comes from. Your association's governing documents may also apply.

Official text

Copy retrieved from www.bclaws.gov.bc.ca. Always rely on the official source for the current version.

Show the full text of Strata Property Act, s. 123

Limits to pet bylaws 123 (1) In this section, "guide dog", "retired guide or service dog team" and "service dog" have the same meaning as in the Guide Dog and Service Dog Act. (2) A bylaw that prohibits a pet does not apply in respect of a pet living with an owner, tenant or occupant if (a) immediately before the bylaw was passed, (i) the pet lived with the owner, tenant or occupant, and (ii) by living with the pet, the owner, tenant or occupant was not contravening any bylaw prohibiting a pet, and (b) the pet continues to live with the owner, tenant or occupant after the bylaw is passed. (3) A bylaw that prohibits a pet or other animal or that restricts the access of a pet or other animal to a strata lot or common property does not apply to (a) a guide dog or service dog, or (b) a dog that is a member of a retired guide or service dog team if the person who is a member of the team is an owner, tenant or occupant.

This page is general legal information, not legal advice, and Harrington Community is not a law firm. For advice about your situation, contact a licensed attorney or your state bar's lawyer referral service.