Animals By-law

1.1 Introduction

Many members of Windmill Line Co-op believe that permitting animals is an asset to the community. Out of respect for the rights of all Windmill Line members, keeping animals as pets is a privilege, not a right of occupancy. For some, however, keeping Service Animals is a right.

This By-law sets out the rules for all animals — pets and Service Animals — kept by members of Windmill Line Co-operative Homes Inc. (the co-op), their children and guests. Guests include anyone that a member, or someone they are responsible for, allows into the building.

This By-law applies to all members under the co-op’s Organizational By-law. The Organizational By-law explains how this By-law can be changed.

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1.2 Responsibility for Animals

For the purposes of this By-law, a member is deemed to be the owner of any animal kept in the member’s unit or brought onto co-op property by the member’s guest. Any member with an animal, or who permits entry to a guest with an animal, is responsible for ensuring none of the provisions of this By-law are breached with respect to the animal. Members are responsible for ensuring that their children and guests comply with this By-law.

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1.3 Repeal

This By-law replaces the “Pets and Other Animals Policy” approved by the board on July 6, 2009, and the general membership on July 28, 2009.

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1.4 Transition to This By-law

After this By-law is confirmed by members at a general meeting:

• (a) Any animals in co-op units that are not permitted under section 3.2 must be removed within 30 days.
• (b) Fish tanks larger than specified under section 3.4 must be removed within 30 days.
• (c) If members have more than the number of dogs and cats permitted per unit under section 3.5, the additional animals may stay until they leave the member’s unit permanently. After that, the members must observe the limits in section 3.5.
• (d) All dogs, cats, and ferrets must be registered with the co-op. See article 9.

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1.5 Special Meanings

In this By-law:

(a) "Animal" means an animal kept in a co-op unit or visiting the co-op, including:

• pets,
• Service Dogs, and
• Service Animals (also called Therapy Animals and Emotional Support Animals; see article 2).

(b) "Common areas" means all areas of the co-op except members’ units. Members’ units include their balconies and patios. Common areas include the rooftop patio, co-op garden areas, hallways, and the laundry room.

(c) "Board" means the board of directors of Windmill Line Co-op.

(d) "Manager" means the senior staff person. That person could have a different job title. Also, in some cases the board of directors or manager may authorize other staff members to perform some of the manager’s duties mentioned in this By-law.

(e) "Staff" refers to employees of the co-op and to staff contracted by the co-op from property management companies.

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1.6 Compliance with Laws

Members who keep animals must comply with all federal laws, provincial laws, and City of Toronto by-laws governing the ownership, licensing, and control of animals. Laws relating to Service Animals supersede anything found in this By-law. Laws referred to in this By-law are listed in Schedule B.

2.1 Not Pets

Animals that are required because of a member’s disability, or the disability of a person in the member’s household, will not be considered “pets” within the meaning of this By-law.

When the member provides appropriate identification or documentation, to the satisfaction of the co-op, the animal will be treated by the co-op as a Service Animal, and some of the rules in this By-law will not apply or will apply differently. Specifically:

• Service Animals are permitted on the rooftop patio with the persons to whom they are providing assistance. They must be leashed or contained at all times and kept under control, and are not permitted to urinate, mark, or defecate anywhere on the rooftop patio, including in planted areas or on pavers, walls, furniture, or garden containers.
• Service Animals are not counted within the per-unit limit in section 3.5.

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2.2 Definitions of Service Animals

(a) General: Service Animals (also called Therapy Animals or Emotional Support Animals) are required by the member or someone in the member’s household as a result of a disability.

(b) Service Dogs: A special category of Service Animals, “Service Dogs” have received training to provide specialized assistance to persons with disabilities (examples: visual or hearing impairment, autism, PTSD).

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2.3 Documentation Required

(a) An animal will be treated by the co-op as a Service Animal when:

• the animal is easily identifiable as relating to a disability (for example, it is wearing a vest or harness); or
• the member provides a letter from a regulated health professional who has direct experience with the individual noting:

1. that the person experiences a disability;
2. that the disability results in limitations or restrictions; and
3. that those limitations or restrictions will be lessened through the acquisition of a Service Animal.

See Schedule B for a list of regulated health professionals qualified to provide this documentation.

(b) A dog will be treated by the co-op as a Service Dog when the member provides documentation or an attestation of specialized training satisfactory to the co-op. With this documentation or attestation, the member does not need to provide the documentation required for other Service Animals (see 2.3a).

(c) The board reserves the right to require members to supply the documentation described above, and/or to obtain updated documentation, to verify the status of a Service Animal at any time for the purposes of enforcing this by law.

3.1 Types of Animals Permitted

Members are permitted to keep animals within the rules stated in this By-law. These include dogs, cats, and contained animals such as rabbits, birds, rodents (examples: mice and hamsters), reptiles (examples: snakes and lizards), amphibians (examples: frogs) and fish.

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3.2 Prohibited Animals

(a) Reptiles: Snakes and other reptiles that reach an adult length greater than 1 metre.

(b) Animals prohibited by City: Any animals that are prohibited under the Toronto Municipal Code (see Schedule B).

(c) Pit bulls: Dogs listed as “pit bulls” in the Ontario Dog Owners’ Liability Act (see Schedule B). Members are responsible for informing themselves about the applicable rules and laws.

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3.3 Dogs under Dangerous Dog Orders

Members whose dog becomes the subject of a Dangerous Dog Order from Toronto Animal Services (see Schedule B) must immediately notify the co-op office and deliver a copy of the order. The dog is not permitted on co-op property if:

• the member does not comply with muzzling, training, or signage requirements in the order; or
• the dangerous act leading to the order is deemed severe (Level 3 or above).

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3.4 Fish Tanks

Members may not keep more than one 15-gallon fish tank or the equivalent in smaller tanks, if filled with water.

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3.5 Number of Dogs and Cats Permitted

Members may keep no more than one dog and two cats per unit, not counting animals staying in the unit for less than 30 days and not counting Service Dogs and/or Service Animals. Members may apply to the board for an exemption for exceptional circumstances.

No breeding of any type of animal is allowed in any unit, and no business involving the care of animals (examples: boarding, grooming) may be undertaken on the co-op’s property by any member or other person.

5.1 Vaccination

Dogs, cats, and ferrets over three months old that are kept in the co-op are required by Ontario law to be vaccinated (immunized) for rabies (see Schedule B). Booster shots and/or revaccinations are required to maintain immunity. The co-op may require proof of vaccination if a provider of veterinary care or health care deems it necessary.

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5.2 Spaying/Neutering

All dogs and cats of more than six months of age must be either spayed or neutered. Proof of spaying/neutering must be provided to the office (using the Animal Registration Form, Schedule A).

6.1 Application

This article applies to all animals, including Service Dogs and other Service Animals, with the exception of section 6.4(b).

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6.2 Disturbance

Members must care for their animals in a responsible manner and not permit them to cause a disturbance to other persons at the co-op. See article 7 for how to make a complaint. Disturbance may include:

(a) Aggressive behaviour: Members must immediately and effectively restrain animals that behave aggressively. Aggressive behaviour, including growling and lunging as well as biting, is prohibited under the Toronto Municipal Code (see Schedule B).

(b) Noise that can be heard beyond the units where the animals live: Persistent or excessive noise from animals, including persistent barking and whining, is prohibited under the Toronto Municipal Code (see Schedule B).

(c) Odours: Animal odours, including litter box odours, must not be detectible beyond the units where the animals live.

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6.3 Damage to Property

Members must not allow their animals to damage the co-op’s property, including members’ units. Members are responsible for repairing any such damage. If they do not, the co-op may charge members for repairs or deduct the cost from the member deposit.

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6.4 Common Areas

(a) Animals are not permitted in common areas other than as necessary to get to and from units where they are registered as living or where they are visiting. Animals must be leashed or in containers at all times when outside members’ units and kept under control in elevators, hallways, and all common areas. Animals must be kept off of co-op furniture. Under no circumstances may animals roam free in any area of co-op property.

(b) Animals are not permitted on the rooftop patio, except for Service Dogs and other Service Animals (see article 2).

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6.5 Unattended Animals

Animals must not be left unattended in any common area or on unit patios or balconies.

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6.6 Disposal of Waste

All waste from animals must be disposed of in the manner appropriate for organic waste.

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6.7 Defecation and Urination

Members must not allow their animals to defecate or urinate (including marking) on unit patios or balconies, in co-op gardens or garden containers, on co-op furniture, or in any common area of the co-op, including the rooftop patio. If an animal urinates or defecates on co-op property, members must clean up the waste immediately or as soon as reasonably possible if the member’s disability prevents them from doing so immediately. Members must also advise maintenance staff so that additional measures to remove stains and odours may be taken if needed.

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6.8 Controlling Parasites and Diseases

Members must not allow animals that contract a parasite or communicable disease (including fleas and ticks) to enter the common areas of the co-op or have any contact with other animals in the co-op. If evidence of fleas or ticks is found and can be traced to a member’s animal, the co-op will arrange for the unit or common area to be professionally treated and all costs will be charged to the member.

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6.9 Identification

Dogs and cats must wear identification tags and collars with contact information for the member responsible when outside the member’s unit.

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6.10 Unit Maintenance

During maintenance work in a unit, animals must be either confined in an area away from the work zone or under the direct control of a responsible adult.

7.1 Complaint Process

(a) Aggressive behaviour, including growling and lunging as well as biting, must be reported to Toronto Animal Services by calling 311 (see Schedule B). Members must also report these incidents to the office, for record-keeping purposes. Co-op staff can help members to make reports to Animal Services.

(b) Persistent or excessive noise from animals, including persistent barking and whining: Toronto Animal Services asks residents to consider speaking to the owner first. If this approach does not work, members should report the noise to Toronto Animal Services by calling 311 (see Schedule B). Members should also report these incidents to the office. Co-op staff can help members to make reports to Animal Services.

(c) Other complaints about animals should be made directly to the members responsible for the animals. If the issue cannot be resolved this way, members should send a written complaint to the manager.

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7.2 Breaches of By-law

The co-op will follow the Occupancy By-law to deal with breaches of this By-law. The co-op may require a member to comply with this By-law or may take steps to have an animal removed. If the member fails to remove an animal when required by the co-op, the co-op may contact appropriate authorities (examples: City of Toronto Animal Services, Toronto Humane Society). Serious or repeated breaches of this By-law or failure to remove an animal when required by the co-op may be grounds for eviction through the Landlord and Tenant Board.

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7.3 Co-op Contacting Authorities

If the health or safety of a co-op resident, staff, or visitor is at risk, or if an animal is at risk, the co-op reserves the right to contact appropriate authorities immediately (examples: City of Toronto Animal Services, Toronto Humane Society).

8.1 When Found Loose

If an animal is found loose in a common area, and reasonable efforts to reunite the animal with the member responsible fail, the manager can order the temporary removal of the animal. The member must pay the cost, if any, of the removal.

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8.2 In Emergencies

If an emergency occurs that could be hazardous to animals in a unit (examples: flood or abandonment), and reasonable efforts to contact the member and emergency contact fail, then the co-op may arrange for the temporary removal of the animal(s). Any costs incurred will be paid for by the member.

9.1 Application

Any dog, cat, or ferret that stays in the co-op for more than 30 days must be registered.

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9.2 Animal Registration Form

(a) All members with a dog, cats, and/or ferrets must complete an Animal Registration Form for each animal (Schedule A) within three months after the confirmation of this By-law, and every year after that.

(b) With each registration, members may provide a clear photo of each registered animal, to help in identification if the animal is found loose.

(c) Members may choose to register animals other than dogs, cats, and ferrets if they wish, using Schedule A.

Required for cats, dogs, and ferrets. Use one form for each animal.

Name of member responsible for animal	______________________________________________
Address and unit no.	______________________________________________
Day/cell phone no.	__________________________
evening phone no.	__________________________
Name of emergency contact	______________________________________________
phone no.	__________________________
Type of animal	______________________________________________
Name of animal	______________________________________________
Is the animal a Service Animal (see article 2)?	☐ Yes     ☐ No
Breed (dogs)	______________________________________________
Sex	________________
Age	________________

I have read, understand and acknowledge that I have received a copy of Windmill Line Co-operative’s Animals By-law, and I and members of my household promise to fully comply with this By-law, including being held responsible for any damage or injury caused by my/our animal(s).

I agree to indemnify and save harmless the co-op’s staff and board of directors from all liability, judgments, expenses (including lawyers’ fees), claims and suits of any kind, including those from third parties, for any injury, including death caused to any person, or for damage to property of any kind whatsoever caused by my/our animal(s).

Signature of member responsible _________________________________________

Date _________________________________________

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FOR OFFICE USE Received:

Completed Animal Registration Form

Photo of animal (optional)

For Service Animal, documentation provided

Copy of proof of spay or neuter, for cats and dogs 6 months or older (proof is required only once for each animal, the first time it is registered)

Windmill Line Co-operative Representative _________________________________________

Date _________________________________________

For the sections of the Animals By-law shown below, this schedule provides web addresses for relevant provincial and municipal laws and policies, with some excerpts. This information is current as of the confirmation of the Animals By-law by a GMM on June 25, 2026.

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Section 2.3: Documentation Required (for Service Animals)

Regulated health professionals qualified to provide this documentation are listed in Section 80.45 of O. Reg. 191/11 (regulation under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005).

https://www.ontario.ca/laws/regulation/110191#BK149

1. A member of the College of Audiologists and Speech-Language Pathologists of Ontario.
2. A member of the College of Chiropractors of Ontario.
3. A member of the College of Nurses of Ontario.
4. A member of the College of Occupational Therapists of Ontario.
5. A member of the College of Optometrists of Ontario.
6. A member of the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario.
7. A member of the College of Physiotherapists of Ontario.
8. A member of the College of Psychologists of Ontario.
9. A member of the College of Registered Psychotherapists and Registered Mental Health Therapists of Ontario.

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Section 3.2(b): Animals Prohibited by City

Animals Bylaw (Toronto Municipal Code, Chapter 349)

https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/municode/1184_349.pdf

Schedule A of the Toronto Animals Bylaw lists four categories of prohibited animals.

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Section 3.2(c): Pit Bulls

Ontario Dog Owners' Liability Act

https://www.ontario.ca/laws/statute/90d16

The Act bans the "pit bull", defined as:

• (a) a pit bull terrier,
• (b) a Staffordshire bull terrier,
• (c) an American Staffordshire terrier,
• (d) an American pit bull terrier,
• (e) a dog that has an appearance and physical characteristics that are substantially similar to those of dogs referred to in any of clauses (a) to (d)

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Sections 3.3, 6.2(a), and 7.1(a): Dangerous Dogs / Aggressive Behaviour

Animals Bylaw (Toronto Municipal Code, Chapter 349)

https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/municode/1184_349.pdf

Toronto Animal Services — Dog Bites or Attacks:

https://www.toronto.ca/community-people/animals-pets/pets-in-the-city/dogs-in-the-city/dog-bites-or-attacks/

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Section 5.1: Vaccination

Ontario Health Protection and Promotion Act — Regulation 567

https://www.ontario.ca/laws/regulation/900567

1. Every owner or person having the care or custody of a cat, dog or ferret three months of age or over shall ensure that the cat, dog or ferret is immunized against rabies.

The regulation gives additional information about who may provide the immunization, which information must be included on the certificate of immunization, and conditions in which an animal may be exempt from immunization.

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Sections 6.2(b) and 7.1(b): Animal Noise

Noise Bylaw (Toronto Municipal Code, Chapter 591)

https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/municode/1184_591.pdf

§591-2.2 Animals. No person shall cause or permit persistent noise, including barking, calling or whining or other similar persistent noise, to be made by any animal kept or used for any purpose.

Toronto Animal Services — Animal Enforcement & Assistance

https://www.toronto.ca/community-people/animals-pets/enforcement-assistance/