1. Approval

   No pets will be allowed without prior approval from the IMH, Inc. Board of Directors.  All pets must be personally evaluated prior to approval.  Appropriate documentation and evidence of shots, neutering, spaying, good health, etc. must be provided.

2. Basic Guidelines
1. The opportunity for residents to keep pets is subordinate to the right of the IMH, Inc. residents to be free from any inconvenience created by other residents’ pets.
2. Pets will be permitted only in the COTTAGES (no duplexes or apartments) provided the resident signs a separate agreement regarding the pet.  There shall be no more than one pet per dwelling. The resident will be required to pay a $200 nonrefundable pet fee to the IMH, Inc.
3. The maintenance of a pet at the IMH, Inc. is a REVOCABLE PRIVILEGE and the determination by the IMH, Inc. Board of Directors concerning the suitability of the pet and any permission or denial to keep the pet in the resident’s cottage shall be final.  Generally, no animal which is or may become larger than 20 pounds shall be allowed.  The animal shall be de-clawed and / or silenced if the IMH, Inc. Board of Directors determines such is necessary to protect the rights and health or safety of other residents.
4. The resident shall be responsible for keeping the pet properly restrained and for cleaning up after the pet.  The resident shall make arrangements annually for the care and treatment of the pet in the event of the resident’s death or inability to care for the pet and shall notify the IMH, Inc. as to what arrangements have been made.
5. In order to protect the residents of the IMH, Inc. this policy will be subject to revision.

1. A nonrefundable pet fee of $200 will be required for the pet.  The resident must keep and show proof annually of personal liability insurance for any damages and / or injuries caused by the pet.  The resident will be required to reimburse the IMH, Inc. for damages caused by the pet.
2. Any cottage that was occupied by a dog or cat will be fumigated upon the resident vacating the cottage and prior to a new resident moving in.   The resident will be financially responsible for any flea or other insect infestation as a result of his / her pet.

1. Under no circumstances is the pet allowed to roam free on the campus.  When outside the cottage, the pet must always be on a leash and the leash attended by the resident. Doghouses, dog runs and fences of any kind are prohibited. No pet will be allowed within 100 feet where food is prepared, served or consumed or where otherwise posted.
2. All animal waste is to be picked up and disposed of properly by the pet owner.  Litter from litter boxes is not to be disposed of down the toilet.  Charges for unclogging the toilet or cleaning up any common area will be billed to the resident.
3. The resident agrees to keep the pet under control at all times so that the pet does not jump on other residents and guests or employees entering the cottage for maintenance, housekeeping, or various other services.
4. Pets that disturb the peace and quiet of residents through noise (barking, whining, meowing, etc.), odors, animal wastes, biting, scratching, or other nuisances may be removed from the premises. (Also see paragraph II. B. 3.)
5. The resident also acknowledges that other residents may have chemical sensitivities or allergies or are easily frightened by such animals.  The resident, therefore, agrees to exercise common sense and common courtesy in respect of other residents’ rights to peaceful and quiet enjoyment of the premises.  Otherwise, the resident agrees to remove the pet from the premises.
6. If the resident is to be away from the cottage for longer than 12 hours, arrangements must be made for the care of the pet.  Under no circumstances are pets to be left unattended in the resident’s home for more than 12 hours.  Pets left unattended will be considered an emergency and may be reported to the appropriate authority for removal from the premises at the resident’s expense.  If the resident leaves the pet unattended because of an emergency illness, the responsible party will be required to assume care and responsibility when contacted.
7. Resident must have an emergency plan developed for natural disasters.  Resident must identify a responsible party and a back up for emergency purposes.  Resident must immediately notify the IMH, Inc. of any changes in responsible parties’ designation and supply current address and phone numbers of the responsible parties.
8. The resident agrees to provide adequate care, nutrition, exercise, and medical care for their pet, including current distemper and rabies shots as required or necessary.  Pets that appear to be poorly cared for will be reported to the appropriate authority for removal at the resident’s expense.  All pets must have annual shots meeting Indiana State Law, and evidence thereof must be provided to the IMH, Inc.
9. The IMH, Inc. Board of Directors reserve the right, at anytime, upon thirty (30) days written notice to participating residents, to amend the program, to revoke the program in its entirety or to revoke a particular resident’s rights to participate in the program because of a breach of these rules and regulations.

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