If you live in a GHA public housing unit, you can keep certain household pets or service animals, as long as they don’t disturb your neighbors.
Any animals that you plan to keep in your unit must be approved and registered with GHA before they are allowed in your unit. Visiting animals are not allowed on our properties.
Pet Application and Identification
Types of Animals Allowed
Common Household Dog or Cat
- Maximum number of one per household
- Maximum adult size is less than 25 pounds or under 20 inches tall from head to floor
- Some dog breeds are not permitted, such as: German Shepherd; Rottweiler; Doberman Pinscher; Pit Bull; Chow; Spitz; a mix of these breeds; dogs trained to attack; or others, as Gary Housing Authority may determine
- A $50 animal deposit is required for a dog or cat at the time of approval; the deposit is refundable once the animal no longer lives in your Unit, minus any charges for pet-related damages or costs
Service, Assistive, and Companion Animals
- Must be approved as a reasonable accommodation for a disabling condition
- The need for the animal must be documented by a physician or other professional who is in a position to know about the individual’s disability
- No animal deposit is required for properly documented service, assistive, or companion animals
Other Types of Animals Usually Allowed
- Birds (maximum of 3 per household)
- Fish (maximum tank capacity of 20-50 gallons)
- Other small animals (maximum of 2 per household): guinea pig, hamster, gerbil, rabbit, turtle, or lizard (under 12 inches in length when fully grown)
Animal Requirements and Guidelines
Care for Your Animal
Your animals may be cared for and fed inside your Unit only. Do not feed or water stray animals. Dispose of animal waste, including litter, inside a sealed plastic bag, and place it in a trash can or dumpster (not in a trash chute or toilet). If Gary Housing Authority staff has to pick up after your animal, you will be charged a fee.
Keep Your Animal Secure
When outside your Unit, your cat or dog must always be on a leash or inside a secure carrier. All other types of animals must be kept in a cage or aquarium inside your Unit, or inside a secure carrier during transport. You may not construct any cages or perches for animals outside of your Unit.
Make Arrangements When You’re Gone
It’s your responsibility to make sure someone cares for your animal if you are away from home, and to notify your property manager of the arrangements. Management will try to contact you if there is a concern regarding your animal, and if you are unreachable we will call your emergency contact. If neither of you can be reached, then we may contact the appropriate state or local agency to take custody of your animal.
Respect Your Neighbors
Animals are not allowed to interfere with the peaceful enjoyment of the property by other residents. Prevent your animal from barking, howling, biting, scratching, or being a nuisance to others.
We Recommend Pet Liability Insurance
As an animal’s legal guardian, you may be held liable for any injury or damage the animal causes to other people or to property. Gary Housing Authority strongly recommends that you purchase a personal liability insurance policy for coverage against such damages.
Unit Inspections
If there is a concern regarding the health, safety, or behavior of your animal, GHA may inspect your Unit to ensure you are in compliance with these rules. You will be notified of the inspection in accordance with your lease.
