If your parrot seems to have a psychic ability to begin squawking at the exact same time every day, it’s up to you to own up to it. After all, for all you know, your neighbor might be in a Zoom call or grabbing a nap. In other words, it’s up to you to keep your pet from disrupting the peace and quiet in your building — and be prepared for anything that can happen with an animal, said Jacqueline Whitmore, founder of the Protocol School of Palm Beach. “And, no matter what, it’s your responsibility to take care of whatever happens with your animal. Think about it this way: If your child makes a mess, you would tidy up afterwards. Your pet is no one’s responsibility but yours.”
Myka Meier, founder of Beaumont Etiquette , an etiquette company in New York City, shared her seven best tips for good petiquette: If the definition of good etiquette is that you show respect and consideration for other people, then this applies to pet people, too. “As New Yorkers and pet owners, you’re both part of our bustling city, but I think bad pet manners are a direct reflection on the owner,” said Meier, who is also co-founder of the Plaza Hotel Finishing Program. “This means that uncontrolled dog barking and bird squawking is a direct reflection of the person who owns that pet, so you need to think about what training your pet might need to keep this noise under control.”
You might be in love with your little Pomeranian, but not everyone is going to find him as cute as you do. “Other people didn’t choose your pet, you did,” Meier said. “So, if your dog approaches to sniff them or lick them, this may not be fun for that person, especially a child. Be mindful about this and keep your dog as close to your side as possible.”
The lobby, elevator, laundry room and gym are places where everyone should feel comfortable. “This means you must keep your pet on a leash outside — even your cat,” Meier said, adding that this should be your personal policy, even if there are no strict building rules about this. “It doesn’t matter how well- behaved you think your pet is — no one should have to worry about being jumped on.”
Again, it’s up to you to keep your pet well-groomed, but if your pet has bad breath or there’s a pungent smell emanating from your apartment, expect to hear some complaints, and handle it. “If the smell is filling the elevator, however, all you can do in that moment is to make light of it,” Meier said. “Apologize and say something like ‘we’re on the way to have a bath right now’ and then get your pet to a groomer.”
It may be obvious, but to have the best etiquette, remove and clean any bodily fluid from any common spaces. “This includes a stick your dog dragged in from the park that’s covered in slobber,” she said. “And, if you don’t have the proper supplies, find them. Ask the doorman. Ask the lobby person and clean up that mess.”
If your pet — dog, cat, snake, any creature — bites a human (or another pet), you are fully responsible. “This is like getting into a car accident,” she said. “You need to exchange information and find out if this person needs medical help. You can even take them to get help and, no matter what, never leave the scene.”
The most impolite thing you can do as a neighbor is to act like nothing is happening when your dog is howling at the moon night after night. “Acknowledge it with your neighbor and tell them you’re on top of it or that you’re crate-training and hopefully this is a short-term issue,” Meier said. “Indicating that you’re aware and trying to do something as fast as possible is critical.”
Or, show everyone you care by gifting your neighbors. “If you’ve heard of parents who hand out earplugs on a plane if they’re traveling with toddlers for the first time, this is the same idea,” she said. “Doing this goes a long way to show you’re aware of the problem—and have really good manners.
Pet Etiquette 101: Tips for Responsible Pet Owners
