For a lot of people, the dog or the cat is part of the family. So when someone starts thinking about a move to Leisure Village, one of the first questions I hear is whether the pet can come too. The good news is yes. The rules are written to keep pets and neighbors getting along, and they’re easy to follow once you know them.

Everything below comes from the Association’s own Rules & Regulations (Update November 2025), mostly Article XVI, which is the pet section. I’ll go through it in plain words.

The Leisure Village Pet Rules at a Glance

You’ll notice 16.01 is missing. The rules show it as removed, so the pet section starts at 16.02.

How Many Pets Can You Have in Leisure Village?

Two uncaged pets per home. That could be two dogs, two cats, or one of each.

The rule is written about uncaged pets, so the number applies to the animals that move around the home and go outside. If you also have a caged animal, ask the Association Office how they look at it before you move in. It’s a quick call to (805) 484-2861, and it’s much easier to ask now than after the movers leave.

I didn’t find a weight limit or a breed list in the November 2025 rules. The rule that matters most here is 16.07. A pet that attacks other pets or people can’t live in the community.

The Leash Rule and What “Under Control” Means

Every domestic animal has to be on a leash and under control any time it’s outdoors. The rules go a step further and spell out what under control means, which I appreciate, because it takes the guessing out of it.

• ✓Passing other walkers. Shorten a manual leash, or reel in a retractable one, so the animal stays under strict control as you pass.
• ✓Near another person, at an intersection, or crossing the street. Keep the animal directly at your side.
• ✓Small dogs. If the pet is a miniature, you can hold it in your arms instead.

Leisure Village has a lot of people out walking in the mornings and evenings. A short leash at the corners keeps everyone comfortable, including the neighbor who uses a walker or a cane.

Where Your Dog Can and Can’t Walk

Pets can go wherever residents walk. The exceptions are posted areas, the swimming pool, the clubhouse, the golf course, and the tennis and paddle tennis courts.

The pool has its own rule too. Section 10.18 says animals aren’t permitted in the pool or the pool area under the Health and Safety Code, except as provided for by law. The Racquet Club rules repeat that pets aren’t allowed on the courts. If you’re a golfer, my Leisure Village golf guide covers the course itself, and the amenities guide shows the rest of what’s here for you to use.

If you have a service animal or an assistance animal, those have their own protections under the law, which is why the pool rule includes that “except as provided for by law” line. Talk with the Association Office about your situation, and with an attorney if you need to.

Feeding Birds and Wildlife

This one surprises people. Feeding animals and wild birds outside the home isn’t allowed in Leisure Village. Hummingbird feeders are the one exception the rules allow.

The rules also list feeding or interacting with wild animals, like coyotes and squirrels, as a health and safety violation. So that bag of peanuts for the squirrels should stay in the pantry.

What Happens If a Pet Rule Is Broken

Before the Board takes any disciplinary action, the owner or tenant is entitled to a hearing. The Notice of Violation is mailed first class at least 10 days before the hearing, and you can appear in person, with an attorney, or both.

After the hearing, the Board can impose a monetary penalty, one time or on a recurring basis for an ongoing problem. It can also suspend the right to use common area facilities, for up to 30 days for a single violation. And under 16.07, if a pet bites a person or another animal, the owner pays a monetary penalty and has to attend a Board hearing to decide what happens next.

Some pet problems are on the Association’s list of violations that count as risks to health or safety. For those, the rules say penalties may exceed $100.

• ✓An unauthorized, excessive number of, or dangerous pets or animals.
• ✓Not leashing a pet in common areas, or letting a pet create unsafe conditions for others.
• ✓Pets in the pool area.
• ✓Not cleaning up after a pet in a common area or on a lot.
• ✓Feeding or interacting with wild animals.

One more thing owners should know. Under 1.04, a member or tenant found in violation can also be charged the attorney fees and costs the Association spends enforcing the rules.

Renting Out Your Home or Having Family Visit With Pets

The rules make the owner responsible for the actions of tenants, guests, and other visitors. So if you rent your home and your tenant’s dog isn’t on a leash, that can land on you as the owner.

If you’re thinking about leasing, put the pet rules in front of your tenant before they sign. My post on Leisure Village rental rules covers the rest of the leasing requirements. And when the grandkids come for the holidays with their family dog, the same leash and pick-up rules apply to that dog. The age rules and guest limits post explains how long guests can stay.

Selling a Leisure Village Home When You Have Pets

If you’re selling, plan for the pets before the first showing. I suggest taking pets out of the home or keeping them contained during showings and open houses. Buyers relax and look at the house instead of the dog.

Pet odors are one of the first things buyers notice in a home that’s been lived in for years. My post on house smells buyers notice first walks through what to do about them. And if you need help with cleaning or repairs before you list, my team and I connect you with trusted vendors and can schedule them for you.

A Checklist Before You Move In With a Pet

• ✓Count your pets. Two uncaged pets per home is the limit.
• ✓Ask the Association Office at (805) 484-2861 about anything the rules don’t spell out, like a caged animal or an assistance animal.
• ✓Pack a short leash, and if you use a retractable one, practice reeling it in.
• ✓Keep pick-up bags by the door, and remember the closed bag goes in your own trash.
• ✓Plan for the pet’s care on days you’re away, because pets shouldn’t be left alone for long periods.
• ✓Read my moving day with pets guide for the first two weeks in the new home.

Why This Matters for Leisure Village Buyers

If you’re buying in Leisure Village, the pet rules belong on your list next to the HOA dues and the age rules. My Leisure Village quick facts post has the current dues by model. If you’re helping a parent move to Leisure Village and Mom can’t imagine life without her cat, she can bring her. Knowing the rules ahead of time makes that first week a lot calmer for everyone.

This post is general information based on the Leisure Village Association’s Rules & Regulations (Update November 2025). Rules can change, so please confirm the current version with the Association Office. I’m a Realtor, not an attorney. For legal questions about service or assistance animals, a violation, or a hearing, talk to an attorney.

Frequently Asked Questions

Questions About Moving to Leisure Village With a Pet?