Pet Policy

McAlester Housing Authority will allow only domesticated dogs, cats, birds, rodents (including a rabbit), fish in aquariums or a turtle will be allowed in units. Common household pets do not include reptiles (except turtles). 

All dogs and cats must be spayed or neutered before they become six months old. A licensed veterinarian must verify this fact.

Only one (1) pet per unit allowed.

Residents must have prior approval of the Housing Authority before moving a pet into their unit. Shot records need to be brought in after approval from the Housing Authority and kept on file.

Any animals deemed to be a potentially harmful to the health or safety of others, including attack or fight trained dogs, will not be allowed.

No animal may exceed twenty (20) pounds in weight.

Pets must be kept in the owner's apartment or on a leash at all times when outside (no outdoor cages may be constructed). Pets will be allowed only in designated areas on the grounds of the projects. Pet owners must clean up after their pets and are responsible for disposing of pet waste.

The pet and its living quarters must be maintained in a manner to prevent odors and any other unsanitary conditions in the owners' unit and surrounding areas.

Repeated substantiated complaints by neighbors or McAlester Housing Authority personnel regarding pets disturbing the peace of neighbors through noise, odor, animal waste, or another nuisance will result in the owner having to remove the pet or move him/herself.

Pets who make noise continuously and/or incessantly for a period of 10 minutes or intermittently for one half hour or more to the disturbance of any person at any time of day or night shall be considered a nuisance.

Pets may not be left unattended in a dwelling unit for over 10 hours. If the pet is left unattended and no arrangements have been made for its care, the MHA will have the right to enter the premises and take the uncared-for pet to be boarded at a local animal care facility at the total expense of the resident.

Residents must take appropriate actions to protect their pets from fleas and ticks.

All dogs must wear a tag bearing the resident's name and phone # and the date of the latest rabies inoculations.

Visiting Pets must adhere to the same pet policy as residents' pets.