Dog Ownership Trends in HOAs And What They Mean for Property & Community Association Managers

Dog ownership is booming across Northern Virginia, Washington, D.C., and suburban Maryland. From urban condos in D.C. to townhome communities in Fairfax and family-oriented HOAs in Prince George’s and Montgomery Counties, more residents than ever are sharing their homes with dogs — and they expect their communities to welcome them too.

At CoPS on Doody, we work with communities of every size and layout, and we’ve seen this shift reshape how property and community association managers approach daily operations. From managing pet waste to updating community rules, the “dog-friendly” factor now plays a major role in resident satisfaction and property reputation.

1. A Clean Community Starts with a Pet Waste Plan

More dogs means more waste — and relying on residents to “bring their own bag” isn’t enough anymore. Communities without well-placed pet waste stations, stocked bag dispensers, and reliable pickup schedules often face complaints, unsanitary common areas, and frustrated residents.

A well-managed system signals that you care about both cleanliness and community standards. It also reduces conflicts between pet and non-pet owners. Partnering with a professional waste management service ensures your stations stay clean, stocked, and compliant — without adding to your team’s workload.

2. Dog-Friendly Amenities Are a Selling Point

Today’s residents look for more than sidewalks and green space — they expect communities designed for life with pets. The most in-demand amenities include:

• Pet waste stations along walking paths and near open areas

• Waste bins at trailheads and playgrounds

• Dog-wash areas or small fenced dog runs

Even simple upgrades like adding visible, well-maintained stations can dramatically improve compliance and resident satisfaction. Thoughtful planning helps dog owners feel supported and keeps shared spaces clean for everyone.

3. Outdated Pet Policies Need a Refresh

Many HOA and condo pet rules were written years ago and no longer reflect modern expectations. Communities benefit from updating pet policies to be:

• Clear and enforceable — especially around leash use and waste disposal

• Fair and inclusive — avoiding breed-specific bans

• Education-focused — emphasizing responsible pet ownership over punishment

Modernized rules help reduce tension and promote a sense of fairness — key ingredients for harmonious community living.

4. How CoPS on Doody Helps

We go beyond basic cleanup. Our services are built to make your property management easier and your residents happier:

• USDA-Certified 38% biobased bags and liners — durable, reliable, and better for the environment

• Site assessments and optimal station placement based on real traffic patterns

• Regular maintenance and service documentation you can share with your board

• Resident education tools to improve compliance and communication

Whether you manage a high-rise, townhouse community, or large HOA, we make it simple to keep things running smoothly.

Building a Community That Works for Everyone

Rising dog ownership doesn’t have to be a challenge — it’s an opportunity to strengthen relationships with residents and show that your community adapts to evolving lifestyles. Dogs aren’t just pets anymore; they’re family members. And when your community is designed to welcome them thoughtfully, everyone benefits.

If you’re seeing more paws on the ground than ever before, CoPS on Doody can help.

We proudly serve HOAs, apartment communities, and municipalities across Northern Virginia, Washington, D.C., and suburban Maryland — offering reliable pet waste management solutions, from stations to full-service cleanup programs.

👉 Let’s make your community cleaner, happier, and more dog-friendly — together.

Visit CoPSonDoody.com or contact our team to get started.