By Sean Phillips, REALTOR®, Strand resident ·
Short answer: Each BC strata can set its own pet bylaws, so rules vary from building to building. If a strata hasn't adopted its own, BC's standard bylaws apply, which generally allow one dog or one cat plus some small caged animals and birds. Many stratas add size or weight limits. If a new bylaw restricts pets, a pet already living in the unit is generally allowed to stay for its lifetime.
The standard bylaw
Under the Strata Property Act's standard bylaws, an owner, tenant or occupant may generally keep:
- A reasonable number of fish or other small aquarium animals
- A reasonable number of small caged mammals
- Up to two caged birds
- One dog or one cat
Many stratas replace this with their own bylaws. Some allow more pets, and some set weight limits.
Custom pet bylaws
A strata can pass its own pet bylaws by a 3/4 vote of owners at a general meeting. Common examples include weight limits for dogs, leash rules on common property, and rules about pets on beaches, pools and courtyards. At The Strand, for example, the bylaw is commonly reported as one dog or one cat, with dogs up to 10 kg. See pets and everyday living at The Strand.
What happens to existing pets?
Under the Strata Property Act, if a strata passes a bylaw that prohibits a pet, a pet already living in a strata lot when the bylaw passes is generally allowed to stay. The exemption doesn't extend to a replacement pet.
Guide and service dogs
Guide dogs and service dogs certified under BC's Guide Dog and Service Dog Act have legal protections, and strata pet bylaws can't be used to exclude them.
Tips for pet owners buying a condo
- Read the current bylaws before you make an offer, not after.
- Check the minutes for proposed bylaw changes.
- Ask about pet-friendly outdoor areas and nearby parks.
- Make your offer subject to reviewing the bylaws.
Frequently asked questions
How many pets can I have in a BC condo?
It depends on the strata's bylaws. Under BC's standard bylaws, you can generally keep one dog or one cat plus some small caged animals, fish and up to two caged birds.
Can a BC strata ban pets?
A strata can pass bylaws restricting pets, but a pet already living in the unit when the bylaw passes is generally allowed to stay.
Do strata pet bylaws apply to service dogs?
Guide and service dogs certified under BC's Guide Dog and Service Dog Act are protected and can't be excluded by pet bylaws.
More guides to Okanagan Landing and The Strand
- Pets, Parking, Storage and Renovations at The Strand Lakeside
- How to Buy a Waterfront Condo in Vernon, BC: A Step-by-Step Guide
- Can a BC Strata Stop You Renting Your Condo? Bill 44 Explained
- The Strand Lakeside FAQ: 50 questions answered
Have a question about waterfront living in Vernon?
I'm Sean Phillips, a REALTOR® with Coldwell Banker Executives Realty. I live at The Strand in Okanagan Landing and specialise in Vernon-area waterfront condos. For current listings and recent sales, visit 7343okanaganlanding.ca.
Text Sean: 778-363-0542
Call or text Sarah, my 24/7 info line: 604-227-4810
This article is general information as of fall 2026, not legal, tax or financial advice. Rules, fees and conditions change, so always confirm details with the appropriate professional or authority before making a decision.
General information only, not legal, tax or financial advice. Confirm details for your situation with the appropriate professional.
