Sample Complaint Letter: Excessive Dog Barking

This page provides a sample complaint letter addressing the issue of excessive dog barking. You can use this as a template to create your own letter, tailoring it to your specific situation. Remember to remain polite and professional, focusing on the impact the barking is having on you and your household.

Sample Letter

[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]

[Date]

[Neighbor’s Name]
[Neighbor’s Address]

Subject: Complaint Regarding Excessive Dog Barking

Dear [Neighbor’s Name],

I am writing to you today regarding the excessive barking of your dog. While I understand that dogs bark and it is a natural behavior, the frequency and duration of the barking have become a significant disturbance to my household and my ability to peacefully enjoy my property.

Specifically, the barking occurs [Specify the times of day/night when the barking is most frequent. Be as precise as possible. Examples: “early in the morning, beginning around 5:00 AM”, “frequently throughout the day while you are at work”, “late at night, often continuing past 11:00 PM”, “every time someone walks past your property”, “when the dog is left alone in the backyard”].

The barking typically lasts for [Specify the duration of the barking episodes. Examples: “several hours at a time”, “approximately 30 minutes each time”, “intermittently throughout the day”, “almost continuously for hours when you are not home”].

This excessive barking is causing several problems for me and my family. For example, [Explain the specific ways the barking is impacting you. Be clear and concise. Include specific examples. Examples: “it consistently wakes me up early in the morning, making it difficult to get enough sleep before work”, “it disrupts my ability to work from home, making it hard to concentrate on important tasks and participate in conference calls”, “it disturbs my children’s sleep, making them irritable and tired during the day”, “it makes it impossible to relax in my backyard during the daytime”, “it is negatively affecting my overall quality of life and causing me stress and anxiety”, “it startles my own pets, causing them distress”].

I have tried to be patient and understanding, hoping that the barking would subside on its own. However, it has continued for [State how long the barking has been a problem. Examples: “several weeks”, “the past few months”, “a significant amount of time now”]. I am now reaching out to you directly in the hope that we can find a mutually agreeable solution to this problem.

I understand that you may not be fully aware of the extent of the barking, especially when you are not at home. Perhaps you could consider [Suggest possible solutions. Be reasonable and respectful. Examples: “exploring training options for your dog to address the barking behavior”, “consulting with a veterinarian to rule out any underlying medical issues that might be contributing to the barking”, “providing your dog with more stimulation and exercise to reduce boredom and anxiety”, “bringing your dog inside during times when the barking is most disruptive”, “investing in an anti-barking device, such as a citronella collar, to discourage excessive barking”, “ensuring your dog has adequate companionship and attention throughout the day”].

I am confident that we can work together to resolve this issue amicably. I value being a good neighbor and would like to maintain a positive relationship with you. I would appreciate it if you would take this matter seriously and take steps to address the excessive barking of your dog.

I would be happy to discuss this further with you at your convenience. Please feel free to contact me at [Your Phone Number] or [Your Email Address] to arrange a time to talk.

Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]

Important Considerations When Writing Your Letter

• Be Polite and Respectful: Even though you are frustrated, it’s crucial to maintain a polite and respectful tone throughout the letter. Avoid accusatory language or personal attacks. Remember, your goal is to encourage your neighbor to address the problem, and being aggressive is unlikely to achieve that.
• Be Specific and Detailed: Provide specific details about the barking. Include the times of day it occurs, the duration of the barking episodes, and the impact it is having on you and your family. Vague complaints are less likely to be taken seriously.
• Document the Barking: Keep a log of the barking incidents, including dates, times, and durations. This documentation can be helpful if you need to escalate the issue to animal control or your homeowner’s association. Consider recording audio or video evidence, if permissible in your area.
• Know Your Local Ordinances: Research your local noise ordinances regarding dog barking. Include a reference to the ordinance in your letter to show that you are aware of your rights and that the barking is a violation. You can typically find this information on your city or county government website.
• Suggest Solutions: Offer reasonable solutions to the problem. This shows that you are willing to work with your neighbor to find a resolution. Examples include dog training, increased exercise, or anti-barking devices.
• Keep a Copy: Make a copy of the letter for your records. This will be useful if you need to take further action in the future.
• Consider Delivery Method: While a handwritten letter can feel more personal, consider sending the letter via certified mail with return receipt requested. This provides proof that your neighbor received the letter.
• Follow Up: If you don’t hear back from your neighbor within a reasonable timeframe (e.g., one week), follow up with a phone call or another letter.
• Escalation: If your neighbor doesn’t respond or doesn’t take steps to address the problem after you’ve tried communicating with them directly, you may need to escalate the issue. Options include contacting your homeowner’s association (if applicable), filing a complaint with animal control, or consulting with an attorney.
• Consider Mediation: Before escalating to legal action, consider mediation. A neutral third party can help you and your neighbor communicate effectively and reach a mutually agreeable solution.
• Be Prepared for Pushback: Your neighbor may not be receptive to your complaint, even if you are polite and reasonable. Be prepared for this possibility and consider your next steps in advance.
• State Facts, Not Emotions: While it’s important to describe the impact the barking has, avoid overly emotional language. Focus on presenting the facts of the situation.

Disclaimer: This is a sample letter and should be adapted to your specific situation. Consult with legal counsel if you have any concerns about your rights or legal options.