Neighbor's Dog Barks Loudly: What to Do?

Yuri Kryukov, an expert and lawyer, runs his blog on Instagram @vkursedela about the rights of co-owners and apartment owners. A dog constantly barks in the building. What to do?

File a written complaint with the police officer (but first you'll have to measure the noise level). If the dog barks during "quiet hours," call the police.

Check quiet hours for your region, as they may vary. For example, in Moscow, no noise is allowed from 23:00 to 8:00 on weekdays, from 22:00 to 10:00 on weekends, and from 13:00 to 15:00 daily.

What is the acceptable noise level?

According to the "Law on Quiet," the acceptable noise level in a multi-apartment building is up to 55 decibels. For comparison, this is the noise level of a passing car by the window.

A dog's bark can reach 70 to 130 decibels. Just imagine: sounds above 70 decibels are already dangerous to health. So you’ll need to negotiate with loud neighbors.

Who can measure noise levels?

Commercial organizations with accreditation (we called Rosconsumnadzor, but they refused to provide the service). Specialists will come to your home, take measurements, and prepare a report. Attach it to the complaint to the police officer.

Average cost of service in Moscow: from 10,000 to 15,000 rubles.

Important: If the dog does not bark for half an hour, the specialists will leave and charge you the full fee.

Can I measure it myself?

Yes, you can download an app on your smartphone and make a small correction for minor inaccuracies. But it’s not the best option: you won’t be able to use the result as evidence in court.

Should I call the police if my neighbor doesn't open the door?

Yes! Police will always document the noise and prepare a report.

The complaint is already written. Do such cases get resolved in court?

Certainly. You can file a lawsuit for moral damages and even recover the cost of expert analysis.

In addition, the court will require the dog owner to take measures to eliminate the noise.

What documents are needed in court?

• A complaint with your demands.
• A decision to hold the officer administratively responsible.
• Receipt of state fee payment.
• Copies of all documents sent to the defendant by the court.

Important: Involve witnesses — it’s never a bad idea.

What punishment awaits the dog owner?

• The police officer will give a verbal warning.
• On a repeat offense, they’ll issue a fine. The amount depends on the region: for example, in Moscow it’s 1,000 to 2,000 rubles.
• Compensation (only when filing a lawsuit).

What if the person refuses to pay compensation?

Then the case is handed over to bailiffs. If the neighbor doesn't take steps to stop the noise, they can be charged criminally.