If you live in a Council house, bungalow or flat with direct access to an individual garden, you may keep up to two pets such as a dog or cat.
You must get written permission if you wish to keep a dog.
Dogs and cats are required to have an identification ‘microchip’ inserted.
You are not allowed to keep:
- reptiles (including lizards or snakes) requiring live food
- farm animals (including ferrets, hens, chickens, cockerels, ducks, geese, horses, pigs, cows and goats)
- pigeons
- dogs as defined under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991
- any endangered species
Cat ownership
All cats should be microchipped.
From June 2024 it will be compulsory for all cats over 20 weeks to be microchipped.
Owners who do not have their cats microchipped, could face a fine of up to £500.
Dog ownership
All dogs should be microchipped.
We allow tenants to keep a dog, as long as it’s well cared for, and do not cause a nuisance to other residents.
We want to make sure dogs are looked after in the best possible way.
We also appreciate that not everyone likes dogs, or wants to share communal space with them. This is why we have a dog owner's agreement.
Your home must be suitable for the type of dog you want, considering the size of your home and the size of your dog.
You must not leave your dog on your balcony when you are not at home.
You must keep the micro-chip register up to date if you move or change your phone number.
You must clear all dog fouling immediately and disposed of.
Owners with private gardens must keep the area free of dog fouling so it does not cause a nuisance for neighbours.
Owners with a communal garden must not allow their dog to foul in any communal garden.
All dogs must be kept on a lead in communal gardens, footpaths and car parks.
Dogs must not cause a nuisance or annoyance to neighbours or their pets. This includes barking or other noise and damage to other people’s property.
You must make sure that your garden is fenced to prevent your dog going into your neighbours’ gardens.
You should not run a dog-sitting service at your home.
You may not breed any dogs at your home without our written permission.
Your dog must not injure any person.
The dog owner's agreement
The dog owner's agreement sets out conditions that all dog owners should follow.
You and anyone living with you or your visitors must not allow your pets to frighten or cause a nuisance to anybody.
Residents who wish to keep a pet will be required to sign a pet owner’s form that we will provide on request. Please contact your Housing Officer.
If residents are unable to care for their pet, they will need to rehome them.
Guide dogs and assistance dogs are allowed.
Please refer to your Tenancy Agreement conditions or contact your Housing Officer for further guidance.