If you would like to keep a pet, you must first get our written permission. You can keep pets such as fish in a tank or bowl, small, caged birds without requesting permission from the council. You can request permission via your OneAccount using the Housing Online account or by completing the Housing permission form.
Permission for a pet
We will look at each case on its own merits but please note that you will only be given permission if you live in a suitable property.
The maximum number of dogs and cats we would typically consider are as follows. Each case will be considered on an individual basis
- 1 bed property 1 cat or 1 dog
- 2 bed property 1 cat or 1 dog
- 3 bed property 2 of either
Where the property has a garden or local amenity space (including a park), written permission will normally be granted to keep a dog. Where a property does not have these exceptions may be made for assistance dogs such and guide dog or hearing dogs.
Permission will not be granted for any animals listed under the Dangerous Wild Animal Act 1976 or for any dog listed under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991
It’s a legal requirement to have any dog over the age of eight weeks microchipped and to keep your details up to date.
You can ask the following to microchip your dog for free:
- Battersea Dogs and Cats Home
- Blue Cross centres
- Dogs Trust.
Responsible pet ownership
If you do have a pet, you are responsible by law for the pet’s welfare, as defined by the Animal Welfare Act 2006. It is an offence for anyone responsible for a pet not to look after it properly. You must ensure that your pet has a suitable environment to live in, a suitable diet, are well exercised and is safe from harm.
If your pet dies you will need to seek permission for another pet. The breeding and sale of animals is prohibited.
Your animal must not cause any other nuisance to other people such as excessive barking,
If it comes to our attention that an animal is causing a nuisance, we may withdraw permission for you to keep a pet and take enforcement action. This may include requiring the pet to be re-homed and possible legal action.
Dog ownership
In addition to the conditions stated above, there are further rules relating to the keeping of dogs, specifically:
- You must clean up after your dog if it fouls your garden or shared areas of the estate
- You must keep the dog on a lead with a name tag and not allow it out without a responsible adult
Your dog must:
- Have identification in public areas bearing the owner’s name, address and/or telephone number. Please note that this is a legal requirement. Failure to comply could result in a fine
- Be kept under control at all times and not cause a nuisance or a danger to anyone. They must be kept on a lead when outside in shared areas
- Animals must not foul your home, garden or any communal areas. Dog and cat faeces can carry diseases which can be harmful to people. It is an offence for a dog owner not to clean up after their dog in public places such as roads, estates, footpaths and parks.
Failure to clean up can result in a £80 fixed penalty on the spot fine or prosecution and a fine of up to £1000.
Concerned about cruelty to an animal or dangerous dogs?
If you have a complaint about a dangerous dog or a banned dog, please contact the Police on 101. In an emergency always dial 999.
If you wish to report any welfare concerns about pets you can call the RSPCA 24-hour National Cruelty and Advice line on 0300 1234 999
Pet Policy
Our Pet Policy outlines when we will allow pets and what we expect of tenants who are pet owners.
This form helps us improve the content and structure of our webpages only, and we cannot provide a response to any submission below.