Keeping a pet
If you want to keep a pet – or look after pets or a pet for other people – you will need our written permission first. This applies to cats, dogs, and larger caged birds (like parrots), as well as exotic animals (such as snakes and spiders), animals classed as vermin (such as mice, rats) and small animals (such as rabbits and hamsters).
You will need to get permission for each pet, including replacement pets. To apply, please fill in this Pet permit request form.
You can also pick up a pet application form from our office.
We’ll not give permission for any dog that is covered by the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991, or any other dog that appears to have been bred for fighting.
Important information – The Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 (as amended in 1997)
Please note 2024 changes to the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991, which was also amended in 1997.
If you own an XL Bully dog you will need to have a certificate of exemption to legally keep your pet.
Since 1 February 2024 you will be committing a criminal offence and be in breach of your tenancy agreement if you do not hold a Certification of Exemption.
Why do I need this certificate?
New legislation in England and Wales added the XL Bully breed type to the list of dogs banned under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991. This followed the rise in attacks and fatalities involving dogs known to be or thought to be XL Bullies.
Since 31 December 2023 it has been illegal to breed, sell, exchange, advertise, rehome, gift or abandon an XL Bully or allow them to stray. These dogs must always be muzzled and on a lead in public.
It has, since February 2024, been a criminal offence to own an XL Bully without also having a Certificate of Exemption.
Owners need to:
- be 16 years or older
- take out insurance against the dog injuring other people
- microchip their dog
- keep their dog on a lead and muzzled in a public place
- neuter their dog by 30 June 2024, unless the dog was less than one year old on 31 January 2024. In that case it must be neutered by 31 December 2024.
- be able to show the certificate of exemption to the police or council when asked, or within five days
- alternatively, owners can take their dog to a registered vet to be put to sleep. There is a compensation scheme to cover the vet’s costs.
Breach of tenancy warning
Keeping a pet in your home without permission is a breach of your tenancy agreement and may result in us taking action against you.
Please note: some of our blocks have a ‘no pets’ policy. Please check with our Housing Manager before you get a pet.
If you choose to keep a pet in your home, you must be a responsible pet owner and:
- clear up any mess left in shared areas immediately
- care for your pet properly and make sure it does not cause a nuisance to others
- make sure dogs wear a collar and tag and cats are neutered
- keep dogs on a lead in shared areas, and not allow dogs into children’s play areas.