Pet Policy for Council Housing

For permission to be granted, the council would also expect the tenant to provide confirmation that the following conditions could be met:

• A contingency plan is in place whereby a family member/friend will re-house your pet should you have to leave the property on a temporary basis (e.g. holiday, hospitalisation etc.) or you become incapable of providing the level of care required for the pet.

• You agree to make good any damage caused to the property by your pet. (Most damage caused by pets is due to lack of supervision or control of the pet and therefore residents must act responsibly to prevent this). Failure to remedy damage will result in you being recharged.

• If appropriate to the animal, residents will be required to ensure that their pet is micro-chipped and registered with a local veterinary surgery, PDSA or animal welfare centre. To comply with current legislation dogs must be microchipped and wear a collar and tag with the owner’s contact details, outside the home.

• Residents are responsible for the health and welfare of their pets. Under the Animal Welfare Act 2006, this is called a duty of care. This requires proper day-to-day management and care of the pet. If residents have any questions about the care of their pet, they should contact their vet or a suitable advisory body. Routine healthcare must include regular control of parasites (fleas and worms), vaccination and neutering where appropriate.

• You must ensure that your pet is appropriately trained to be suitable for their accommodation (i.e. Cats must be litter trained and dogs house trained).

• The control of your pet and any animals visiting the property are your responsibility.

• Dogs must always be kept under control and on a lead when in public areas. They must never be allowed outside the boundary of your property on their own - this includes communal balconies, gardens, stairwells, and corridors.

• If your pet fouls in the communal gardens or outside communal space, you must clear up after it immediately and responsibly dispose of the waste.

• A pet should never be allowed to foul on communal stairways, corridors, or balconies. If an accident should occur within the premises, faeces or urine must always be removed and the area cleaned immediately.

• In accommodation designated for 60yrs+ pets are not allowed in our communal socialising areas e.g. communal lounges, kitchens, craft areas and exercise rooms etc. Trained Guide Dogs and Assistance Dogs will be permitted in all areas.

• Animals should not cause harm or concern to a visiting member of WHBC staff or any of their contractors. If you refuse to allow access to a staff member or refuse to secure your pet in another room while they visit you could be in breach of your tenancy.

• If we give permission for a pet and you do not obtain this pet within 6 months, you are required to make a fresh request.