Skip to main content Skip to footer

Homing pets

We recognise the value and benefit of caring for a furry or feathered friend in your own home.

We know that pets provide companionship, comfort and love and offer a way to contact others.

Fit, healthy and well-cared-for pets can improve owners’ health and benefits and give an animal a secure and loving home. 

Many people see pets as part of their family, and we support tenants who want to own and safely keep a domestic pet within their home.

Responsible pet ownership

Even the most friendly and loveable dog can be dangerous to our colleagues, particularly those working inside your home, like our repair operatives and housing officers.

Please help us carry out any visit to your home safely by keeping your dog secure and out of the way while we do any work.

We take the safety of our colleagues very seriously and may even consider prosecution if any of our colleagues are injured. This is a last resort, though and we’d prefer to work with our customers to ensure we keep our colleagues safe.

Help us to help you by working together to keep our colleagues safe when working in your homes.

All pet owners have a duty of care towards their pets and must ensure that they do not cause a nuisance to neighbours or the community.

As a responsible dog owner, please limit your pets' noise and ensure they have enough space and exercise. Ensure they are well cared for and that you clean up after them. Please ensure they are always on a lead outside your home. Not all properties are suitable for pets, and you must obtain our written permission before you get one. If you find a stray dog, contact your local council.

XL bullies are banned under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991. It is illegal to breed, sell, or advertise. exchange, gift, rehome, abandon, or allow XL bullies to stray in England and Wales.

Owners must hold a certificate of exemption from the government and comply with additional restrictions, which include the dog being neutered,  muzzled, and kept on a lead in public places and the owner having third-party liability insurance.

Our Pet Policy states that we will not permit any dogs listed under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 in any circumstances, which now includes XL Bullies.

If you have any concerns regarding an owner not having a certificate or not complying with the restrictions, then the Police should be contacted; it is a criminal offence and must be investigated.

Tenants who gained permission before the legislation change and have the correct license may keep the dog(s), but if we receive complaints of aggressive behaviour or straying from our tenants or partner agencies, action will be taken under the tenancy agreement and ASB Policy.

For more information, visit https://www.gov.uk/guidance/ban-on-xl-bully-dogs [external web link]

Report an XL Bully dog

Call the police on 101.

If a dog is attacking a person or other animal call 999.

Permission will not be given to keep any dog listed as dangerous as defined by the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991.

 

An application is required for exotic pets such as snakes or spiders, and you must complete a pet contract. Contact us for more information or refer to our Pets Policy.

Permission will not usually be granted for any non-domestic animal, such as farm animals or any type of bird of prey, including, but not limited to, pigs, ducks, chickens, and owls.

Where this is considered, it will be done in full consultation with relevant residents.

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help from our friendly Customer Contact Team.