Your occupancy agreement should set out if we allow pets and if you need permission. If you’re unsure what’s in your agreement, or your agreement is not clear, you can ask us to check for you. In some blocks, where we do not own the freehold, we will be bound by the rules of the freeholder and our agreement with them.

When you don't need permission

If your agreement allows you to keep pets, you can have small pets without asking our permission.

Small pets include:

  • hamsters
  • gerbils
  • mice
  • guineapigs, and other small rodents.
  • You’re also allowed to keep small fish in an indoor tank.

You’re also able to have an assistance or ability dog without asking our permission. However, you must let us know you’re getting one. If you’d like a different type of assistance / ability pet, you’ll need to ask permission.

If you live in a house or bungalow with a private garden, you can have one cat or dog without asking our permission.

When you do need permission

You must get our permission if you:

  • Want more than one cat or dog
  • Want any pet and live in a flat, maisonette or shared house 
  • Live in an Independent Living or Extra Care scheme
  • Want a type of pet not listed in this policy, including chickens
  • Want to run a pet related business from home e.g., grooming, dog walking, pet sitting
  • Want to install dog or cat flaps - we need to check the flaps will not affect the door’s fire safety.

Animals we won't allow

  • Any animal listed in the Dangerous Wild Animals Act 1976 including large or venomous snakes and certain types of spider
  • Dogs listed in the Dangerous Dog Act 1991 Section 1
  • Farm animals. This includes but is not limited to, sheep, goats, pigs, cattle, horses, cockerels, roosters.
  • Bees
  • Pets in guest rooms.

If you have a pet which is subsequently listed in the Dangerous Wild Animals Act 1976 or otherwise banned or restricted, you’ll need to apply or re-apply for permission.

This applies even if permission was previously given. If we don’t give you permission, you’ll have to rehome your pet. If we do give permission, it may be subject to additional conditions.

Apply for permission

You can apply for permission by completing the form below. If you are unable to complete this form online, please contact us

Apply now

Pet policy

Read our policy

Further information

We expect pet owners to agree to comply with all relevant regulations and laws concerning the welfare, control, responsible ownership, and protection of animals.

You'll find lots of handy information about pet care on the RSCPA website.

Learn more

Pet permission form

Are you a former Optivo or Southern Housing Group resident? *
This information helps us to direct you to the correct Customer Response centre. If you're unsure which centre services your address, see our Postcode Checker at www.southernhousing.org.uk/contactus
Eg. dog, cat
Eg. Large, medium or small
Please upload one image only
To keep a pet in your household you must provide details of a nominated person, kennels or cattery etc., who will look after your pet when you are absent, or would be willing to re-home the pet if required. The individual, or representative from an organisation, will need to sign this form for your application to be considered:
Is your pet an assistance dog?
Assistance dogs are dogs that have been trained in order to provide assistance to disabled people or those with certain medical conditions.
Declaration *
I/we confirm that I/we understand and accept the following conditions: • To keep my pet/s in a manner which doesn’t cause a nuisance to my neighbours or to the local area • To be a responsible pet owner and maintain the welfare and well-being of my animals • Not to breed or sell animals from my home • Not allow the dog to foul the grounds or immediate areas of the building. I will immediately pick up any excrement and dispose of appropriately • For the animal to remain on a lead at all times in communal areas and not to be allowed to wander unattended • To consult a veterinary surgeon and/or animal behaviourist if the dog becomes excessively noisy. If the problem persists, the animal will be removed from the property immediately • To muzzle the dog in public if it shows aggression towards people or other animals while it is in the communal areas • To fully vaccinate, worm and have the animal neutered/spayed • To insure the animal to cover damage to the property and injury to people and other animals (third party insurance) (Dogs Trust offer competitive rates) If permission is withdrawn, I/we take responsibility for removing the animal from the property. If this isn’t done in the required timescale, Southern Housing will consider further action to protect the interests of other residents. This may ultimately lead to me/us losing possession of my/our home. I/we understand separate written consent is required for any structure to house the animal and that such consent might not be given. I/we understand that written consent is required to fit cat or dog flaps to any door at my property and that it will be checked to ensure it meets fire safety standards I understand that Southern Housing doesn’t tolerate animal neglect or abuse and works closely with the Police and RSPCA to maintain animal welfare. I confirm the animal(s) mentioned overleaf is/are the only pet(s) living in my home. I agree not to bring in any additional animals without first notifying Southern Housing. I confirm I understand the conditions of having a pet in my household and that permission can be revoked at any time.
Consent for storing submitted data *
Would you like a copy of this form emailed to you?