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.
Contact us
Please contact us if you have any questions, or would like to seek permission.
Pet 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.