Pet policy consultation 2026

Consultation closes: Sunday 5 April 2026
Consultation opened: Monday 9 March 2026

Permission to keep a pet

All tenants, leaseholders, and residents must get our written permission before keeping a pet. Permission is at our discretion, especially in sensitive cases.

Certain animals cannot be kept at any time, including:

• farm animals (horses, sheep, pigs, goats, cattle)
• animals covered by the Dangerous Wild Animals Act 1976 (e.g. venomous snakes)
• dogs banned under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 (e.g. Pit Bull Terriers, Japanese Tosa)

Pets allowed in council homes

Not all types of pets can be kept in every kind of council property. The rules depend on the type of property, the size and layout of the home, and whether keeping a pet would be safe and suitable for the animal and the residents around it.

Before keeping a pet, tenants must seek our permission. We will consider factors such as the size and breed of the pet, the space available in the property, access to gardens or outdoor areas, and any communal areas that may be shared with other residents. Permission for multiple pets will depend on the size of the property, type of pet, and suitability of the home.

More information about which pets can be kept in which type of property is available in the draft Pet Policy (PDF).

XL Bully dogs

Certain types of dogs are subject to additional rules because of the potential risks they can pose. XL Bully dogs fall into this category. They are only allowed in suitable properties where their welfare can be properly managed and where they do not pose a risk to other residents, pets, or staff.

Before keeping an XL Bully dog, tenants must provide:

• proof of insurance covering third-party liability
• proof that the dog is neutered
• a valid Certificate of Exemption

XL Bully dogs must always be muzzled and on a lead when in communal areas or leaving the property’s front door. These measures are in place to protect the safety of residents, visitors, and the dog itself.

Tenants requesting to keep an XL Bully dog will have their property assessed to make sure it is suitable for the dog’s size, breed, and needs. Permission will only be granted if officers are satisfied that the dog can be kept safely and responsibly.

Failure to comply with these rules may result in permission being withdrawn and further action being taken under our housing policies. 

Responsibilities of pet owners

All tenants, leaseholders, and residents must make sure their pets are cared for properly, kept safe, and do not cause problems for other residents or the property.

All pet owners must:

• care for the health and welfare of their pet, including vaccinations, flea and worming treatment
• ensure pets are suitably housed (cage, tank, hutch, etc.)
• keep communal areas clean and free from fouling
• keep dogs on a lead in communal areas; aggressive dogs must be muzzled and controlled
• provide details of an emergency carer for the pet if the owner is absent
• seek permission before acquiring a pet, and provide required permits and certificates
• ensure pets are microchipped, and cats are neutered
• ensure pets are not be used for breeding or sold from a council property

Assistance dogs and emotional support animals

Assistance dogs are defined by the Equality Act 2010 as a dog:

• which has been trained to guide a blind person
• which has been trained to assist a deaf person
• which has been trained by a prescribed charity to assist a disabled person who has a disability that consists of epilepsy or otherwise affects the person's mobility, manual dexterity, physical co-ordination or ability to lift, carry or otherwise move everyday objects
• of a prescribed category which has been trained to assist a disabled person who has a disability (other than one falling within paragraph (c) of the Equality Act 2010 – GOV.UK) of a prescribed kind

Special rules apply for assistance dogs and emotional support animals.  

Assistance dogs (legally recognised) are permitted in all properties, subject to the property being suitable and permission being granted.

Residents requesting an emotional support animal may need to provide evidence from a qualified medical professional, as these animals do not have the same legal recognition as assistance dogs.

Action if pets are not kept responsibly

While most tenants care for their pets responsibly, sometimes problems can occur. If a pet is not properly looked after or causes a nuisance to other residents, we may need to take action to resolve the issue. The aim is to protect the welfare of the pet, the property, and the wellbeing of neighbours.

If pets cause nuisance or are not kept in good condition, we may take action, including:

• professional mediation
• withdrawing permission to keep the pet
• acceptable behaviour contracts
• involvement of the police, dog wardens, or RSPCA
• legal action, including injunctions or possession proceedings