We will refer to our pet policy when making a decision on any application to keep a pet. Applications for pets need to be sent to the CHO.
The below tables should be utilised by officers making a decision upon a pet application. The tables act as guidance and any decisions should be made in line with the decision-making criteria within the policy.
Examples
An application for two small breed dogs in a high rise block. The property is in good condition, there is no tenancy management concerns. This could be approved on the basis that the conditions of the policy are met.
An application is placed for two dogs, one large breed and one small in a flat. The dogs are well behaved, with no concerns for the owner. This can be considered despite the matrix not allowing ‘large breed’. However, justification for refusal would be covered under ‘property size’ as the flat may not be suitable for this type of breed.
An application is made for a large breed dog into a flat where there are property condition concerns. The property is in extremely poor condition and there are issues of ASB. The property would not be suitable in its current state. The policy allows us to refuse on the basis that there are ongoing concerns for property condition. This can be reconsidered when the property is brought to standard.
| Animal/Pets | Flat | Maisonette | 1 Bed Bungalows |
| Dog | Yes – Small/Medium Breed (2 max) | Yes – Small/Medium Breed (2 max) | Yes – Small/Medium Breed (2 max) |
| Cat | Yes (2 max) | Yes (2 max) | Yes (2 max) |
| Fish | Yes – Medium Tank* | Yes – Medium Tank | Yes – Medium Tank |
| Reptiles/ arachnids (where proof that they are not a risk / venomous)* | Yes – 1 Tank* | Yes – 1 Tank | Yes – 1 Tank |
| Rabbits (not house rabbits) | No | No | Yes (with garden) |
| Guinea Pigs | No | No | Yes |
| Gerbils | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Hamster | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Chinchilla | No | No | Yes |
| Rats/Mice | Yes | Yes | Yes |
*Reptiles = known species allowed such as bearded dragons, geckos etc excluding dangerous or poisonous reptiles/exotic animals.
Evidence will need to be provided that your reptile is not an exotic or dangerous animal. Permission will not be granted until this is provided.
| Animal/Pets | House | 2 Bed Bungalow |
| Dog | Yes (2 max) | Yes – Small/Medium Breed (2 max) |
| Cat | Yes (3 max) | Yes (2 max) |
| Fish | Yes – Medium Tank* | Yes – Medium Tank |
| Reptiles* | Yes – 1 Tank* | Yes – 1 Tank |
| Rabbits (not house rabbits) | Yes | Yes |
| Guinea Pigs | Yes | Yes |
| Gerbils | Yes | Yes |
| Hamster | Yes | Yes |
| Chinchilla | Yes | Yes |
| Rats/Mice | Yes | Yes |
The following pets not permitted in any property:
- Chickens
- Ducks
- Cockerel
- Geese
- Farm Animals/Livestock/Cattle
- Fox
- Horses/Donkeys
- Ferrets/Pole Cat
- Exotic Animals
- Banned dog breeds