Pet ownership conditions
We allow tenants to keep pets in their home as long as they are looked after. If your pet is causing a nuisance we'll work with you to fix the issue. We'll also work with other agencies such as the RSPCA.
Tell us if you are keeping a pet
If you are a council tenant you should notify us if you are keeping a pet. You will need:
- your email address
- to tell us the type of pet you are keeping
- confirmation that you have read and understood the dog owner's agreement.
Cat ownership
All cats should be microchipped. From 10th June 2024 it will be compulsory for all cats over 20 weeks to be microchipped. Owners who do not have their cats microchipped could face a fine of up to £500.
Dog ownership
We allow tenants to keep dogs in their flats or houses as long as they are well cared for and do not cause a nuisance to other residents.
We want to make sure dogs are looked after in the best possible way. We also appreciate that not everyone likes dogs, or wants to share communal space with them. This is why we have a dog owner's agreement.
The dog owner's agreement
The dog owner's agreement sets out conditions that all dog owners should follow.
Microchipping
The law says that you must have your dog micro-chipped. If your dog is not chipped you could face a fine of up to £500.
Care for your dog
- Your home must be suitable for the type of dog you want, considering the size of your home and the size of your dog.
- Do not leave your dog on your balcony when you are not at home.
- You must keep the micro-chip register up to date if you move or change your phone number.
Clean up dog fouling
- All dog fouling must be cleared up immediately and disposed of.
- Owners with private gardens must keep the area free of dog fouling so it does not cause a nuisance for neighbours.
- Owners with a communal garden must not allow their dog to foul in any communal garden.
Keep your dog under control
- All dogs must be kept on a lead in communal gardens, footpaths and car parks.
- Dogs must be controlled and under the supervision of a responsible person over the age of 16 years.
- Dogs must not be allowed to damage any council property, including trees. You will be responsible for paying for any repairs.
- All dogs must wear a collar and tag with the owner’s name, address and postcode when in a public space. This includes council owned land.
Breach of tenancy and your dog
- Dogs must not cause a nuisance or annoyance to neighbours or their pets. This includes excessive barking or other noise and damage to other people’s property.
- You must make sure that your garden is fenced to prevent your dog going into your neighbours’ gardens.
- You should not run a dog-sitting service at your home without our written permission.
- You may not breed any dogs at your home without our written permission.
- Your dog must not injure any person.
Breaching the dog owner's agreement
If you breach the dog owner's agreement:
- We will ask you to improve how you care for your dog.
- We will work with other agencies to resolve the problems you are allowing your dog to cause.
Where there is no improvement or there are serious problems, we may
- Withdraw our permission for you to keep a dog.
- Ask you to re-home your dog.
- Take legal action to enforce your tenancy conditions.
If your dog injures a person or another dog, under law your dog could be put down.
For more information about responsible pet ownership see: