News & features

Updated: August 2008

Renting with pets

A report commissioned by the charity Dogs Trust today revealed that 75 per cent of dogs are banned from private rental properties.

With increasing numbers of Brits forced to downsize or rent property, there are fears that thousands of pets may be abandoned or handed over for rehoming.

To understand the scale of the problem the charity conducted a nationwide survey of over 1,400 pet owners in June 2008. The results were alarming:

  • 78 per cent of pet owners experienced difficulties finding privately rented accommodation that allowed pets;
  • 54 per cent did not find anywhere that allowed pets:
    • 14 per cent kept their pet without landlord’s knowledge or consent;
    • 11.4 per cent rented an unsuitable property in order to keep their pet;
    • 8.5 per cent rehomed their pet to friends, family or a rescue centre;
    • 8.2 per cent bought property, did not move or are still looking;
    • 0.4 per cent had their pet euthanised
  • 47 per cent of landlords gave tenants no reason why pets were banned;
  • The UK’s least pet-friendly landlords live in the West Midlands – 83% of pet owners had difficulty finding accommodation
  • Northern Ireland has the most pet-friendly landlords – but 66% of owners still have problems finding rented accommodation.

'Lets with Pets' is the latest Dogs Trust campaign helping dogs whose owners are facing a serious housing crisis because their landlords do not allow pets. Dogs Trust is working with the lettings industry to help demonstrate how pet inclusive tenancy agreements can benefit both the landlord and tenant.

The charity has compiled five top tips for finding pet-friendly accommodation:

  1. Write a ‘CV’ for your pet, so that your landlord can objectively consider if your dog may be suitable as a tenant. Consider including the following points:
    • Your dog’s breed, size, age and activity level.
    • Any positive breed traits.
    • Try to highlight your dog’s history of good behaviour and house training.
    • If your dog has attended and completed training classes.
    • If your dog is neutered.
  2. Get a pet reference from your previous landlord or letting agent and offer to pay a larger deposit to cover any damage.
  3. Supply the details of your vet and provide proof of up-to-date vaccinations, worming and flea treatments.
  4. Tell your landlord how long your dog will be left alone in the property on a regular basis. It will help if you are able to state whether you will take your dog to work, arrange for day care or be at home with your dog most of the time.
  5. Stress that dogs are very effective as a burglar deterrent!

— Look out for this story and much more in the September issue of Practice Heart.

Back to Index