PET POLICY
1. Policy Statement and Scope
1.1 This policy outlines Castles & Coasts Housing Association’s (CCHA) approach to pet ownership within our properties.
1.2 CCHA recognises the positive impact pet ownership can have This policy provides clarity on the process for seeking permission to keep a pet and the circumstances where permission for pet ownership would not be granted.
2. Policy Aims
2.1 To ensure there is a clear process for residents to apply for permission to keep a pet/s and that there is a consistent process in place, which aligns to the terms of individual Tenancy or Lease Agreements.
2.2 To promote responsible pet ownership across CCHA’s communities.
2.3 To ensure that complaints regarding pets are dealt with efficiently and effectively.
3.Definitions
3.1 Assistance Animal
3.1.1 An animal, usually, although not exclusively, a dog, which has been specifically and highly trained to perform tasks to assist disabled people.
3.1.2 An animal that has been qualified and accredited by the appropriate organisation, for example one of the organisations registered as a member of Assistance Dogs (UK), or equivalent either within or outside the UK.
3.1.3 The Equality Act 2010 prohibits anyone renting or selling a property from discriminating against a disabled person. This includes discriminating against a person with an assistance animal.
3.2 Animal Hoarding and Breeding/Selling
3.2.1 Animal hoarding involves keeping a higher than acceptable number of animals as pets, without having the ability to adequately house or care for them or ensure that they do not cause damage, nuisance or annoyance to others.
3.2.2 CCHA has standards for the permitted number of pets per household and requirements for caring for pets, see Section 4. These factors will be taken into consideration when determining whether animal hoarding is taking place.
3.2.3 Animal breeding and the selling of animals is not permitted in CCHA properties with the exception of family pets
3.2.4 CCHA will follow Government guidance, which can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/dog-breeding-licenceengland#:~:text=Contact%20your%20local%20council%20to%20apply%20for%20a%20licence%20 to,sell%20any%20of%20the%20puppies
3.2.5 Permission must be sought from CCHA if you intend to breed your family pet. A Breeding Family Pet Application Form must be completed, see Appendix 1. If permission is granted, an Animal Breeding Approval Letter, Appendix 2, will be sent to the resident. If permission is refused, an Animal Breeding Refusal Letter, Appendix 3, will be sent to the resident explaining the reasons why.
Castles & Coasts Housing Association Page 1 of 5
Pet Policy - Version 2
Legal advice obtained on 07.07.2022 by Devonshires
Approved by ELT: 07.09.2022
3.3.1 Nuisance is an unreasonable interference with the use and enjoyment of premises Nuisance includes, but is not limited to:
• Fouling within external and internal staircases, walkways or communal areas. We expect owners to clear up their pet’s mess immediately
• Unreasonable noise by pets – the volume, duration and time of day will be considered
• Dog biting and/or attacks on people or other animals
• Injuring or frightening anyone into thinking they might be injured
• Pets being out of control or a danger to other residents
• Failing to keep a dog on a lead in all communal areas
• Unpleasant smells that affect other residents
4.Permission
4.1 Residents who wish to keep a pet must firstly have written permission from CCHA, where the Tenancy Agreement allows and/or requires this
4.2 Applicants for CCHA properties must declare any pets and request permission to have the pet as part of the application process
4.3 Permission for animals will be granted on a case by case basis, according to factors such as, but not limited to:
• The nature of the property, such as size and layout, and the household’s circumstances, whether the tenant is considered suitable based on tenancy history, and any other factors deemed necessary for the wellbeing of the animal and of other residents
• The resident’s capacity to care for the pet
• The nature of arrangements for taking care of the pet in the event of a change of circumstance, such as a hospital stay, move to other accommodation or a decline in health or wellbeing
• Any potential impact the animal may have on other residents or the environment within the scheme
4.4 CCHA would normally give households permission to keep the following pets:
• One/two dogs, proportionately sized to match the property size
• One/two cats
• A reasonable number of small mammals and/or caged animals or birds
• Permission to keep livestock and poultry will be assessed on a case by case basis, in line with the above
• Assistance dogs, including guide dogs, are permitted in all circumstances. The owner of the assistance dog is responsible for ensuring that their dog is properly trained
4.5 CCHA will request written medical confirmation that an assistance dog is required.
4.6 Residents may ask permission to keep pets for their own wellbeing reasons, including therapy dogs, where they do not meet the above criteria. This must be supported by written evidence from a qualified professional of the benefits that the animal has for the resident’s wellbeing.
4.7 Where CCHA has a leasehold interest in a property, the Lease should be checked to see if it has any prohibition on pets.
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4.8 Permission to keep cats will usually be limited to two cats per household. This will be granted only if the cat(s) remains in the owner’s premises at all times, unless there is access to a private garden or the house/flat/maisonette has its own separate entrance.
4.9 Dogs listed under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991, animals listed in the schedule of the Dangerous Wild Animals Act 1976 or any endangered species are not permitted under any circumstances.
4.10 Where a resident is transferred to another property as part of a permanent decant, they may keep permitted pets they had on transfer until they die. For any additional pets the resident wishes to keep, they must have written permission from CCHA.
4.11 When arranging a mutual exchange, it is the resident’s responsibility to find a property which is suitable and also seek prior permission to keep a pet within the property. CCHA has the right to withhold permission for keeping an animal, if a resident moves into a property that does not fulfil the above criteria.
4.12 We will require any resident wishing to apply for permission for a pet, to complete and sign a CCHA Pet Application Form, Appendix 4, outlining their commitment to responsible pet ownership
4.13 CCHA can withdraw any permission that it gives to keep a pet at any time The circumstances in which we may do so include, if:
• The pet has caused, or is likely to cause, nuisance or annoyance to others
• The pet endangers the health, safety or wellbeing of anyone
• CCHA has concerns about the pet’s welfare
• The residents, or members of their household or visitors, have breached the terms of the permission given by CCHA, the Tenancy Agreement or any agreement concerning the pet, including in the form of Appendices 1 and 2
• If the resident is requested to reaccommodate the animal by any relevant agency. This includes, but is not limited to, the Police, RSPCA and a Local Authority
4.14 Where a resident chooses to have a permitted pet, they must fulfil the following conditions:
• All animals must be kept in appropriate care, as defined in the Animal Welfare Act 2006
• Residents must ensure that pets have an appropriate diet, protection from pain, suffering, free from infestation, injury or disease, the ability to exhibit normal behaviour patterns and a suitable environment to live with or apart from other animals and are not left unattended for a significant amount of time
• All animals must be kept under control and must not cause a nuisance to other residents
• That their pets do not emit unpleasant odours from a property
• Animals must not be allowed to foul in public or communal areas. Any fouling must be cleared up and appropriately disposed of immediately by the responsible resident
• Any fouling within the resident’s garden must be cleared up on a daily basis
• Animals must not damage CCHA property
• Dogs must be kept on a lead in communal areas and must not enter children’s play areas
• Pet owners are responsible for complying with all legal requirements. All dogs over the age of 8 weeks must be microchipped and wear a collar and tag in public, in line with current regulations
• Deceased pets must be buried or disposed of in a responsible and safe manner
4.15 Residents must inform CCHA if they wish to pet sit for longer than 1 month.
4.16 Residents are responsible for ensuring any dogs visiting their property are accompanied by their owners and they do not cause a nuisance.
Castles & Coasts Housing Association Page 3 of 5
Pet Policy - Version 2 Legal advice obtained on 07.07.2022 by Devonshires Approved by ELT: 07.09.2022
4.17 Should it be found that a pet is being kept in a property without the required permissions, CCHA will seek to resolve the situation informally and the tenant may be asked to make arrangements to rehome their pet. If an informal resolution is not possible, enforcement action will be taken. This includes, but is not limited to, seeking an Injunction Order or seeking possession of the property.
5. Prohibited Activities
5.1 CCHA will not give permission for residents to install cat or dog flaps if the fitting affects the fire or security integrity of the door. Permission for cat/dog flaps may be granted on the basis that the doors will be returned to their original state. If not, this will result in a recharge in line with CCHA’s Recharge Policy.
5.2 CCHA will seek support from the Police and/or Local Authorities on a case by case basis, where pets are causing a nuisance or deemed dangerous.
6. Approval
6.1 If permission is granted, a Pet Permission Approval Letter, Appendix 5, will be sent to the resident.
6.2 If permission is refused, a Pet Permission Refusal Letter, Appendix 6, will be sent to the resident explaining the reasons why
7.Exceptions
7.1 Where a Tenancy Agreement prohibits the keeping of pets, CCHA may in exceptional circumstances agree to a Tenancy Agreement Waiver, Appendix 7. This decision must be agreed in advance with the Lettings & Neighbourhoods/Independent Living Team Leader
8. Withdrawing Permission
8.1 Where there is a breach of tenancy or failure to comply with any of the agreed conditions, or the pet has caused or is likely to cause a nuisance or annoyance, CCHA may withdraw permission, see Section 4.17.
8 2 CCHA employees will support residents and involve the appropriate agencies, where residents are found to be hoarding animals A reasonable timescale will be given for animals to be re-homed. What is reasonable will take into account the nuisance and annoyance and/or property damage caused or likely to be caused by the animals.
9. Complaints
9 1 We will investigate all complaints made about pets in line with our Complaints Policy and Procedures If the complaint relates to nuisance or Anti-Social Behaviour, we will respond in line with our AntiSocial Behaviour Policy.
9.2 Where a complaint is made about a pet being kept without CCHA’s permission, we will investigate the complaint and decide the most appropriate way forward. If the complaint is upheld, the resident will be asked to re-home the pet within a reasonable timeframe.
9.3 Where a complaint has been made, CCHA may consider legal action after all other reasonable options have been considered.
9.4 Where a pet has attacked or endangered a resident or member of staff, CCHA will immediately report the incident to the Police and/or Local Authority.
9.5 We will report any complaint of animal cruelty to the RSPCA and Police immediately.
Castles & Coasts Housing Association Page 4 of 5
Pet Policy - Version 2
Legal advice obtained on 07.07.2022 by Devonshires
Approved by ELT: 07.09.2022
10.1 This policy will be reviewed, as a minimum, every 3 years or at a time when there has been a change in legislation or there is a business requirement to do so.
11. Legislation and Regulation
• Environmental Protection Act 1990
• The Equality Act 2010
• Animal Welfare Act 2006
• Dangerous Wild Animals Act 1976
• Dangerous Dogs Act 1991
• Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Act 2005
• The Anti-Social Crime and Policing Act 2014
12. Related Documents:
• Anti-Social Behaviour Policy
• Complaints Policy
• Decant Policy
• Rechargeable Repairs Policy
Castles & Coasts Housing Association Page 5 of 5
Pet Policy - Version 2 Legal advice obtained on 07.07.2022 by Devonshires
Approved by ELT: 07.09.2022