Keeping pets in your home
We understand pets are a big part of family life, and we know how important they can be for people’s wellbeing. This guide sets out the main things you need to know about keeping pets in your home.
Pets you can keep
- up to two dogs
- up to two cats
- a reasonable number of small animals, like hamsters, rabbits and guinea pigs
Important: Check your lease or tenancy agreement first – some homes or buildings may have extra restrictions or need permission.
Pets that are not allowed
- dangerous wild animals, including venomous reptiles, dangerous spiders or scorpions and large mammals
- endangered species
- a mix between domestic and wild or exotic animals
- dogs banned under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 (unless exempt)
- bees
- livestock, including horses and cattle
- pets kept for breeding or sale
XL Bully dogs
From 1 February 2024, owning an XL Bully type dog became illegal without a Certificate of Exemption.
An XL Bully is the largest type of American Bully dog. The government has added them to the list of banned breeds under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991.
Here’s what you need to know:
The government has published guidance on how to check if your dog may be classed as an XL Bully.
If you think your dog might be an XL Bully and you haven’t applied for a Certificate of Exemption, you should contact your local police straight away.
Our Pets policy (PDF) follows the law and doesn’t allow banned dogs, unless they’re on the official Index of Exempted Dogs. This means you must have a Certificate of Exemption if you keep an XL Bully dog in your home.
If you have an exempted XL Bully:
- it must always be muzzled and on a lead in public places
- you must follow all the rules that come with the exemption, including not breeding, selling, or rehoming the dog
Read the Blue Cross guidance on XL Bully rules.
Registering your pets
Dogs
All dogs over eight weeks old must be microchipped.
We need you to confirm your dog is neutered, microchipped and well cared for.
Assistance dogs don’t need to be registered.
Cats
All cats over 20 weeks old must be microchipped and registered.
We need you to confirm your cat is microchipped and well cared for.
Small animals
Small pets, like hamsters, rabbits and guinea pigs don’t need to be registered.
Birds
If you keep poultry or other captive birds, you must register them with the Animal and Plant Health Agency.
Popular indoor birds, like budgies, parrots, cockatiels, and finches don’t need to be registered as long as they stay indoors.
Your responsibilities as a pet owner
We want all pet owners to provide proper care for their pets and be respectful of their neighbours. Here’s what you need to know:
Look after your pet’s health. Make sure they get enough food, exercise, vet care, and treatments for fleas and worms.
Check before making changes to your home. Do not install pet flaps or make other alterations without our permission, as they can affect the fire safety of your home and building.
Arrange pet care if you’re away. Make sure someone can look after your pet and tell us who to contact if needed.
Be a good neighbour
- Keep pets under control and don’t let them cause problems
- Always clean up after your pet in communal areas, on balconies or patios
- Keep areas clean to prevent pests or bad smells
- Stop pets from damaging your home, communal areas, or another resident’s home
- Be mindful of others - avoid close contact in lifts and hallways, especially if other residents have allergies or are nervous around animals
If you have a dog
- Keep them on a lead in communal areas
- Clean up after them
- Don't leave them alone on balconies or roof terraces
- Don’t leave them alone for long periods
- Make sure they wear a collar and tag in public
- Keep them in a secure, separate room when one of our team or a contractor visits your home
If there’s a problem with a pet
If your pets cause nuisance, damage, or are mistreated, we will:
- talk to you and agree next steps
- work with animal welfare organisations, the Police or local council if needed
- recharge for repairs or, in serious cases, ask you to remove your pet
- take action if the issues break your tenancy or lease agreement
If your pet passes away
Sadly, if your pet dies, you must bury or dispose of them safely and responsibly. Pets cannot be buried in communal gardens.
Help and support
If you have any questions about owning a pet, speak to your Neighbourhood Housing Lead or Tenancy Sustainment Officer.
You can also read our full Pets policy (PDF).