Permission to keep an additional pet

You can keep one domestic pet, such as a dog or a cat, in your council home without asking for permission. If you want to keep more than one pet, or you plan to keep an exotic or farm animal, you must ask us for permission before bringing the animal into your home.

This page explains the rules and how to apply.

When you need permission

You must apply for permission if you want to:

• keep more than one pet
• keep an exotic animal
• keep a farm‑type animal

You should apply before you get the animal.

Rules for keeping pets

If you keep a pet, you must meet the following conditions:

• you must not keep dogs banned under the dangerous dogs act 1991
• you must not keep any animal that the law says cannot be kept as a pet
• you are responsible for the behaviour of your pet and any pet brought into your home by visitors
• you must supervise your pet and keep it under control at all times
• you must take steps to stop your pet causing nuisance, danger or distress to others

This includes:

• noise, smells or fouling
• damage to your home, shared areas, neighbours’ property or council property

You must also follow any special conditions we set as part of giving permission.

Applying for permission

You can apply using our online permission form. Submitting the form does not automatically mean we will say yes, but we will only refuse if there is a clear reason.

We will tell you our decision within 28 days.

If problems happen

If a pet causes repeated problems and the issues are not resolved, we may ask you to remove the animal from the property. This is a last resort, and we will always try to resolve concerns first.