• To act fairly and non-discriminatory.
• To consider the physical, emotional, and mental wellbeing of our customers when making a decision about whether a pet can be kept.
• To ensure reasons are provided in writing should consent to keep a pet not be approved giving clear reasons why permission was refused.
• To provide advice on rehoming if approval is refused in relation to an existing pet.
• To consider each customer on a case-by-case basis.
• To ensure different property types are considered with decision making and all customers within the area are taken into account.
• To maintain guidelines detailing what is meant by responsible pet ownership.
• We will not grant permission for any dogs which are listed on the Dangerous Dogs Act.
• To take prompt action should any complaints be made about pets in line with our Anti-Social Behaviour Policy & Procedure.

Other Acts and Orders that could affect Orwell’s permission being granted are:

• Animal Welfare Act 2006.
• Control of Dogs Order 1992.
• Environmental Protection Act 1990.

Whilst Orwell is supportive of tenants keeping pets, your Tenancy Agreement contains clauses which you must follow. Tenancy Agreements can vary, so please seek advice from your housing officer.

Orwell’s consent is not required to keep small fish, a small bird or small animal in a suitable container. Consent is not required for a registered assistance dog, however, please make us aware if you require one.

Tenants must not keep other pets that Orwell has not granted permission for.

Orwell will not grant consent for any pet that it considers in its discretion:

• May harm the premises, the common areas or any building of which the premise form part.
• May cause nuisance, injury or a trip hazard.
• May present a health risk.
• Is not suitable for the premises.

Where Orwell grants consent or where consent is not required, any animal kept must be adequately cared for and kept under control.

Failure to seek consent, controlling your pet or not abiding by any reasonable conditions of consent may cause Orwell to withdraw its consent. This result may require the removal of some or all of the pets immediately and permanently.

Orwell can choose to withdraw consent or require the removal of pets if:

• You fail to seek consent prior to getting a pet.
• You fail to abide by the conditions of consent.
• You are not able to control your pet.
• The pet becomes a regular nuisance to neighbours.

Orwell may charge you for cleaning or repair services for any damage caused by a pet you are responsible for.

Pets generally considered to be suitable include:

• Cats and dogs.
• Smaller caged animals including rabbits, hamsters, guinea pigs etc.
• Small birds such as canaries and budgerigars.
• Fish.
• Snakes and reptiles, insects and spiders but these must not be poisonous.

Permission to keep a dog or a cat in certain types of property may be refused, for example if there is no direct access to a garden.

You will need to complete an application form to keep any pets other than those outlined in this document as generally not needing an application. However, should you wish to keep more than a few small pets normally not requiring an application form, we would advise you to complete one. This is so that the suitability of additional pets can be assessed.

You will not be allowed to keep the pet you are applying for until an application has been completed and approved by your housing officer.

The application form contains a declaration to confirm that you understand your responsibilities as a pet owner. Please remember that if you do break any condition of your tenancy, your home will be at risk.

Permission will not be granted for animals considered as ‘livestock’ including cattle, sheep, goats, swine, horses, or poultry.

Usually every attempt would be made to resolve complaints informally.

However, if this fails, then more formal action will be considered. For example:

• Use mediation to resolve complaints between neighbours.
• Withdrawing permission to keep a pet.
• Involve statutory organisations such as Environmental Health or voluntary organisations such as the RSPCA.x
• Seek a court injunction or possession of your home.

• RSPCA - If you suspect cruelty or neglect of a pet you can report it to your housing officer or contact the RSPCA directly on 0300 1234 999 or visit their website www.rspca.org.uk

• BLUE CROSS & RSPCA - The RSPCA can help give advice and support or you could also contact Blue Cross on 0300 777 1897 or visit their website
  www.bluecross.org.uk.
• THE CINNAMON TRUST - The Cinnamon Trust is a National Charity for the elderly, the terminally ill and their pets. If you need to rehome your pet you can contact the Cinnamon Trust by calling 01736 757 900 or visiting their website www.cinnamon.org.uk/contact-us/

If you would like to apply for a pet, please follow the link below or scan the QR code. Someone will then be in touch with you after your application has been reviewed.

Apply for a Pet