• 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.

This procedure should be read in conjunction with Orwell’s ‘Guidance for Pet Owners’.  

 The procedure explains the process a customer is required to follow, should they wish to keep a pet in their home.

Orwell will generally grant permission, which will usually be detailed in each customers tenancy agreement, to keep a small, caged animal, such as a fish, hamster or bird.  Should customers wish to keep larger pet, such as cat or dog, customers will need to complete an online application form, together with reading Orwell’s ‘Guidance for Pet Owners Guidelines’.  Both the application form and guidance can be found on Orwell’s website.  Paper applications are also available upon request.

Consent is not generally required for a registered assistance dog; however, customers are asked to make Orwell aware if they require one.

Orwell’s online pet application will ask customers to provide their own details, including their name and address, together with the details of the pet they are seeking permission for.

An application can be completed by existing customers and by new customers prior to them being made a formal offer of accommodation. This will enable the housing officer or responsible officer to discuss the suitability of the accommodation for the pet / pets, with the customer or applicant prior to them completing an application form.   

If permission is granted, the customer will receive a written response confirming that they are able to keep the pet / pets in their home.  The letter will remind customers of their responsibilities as a pet owner and the terms and conditions of their tenancy agreement. (Dog and Cat Permission Letter available on CX)

If permission is refused, customers will receive a written response explaining why permission has not been granted. (Pet Refusal Letter)

Orwell will usually only grant permission for one cat or one dog, however if a new tenant has more than one cat or dog, permission may be granted if it is deemed that the property is suitable. However, customers will be advised that they cannot replace the additional pets when they pass away.  (Permission for more than one pet)

Officers responsible for the housing management of each scheme will provide the written responses to customers. Template letters are available to officers on Orwell’s housing management system, CX.

Orwell will grant permission for a customer to have one cat or one dog in their home, but discretion can be given on a case-by-case basis. 

Orwell will consider the suitability of a pet, such as a dog or cat within schemes with shared communal areas and permission will be considered if the customer can show that they are able to provide the required care for the pet. Customers will also be asked to provide details of a person who will be responsible for the pet, if at any time they are not able to provide the pet with the required care.

Visiting Dogs:

2. Visitors coming into and leaving the scheme with a dog must ensure that the dog is always kept on a short leash.
3. The dog should be kept within the resident’s home for the duration of the visit and not allowed to go into communal areas.

Dogs Staying with Residents:

There are occasions where residents are asked to take care of a dog, for example, to cover a family holiday or to help a friend who may be in hospital.

If a resident is asked to have a dog stay with them at the scheme, they must complete a request form with information on the type of dog and the length of the stay. This form is available from the Community Officer.

The request will then be considered by the Housing Officer in conjunction with the Community Officer.

Residents must not make confirmed arrangements until a decision has been made by the Housing Officer. Permission can be withdrawn if the requirements of having the dog at the scheme are not adhered to.

The dog must be always kept on a short lead whilst in the scheme to include the communal garden areas.

Orwell may refuse permission if it deemed that the pet / pets are not suitable for the accommodation or if permission is sought to keep more than one cat or one dog. Exceptions can be made from the outset of a tenancy if it is agreed that the pet / pets will not be replaced. However, it is likely that permission will not be granted if permission is sought to keep more than one cat or dog where the property has shared communal areas or where there is no direct access to a secured garden.

Permission is unlikely to be granted in any of Orwell’s properties if a request is made to keep multiple numbers of pets. For example, 3 cats or dogs.

Permission may also be refused if there are current concerns over other customers pets within the same scheme. This may include nuisance caused by the pets, or health and safety concerns, due to the number of pets currently within the scheme.

Consideration of a pet’s size will also be taken into consideration. For example, a large dog may not be permitted if the customer is living in a small one-bedroom flat, with shared communal areas.  

It is a legal requirement to have a dog microchipped and we would advise that cats are also microchipped.

Permission will not be granted for any pets listed in the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 and Dangerous Wild Animals Act 1976.

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

Once permission has been granted, if it is established that any pets are found not being cared for or controlled, or it has been proven that the pet is causing a nuisance or potential risk to other customers or individuals, permission to keep the pet / pets may be withdrawn.

Orwell will provide advice to customers if they are asked to re-home their pet. Orwell expects customers to have re-homed their pet / pets within 28 days of being asked to so do, or for the customer to provide evidence that they are taking steps to find the pet / pets an alternative home.

Before customers are asked to re-home their pets, Orwell will consider any appropriate action to help resolve the matter, to allow the customer to keep their pet.  

Action may include: -

• Use of mediation to resolve complaints between neighbours.
• Advice on further options of support.
• Involving statutory organisations such as Environmental Health.
• Involving voluntary organisations such as the RSPCA.

If the matter cannot be resolve within a reasonable amount of time, or if the customer cannot show that they are actively seeking to re-home their pet, Orwell can consider formal action against the customer for breach of tenancy, which includes:

• Seeking a court injunction.
• Servicing a notice seeking possession of the customer’s home.

Further information for customers on re-homing their pet can be found within Orwell’s Guidance for Pet Owners.

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