Charities urge Government to protect pet-owning renters
Only 46 per cent of landlords say they would allow tenants to keep pets.
Cats Protection and Dogs Trust have joined together to call on the Government to introduce new legal protections for pet owning tenants.
Both charities are receiving significant numbers of relinquishment enquiries from pet owners forced to rehome their pets due to issues with housing, including people who have had to move or downsize due to increases in rental costs.
Last year, Cats Protection took in around 1,300 cats who had to be given up due to a lack of pet-friendly rental properties. Housing is also mentioned by owners in one in ten calls to Dogs Trust about rehoming.
At present, there are no legal rights for tenants with pets. The Government has said that it plans to introduce some protections in its Renters Reform Bill, including the right for tenants to request a pet in their home, which the landlord cannot unreasonably refuse. The bill is set to go before MPs in the coming months.
Paula Boyden, veterinary director of Dogs Trust, said: “For most dog owners, being separated from their dog is no different from being separated from a family member, so the introduction of new protection for renters will help ensure that fewer owners are forced to make the heart-breaking decision to give up their beloved pets.
“We are pleased to see that the Government has plans to include pet-friendly policies in its Renters Reform Bill, and hope to see these rights enshrined into law soon so that the benefits of pet ownership are no longer exclusive to homeowners, but open to renters as well.”
Research conducted by Dogs Trust and Cats Protection in 2021 revealed that only 46 per cent of landlords say they would allow tenants to keep pets. Those tenants who are allowed to keep pets, however, overwhelmingly say that keeping a pet improves their wellbeing, according to the same study. 94 per cent of renting cat owners and and 98 per cent of renting dog owners said their pet had a positive impact on their life.
Madison Rogers, head of advocacy and government relations for Cats Protection, said: “Pet ownership should not be a privilege in modern society and Cats Protection is urging the Government to move forward with planned legislation to end blanket ‘no pets’ policies and give renters with pets better protections.
“In the meantime, there are a few things renters looking for a pet-friendly property can do: start looking for pet-friendly housing early, proactively ask letting agents or landlords if they allow pets even if it says ‘no pets’ on the advert and create a Pet CV outlining the measures you will take to be a responsible pet owner, such as providing veterinary records and details of your pet’s behaviours.”
Two independent vets have launched a podcast to help owners strengthen their bond with pets. Dr Maggie Roberts and Dr Vanessa Howie, who have worked in both veterinary practice and major charities, are keen to use their experience to enable people to give pets a better life.
