Pet policy
Scope
This policy applies to secure and introductory tenants living in a Kingston Council property. This policy also applies to Shared Ownership, Shared Equity and Leaseholders and to lets of temporary or private accommodation.
Permission for keeping Pets
Secure and introductory tenants in general needs properties
If you are a secure or introductory tenant, you and your household will be able to keep small caged birds, fish in tanks or small caged rodents without requesting permission. Exotic or wild animals are not permitted to be kept. You and your household may not keep any other animal(s) except with the Council’s prior written permission.
Consent for a single cat will usually be granted.
Sheltered Accommodation
If you are living in sheltered accommodation and would like to keep any pets, you must first get our written permission. We will look at each case on its own merits, please note that you will only be given permission if you live in a suitable property but permission will not be unreasonably withheld for small caged birds, fish in tanks or small caged rodents. You must not keep dogs, cats or other large animals in sheltered accommodation.
Leaseholders
If you are a leaseholder and would like to keep any pets, you must first get our written permission. We will look at each case on its own merits, please note that you will only be given permission if you live in a suitable property but permission will not be unreasonably withheld for small caged birds, fish in tanks or small caged rodents and a single cat.
Temporary Accommodation
Temporary Accommodation provided through the Council to homeless households may provide a home suitable for a pet. However, where the accommodation offers shared access, communal facilities or the absence of a self enclosed garden there remains the possibility that the accommodation provider might reasonably withhold the right to keep a pet in consideration of other residents sharing the property and the suitability of the property.
If the pet becomes a nuisance in any way (noise/smell/fouling/control etc.) or if we suspect the pet is neglected, consent for the pet will be withdrawn and the tenant/leaseholder will be required to permanently remove the pet from the property.
A dog will only be allowed if you live on the ground floor, and have direct access (not via a shared pathway) to a private garden fenced in on all sides to at least 1m in height and if you agree to keep to the rules listed in the policy.
Special consideration will be given to visually impaired residents who may not have access to a private garden or live above the ground floor and need to keep a guide dog, and for residents who need a hearing dog. We will also give consideration to keeping registered assistance dogs where other medical reasons are provided.
Permission will not be granted for any animals listed under the Dangerous Wild Animal Act 1976 or for any dog listed under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991.
Where a tenant has never sought permission to keep a pet excluding the exceptions detailed above, this is a breach of the Tenancy Conditions.
Recording information about pets
Where permission to keep a pet is granted, the council will take details of all the pets the tenant wants to keep, including their breed and age. The council will also take details of the vet and an emergency contact.
If your pet causes a nuisance
If it comes to our attention that an animal is causing a nuisance we will inform you of these problems and advise you that permission will be removed.
Residents may not undertake the following activities from their RBK property:
- Breeding of animals.
- Sale of animals.
- Hoarding of animals – this is the term used for people who keep an excessive number of animals without the ability to properly house or care for them.
Concerned about cruelty or dangerous dogs?
If you have a complaint about a dangerous dog or a banned dog please contact the police on 101 In an emergency always dial 999.
If you wish to report any welfare concerns about pets you can call the RSPCA 24 hour National Cruelty and Advice line on 0300 1234 999.