Appendix 1 - Pet Ownership Guidance

1. Introduction

Fairhive’s policy on pet ownership says:

‘Fairhive recognises the benefits that responsible pet ownership can bring.  However, controls must be in place to prevent irresponsible pet ownership which can cause suffering to animals and a nuisance to neighbours, the wider community and employees’.    

This document provides useful information whether you are a new resident, an established resident thinking about getting a pet or you have had a pet for some time.  It will also be helpful for residents who are having problems with a neighbour’s pet.

These are the areas covered in this document:

  • Fairhive’s policy on giving permission. 
  • When and how to apply to keep a pet.
  • The law and pet ownership
  • What your tenancy agreement says about pets.
  • General advice on responsible pet ownership.
  • What Fairhive considers as nuisance behaviour by a pet.
  • What to do if you are having problems with a neighbour’s pet.  What action Fairhive can take concerning nuisance pets.
  • What action to take in the case of cruelty or neglect.
  • Useful contacts for advice and assistance. 

PLEASE NOTE: YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR YOUR PETS AT ALL TIMES 

2.Fairhive’s Policy on giving permission for pets

You will need permission by Fairhive to keep domestic pets.  Considerations will be given to the type of pet, the number of pets already within the property, the size of the property including garden and location to other residents. 

It is recommended that those residing in flats be allowed a maximum of 2 pets per household.  Those residing in houses be allowed a maximum of 4 pets per household.

Where a Management Agent is in place for a building/block Fairhive must comply with the terms of the Lease Agreement in relation to allowing pets – in the majority of cases Management Companies will NOT allow pets within their blocks.

Fairhive will not give permission for the following animals:   

Animals which should be licensed under the Dangerous Wild Animals Act 1976, for example certain types of spiders and monkeys.  A full list of animals requiring a licence under the Act can be obtained from the website of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) at www.defra.gov.uk or from Fairhive.

  • Permission will not usually be granted where there is an ongoing problem with pet ownership in the household or there has been a problem in the past year.
  • Permission will not be granted if you or a member of you household has an unspent conviction in relation to Animal Cruelty or neglect and or are banned from keeping animals.
  • Permission will not be given for any pets in flatted blocks at the following: Cambourne Avenue, 4 Great Western Street, Gwendoline Buck Drive and Goldswain End, any other blocks identified as having a Managing Agent in place.
  • Permission will not be given for any wild animal.
  • Residents for independent living housing may be able to take their existing cat or dog with them but this decision is currently scheme specific and will be decided on a case by case basis.  Small caged animals are permitted. 

3. Dogs prescribed under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991

In 2024 the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 was amended as per the Dangerous Dogs Act (Amendment) Bill to include dogs identified as “XL Bully’s” to be included as a prescribed breed.

Fairhive will allow permission for tenants to own dogs prescribed under the DDA 1991 provided the owner can confirm they have complied with the requirements within the legislation including:

  •  Providing Fairhive with a copy of the information required on the responsible Pet Owner Agreement form including a copy of the Exemption Certificate and a copy of the third party liability insurance certificate. 

Designated breeds under the DDA 1991 include the following:

  • American Pitbull Terrier
  • Japanese Tosa
  • Dogo Argentino
  • Fila Brasileiro
  • XL Bully

4. Applying to keep a pet

We do not expect you to apply for permission to keep a small to medium sized fish tank (max 91 x 46 x 38cm) or small caged animals such as hamster or guinea pig, to a maximum of two cages.

You will need to ask permission to keep a standard domestic pet, birds, reptiles, insects, large aquariums and chickens.  You will not be given permission to keep a cockerel.  If you are in doubt, please call 01296 732600.

Upon requesting permission you will be expected to fully complete and sign a ‘Pet Agreement Form’ that will require details of your pet and your agreement to adhere to our Pet Policy, which requires you:  

  • To be responsible for the pet.
  • To ensure it does not cause a nuisance to neighbours, Fairhive’s staff and or contractors.
  • To ensure dogs are either muzzled or placed in a separate room when any member of Fairhive’s staff or contractors are visiting the property.
  • To provide details of another person aged over 18 who will be able to look after the pet in the event of illness or if you are away from the property for a period of time, such as holiday.
  • You can install a pet flap in selected Fairhive properties, you will need to request permission to do so.
  • Permission to install a pet flap will not be granted if you live in a flatted block.
  • Not install a pond.
  • To meet animal welfare needs.

5. Pets and the Law

There are many laws concerning the keeping of animals.  Some are specific to certain exotic species, some are concerned with dogs, others relate to animals generally.  Here are some of the most common laws: 

  • Animal Act 1971
  • Road Traffic Act 1988
  • Dogs Act 1871
  • Control of Dogs Order 1992
  • Environmental Protection Act 1990
  • Animal Welfare Act 2006
  • The Microchipping of Dogs (England) Regulations 2014

For more advice and information please contact the RSPCA, your local Citizens Advice Bureau or Legal Advice Centre.

6. Responsible Pet Ownership

Before deciding to keep a pet you may wish to consider the following questions: 

  • Does the pet fit your lifestyle and family circumstances – will it be left alone for long periods?
  • Is your accommodation suitable – Do you have a private garden area?
  • Can you afford unexpected costs such as vet bills?
  • If you choose to keep a dog or cat it is now Law to have it micro-chipped.
  • Pet Insurance – the minimum recommendation is Third Party Liability.
  • Health issues – is there a local vet who can care for your animal? This is particularly important if you have a more unusual or exotic pet.  Regular vaccinations may also be necessary.
  • Dogs cannot be allowed to roam freely in communal areas and must be walked on a lead.
  • Dogs cannot be left barking in the house or garden all day causing a noise nuisance problem.
     

7. Action Fairhive can take concerning nuisance pets

In the vast majority of cases we will try to resolve the issue informally after hearing both sides of the story.  If this does not work then there are a number of more formal approaches we can take, which are outlined in our Anti-Social Behaviour Policy.

8. What action to take in the case of cruelty or neglect  

If you suspect cruelty or neglect towards an animal then you should report this to the RSPCA and the Police.

You should telephone the 24 hour National Cruelty and Advice Line on 0300 1234 999.  The RSPCA will ask you a series of questions and they will promise to keep your details confidential.  We would also encourage you to inform Fairhive on 01296 732600.

 

9. Useful contacts for advice and assistance:  


RSPCA

The RSPCA is a charity which investigates complaints of cruelty and neglect, fund hospitals and clinics for low income households.  They run rehoming centres for animals looking for new homes.  They also provide general animal care and welfare advice and campaign on animal welfare issues.  They may provide financial assistance with neutering animals.   More information can be obtained from:—

  • Phone (national for general information): 0300 1234 555
  • 24 hour National Cruelty and Advice Line:  0300 1234 999
  • Website:  www.rspca.org.uk   

Dogs Trust

The Dogs Trust is a dog welfare charity providing advice on all aspects of dog ownership.  It campaigns on Animal welfare issues, and runs education programmes.  It subsidises neutering and provides free micro-chipping.

More information can be obtained from:

Cats Protection

Cats Protection is a charity which provides advice on cat care.  They run a rescue service and rehoming scheme.  They may also provide financial assistance with neutering cats.

More information can be obtained from:

PDSA

The PDSA is a charity which runs animal clinics to provide veterinary care for sick animals owned by low income households.

More information can be obtained from:

Veterinary Surgeon Information Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS)

The RCVS holds a list of registered veterinary surgeons.  This can be found on their website: www.rcvs.org.uk

www.any - uk - vet.co.uk holds details of veterinary practices across the UK.

Local Authority – Dog Warden

Please contact your Local Authority for details.

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