making a difference

RESPONSIBLE PET OWNERSHIP

DECEMBER 2011

ABOUT THIS BOOKLET

CONTENTSIntroduction 3

Do I Need Permission? 3

Conditions of Permission 4

Applying for Permission 5

Responsible Pet Ownership 5

Questions to Consider 6

Useful Contacts 7

Contact Details Back Cover

Pet Agreement Forms Perforated Sheet

This booklet explains what pets you are allowed to keepin your home and the conditions you must agree to priorto the Association giving permission for you to keep a pet.

INTRODUCTIONThe Associations policy on pet ownership says: We recognise that keepingpets offers significant benefits to their owners and therefore encourageresponsible pet ownership amongst our tenants. However controls must be in place to prevent irresponsible pet ownership which can cause suffering toanimals and a nuisance to neighbours.

DO I NEED PERMISSION?

Exemptions to this statement are:n Small animals (such as rabbits,

guinea pigs, birds and fish).n Assistance dogs (i.e. guide dogs for

the blind, hearing dogs for the deaf).

Permission must be granted for allother pets including:n Cats and Dogs (subject to a restriction

of two cats or two dogs in houses orone of each) including where thetenant plans to breed pets for re-sale.

n Exotic animals such as reptiles,amphibians and invertebrates.

The Association WILL NOT grantpermission for:n Animals which fall under the

Dangerous Wild Animals Act (1976).n Farm animals, livestock or any other

animal not suitable as a pet.n Animals which fall under the Dangerous

Dogs Act (1991). These dogs are onlypermitted if a resident has obtained acertificate of exception from the courts.

Ownership of certain types of dog isbanned: n Pit Bull Terrier n Japanese Tosa n Dogo Argentinio n Fila Braziliero

It is also an offence to allow any dog tobe dangerously out of control. Youcould face a prison sentence of up totwo years if you own a banned dog ordo not ensure your dog is kept undercontrol in public.

Further information can be found on theUK Direct Government websitewww.direct.gov.uk

Permission may not be granted wherethere is an ongoing problem with petownership in the household or therehas been a problem in the past.

Tenants will not be allowed to keep pets at their home without the prior writtenconsent of the Association.

Responsible Pet Ownership 3

CONDITIONS FOR PERMISSION1. Any permission granted will be on the

basis that tenants are responsible forthe health and welfare of their pets.Under the Animal Welfare Act 2006,this is called a duty of care. This requiresday-to-day management and care ofthe pet. Any questions about the careof a pet will be referred to a vet orspecialist organisation that can help.

2. As part of the tenancy agreement,tenants agree to make good anydamage caused to the property bytheir pets. Most damage caused bypets is due to lack of supervision orcontrol of the pet and thereforetenants must act responsibility toprevent this.

3. The control of pets and any petsvisiting the property will be thetenant’s responsibility. Any catsallowed free access outside must notcause a nuisance to neighbours.

Dogs must always be kept on a leadand wear a collar and identity tag,when in public areas, and neverallowed unsupervised outside thetenant’s home. Dog mess must beremoved immediately.

4. Pets must not cause a nuisance toneighbours and the community; thisincludes: n Roaming and unattended animals n Pets fouling communal areas and

neighbours gardens n Excessive noise n Unpleasant odours from pets n Aggressive animals

This is not an exhaustive list

5. No pet should be left in the propertywhen the tenant is away, unless cleararrangements have been made toprovide adequate care

If we have evidence confirming any ofthe conditions have been breached, wewill consider withdrawing permission.We will take legal action against seriousor persistent reports of nuisance causedby pets.

Responsible Pet Ownership4

APPLYING FOR PERMISSIONNew tenants need to seek permissionfor any pets they intend to bring to theirnew home. Existing tenants should seekpermission before obtaining a pet, ifpermission is required.

Please complete the form at the backof this booklet and return to yourNeighbourhood Housing Officer.

RESPONSIBLE PET OWNERSHIPLooking after a pet is a big responsibilityand should be thought about carefullybefore you decide to have one. Pet ownershave a responsibility both to the animalswelfare and the community they live in.

Pets are totally dependent on you fortheir physical and mental wellbeing.

It is important to regularly exercisedogs, as this can be a main cause ofbarking and discomfort, dogs get boredand restless if they are not walked.

When you go away for a day or longer,it is up to you to make suitablearrangements. Small caged pets canbe looked after by family or friends, butother pets will need more suitablearrangements.

5

QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER

n Does the pet fit your lifestyle andfamily circumstances? Are you awayfrom your home for long periods oftime. Do you have young children inthe household?

n Is your accommodation suitable? Doyou have enough room? Is thereadequate areas where you live toexercise the dog (access to openspaces) or is the area you livesuitable for cats to roam

n Have you thought about how much apet will cost? What about unexpectedcosts such as vet bills? For example,weekly food, medical bills, flea andworming treatment.

n Are you going to insure or microchipyour pet? Both are advisable

n What will happen to the pet if you goon holiday?

n Do you live near a local vet, who canprovide medical care for your pet ifrequired?

n Are you going to have your petneutered? This not only reducesunwanted pets, but can be beneficialto the pets health.

Remember, we will take legal action ifyour pet causes nuisance amongst yourneighbours. Please think about the abovequestions before taking on an animal.

Before deciding to keep a pet you may want to ask yourself the following questions:

Responsible Pet Ownership6

USEFUL CONTACTS

RSPCA

Phone (National for generalinformation): 0300 1234 555

24 Hour National Cruelty and AdviceLine: 0300 1234 999

Website: www.rspca.org.uk

Dogs Trust

Phone: 020 7837 0006

Website: www.dogstrust.org.uk

Cats Protecton

Phone National Helpline: 03000 12 12 12

PDSA (Vetinary care charity for lowincome households)

Phone: 01952 290999

Website: www.pdsa.org.uk

Royal College of Vetinary Surgeons

Phone: 020 7222 2001

Website: www.rcvs.org.uk

Responsible Pet Ownership 7

This document is available in other languages as well as in alternative formats on request

Hafod Housing AssociationRegistered as a Charitable Housing Association under the Industrial and Provident Societies Act NO 18766R Registered with

the Welsh Assembly Government NO L034 This document is available in other languages and alternative formats on request.

CONTACT DETAILSHafod Housing Association LtdSt Hilary Court, Copthorne Way,

Culverhouse Cross, CARDIFF, CF5 6ES

Tel: 029 2067 5800 Fax: 029 2067 2499 enquiries@hafod.org.uk www.hafod.org.uk

making a difference

PET AGREEMENT FORM Name of resident/s: ……………………………………………………………………

Address: ………………………………………………….………………………………

………………………………………….…………………….…………………………

……………………….………………………………………………….………………

Type of Pet: …………………………………………… Pets Age: ……………………

Description of pet if cat or dog: ………………………………………………….………

………………………………………………………………….…………………….…

……………………………………………….…………………………………………

I am applying to Hafod Association to keep the above pet(s) and by signing thisform I am agreeing to the following:

n To be responsible for pets at all timesn To ensure pets do not cause a nuisance to neighboursn To comply with the conditions of permission

I am aware that the Association may take legal action against me if my pets do causea nuisance. I have received a copy of the leaflet ‘Responsible Pet Ownership –guidance for Hafod Housing Association Residents’.

If I vacate the property I understand I must take my pet(s) with me. If I do leavepets in the property I give permission for the Association to arrange their removal. Iagree to make good any damage my pet has caused.

Signed: …………………………………………………………………….

Date: …………………….…………………………………………………

The Association has granted permission to keep the above pet:

Signed: …………………………………………………………………

Post: ………………………………………………………………………

Date: ……………………………………………………….……………….

Don’t forget you mustcomplete this form andget it authorised beforeyou can give me a home...