No one should have to choose between a home and a pet

We’re thrilled that the Renters’ Rights Bill will bring more security and life-changing benefits to renters by allowing them to own pets. The Bill requires private landlords to give fair consideration to tenants’ requests for pets, and tenants can challenge unfair refusals.

Unfortunately, however, this protection doesn’t extend to social housing tenants. Across the country, many people in social housing face heartbreaking choices—some even having to give up beloved pets to secure a home. For some, their pets are their only family.

While some social housing providers are leading the way in becoming pet-friendly, access remains a postcode lottery. No one should have to make the heartbreaking decision between finding a place to live and keeping a member of the family.

That's why we're writing to the government, asking them to commit to giving tenants in social housing the right to request a pet without that request being unreasonably refused as soon as possible.

One in seven handover enquiries involves an owner needing to give up their dog due to housing issues. This means thousands of dogs are heartbreakingly separated from their families simply because of limited pet-friendly rental options.

Together, we can make sure that no one has to choose between a home and their best friend.

Thank you.