Responsible Pet Ownership

This guidance is intended to help owners provide the best care for their pets and meet their welfare needs. By understanding and addressing these needs, owners can not only improve their pets' well-being but also enjoy a stronger, more rewarding bond with them.

Looking after a pet can be expensive, including significant time and financial costs such as vet bills and food. Tenants should consider registering their pet with a local veterinary practice, and either take out pet insurance or have savings in case of any costly veterinary bills. Low-cost veterinary care options may be available, please see information pack for further details.

Keeping pets up to date with vaccinations and tick, flea and worming treatment is recommended.

Tenants should consider neutering pets and speak with a vet about their individual animals. Neutering can stop unwanted pregnancies and may prevent some behavioural issues and certain illnesses. Some tenants may qualify for discounted neutering, please see information pack for further details.

Microchipping is compulsory for dogs and recommended for other pets. It is permanent way to identify your pet and keep them safe. Microchip details must be kept up to date for all animals.

Providing pets with suitable physical and mental stimulation will help to keep them happy and healthy. Please find further details in the pet information pack provided.

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Tenants should be familiar with the following part of Grampian Housing's Tenancy Management Policy:
8.0 Pets
  • Tenants are permitted to keep domestic pets in the property without needing prior permission from the Association;
  • No non-domestic animals are permitted under any circumstances, even where licences or certificates are held;
  • Consideration must be given to the number of pets in the property to ensure realistic care of both the animals and the property;
  • Tenants are fully responsible for the care, supervision, and control of their pets, ensuring they do not cause damage, nuisance, or harm to the property, neighbours, or others;
  • Any damage caused by pets must be repaired or paid for by the tenant, and the property must remain clean, hygienic, and free from pet-related issues;
  • The Association retains the right to inspect the property with proper notice to ensure compliance with the tenancy agreement. If pets cause significant damage, nuisance, or harm, the landlord may require their removal;
  • Dog fouling is strictly forbidden, and all areas must remain clear of mess at all times. Further action may be taken if this rule is not adhered to.

This policy aims to balance responsible pet ownership with the protection of the property.

 

Definition of “Domestic” Pets

  • Dog*
  • Cat
  • Domestic bird (excluding pigeons)
  • Rabbit
  • Small rodent (e.g. hamster, guinea pig, rat, gerbil, mouse)
  • Ferret
  • Fish in a home aquarium
  • Small reptile or amphibian in a vivarium or tank (e.g. snake, lizard, turtle)
  • Insects or arachnids (kept in a terrarium or tank)

This list is not exhaustive, and advice must be sought for any pets not listed. Keeping of any animals listed under the schedule to the Dangerous Wild Animals Act 1976 is not permitted under any circumstances. Permission will not be granted for livestock or captive bred Schedule 4 birds.

*For dogs prohibited under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991, provided they are registered on the Index of Exempted Dogs, have a Certificate of Exemption and follow rules which can be found on the Scottish Government website, no permission is required.

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Expectations of Pet Owners

  • Tenants are responsible for the welfare and behaviour of a pet owned by them or anyone living with or visiting them;
  • Tenants must take all reasonable steps to supervise and keep the pet under control in communal areas. The tenant must ensure the pet is not left unattended in common or open areas. It is advised to keep dogs on a lead and other pets contained in a carrier in communal areas (with the exception of outdoor cats);
  • Tenants must take all reasonable steps to prevent a pet causing nuisance, annoyance or danger to their neighbours and visitors to their home. This includes excessive noise. Details on how to deal with unwanted behaviours can be found in the pet information pack;
  • Pets must not be allowed to foul inside the property, except for caged pets and pets trained to use a litter tray. Any pet faeces must be removed immediately from the garden or outside areas and disposed of safely;
  • Tenants must take reasonable care to ensure that a pet does not cause damage to their neighbour’s property, anything belonging to Grampian or anything the Association is responsible for, such as common parts;
  • Tenants must ensure that their pets will not cause damage to the property if they are left unsupervised. For dogs it is generally recommended that they are not left alone for more than 4 hours, although each dog is individual and tenants may wish to seek advice from their vet regarding this;
  • Tenants must not leave their pets in the property when they are away unless clear arrangements have been made for their care;
  • Tenants are requested not to breed animals or offer for sale any animal in the property. The Association understands that unplanned situations can occur and if a tenant’s pet gives birth, the tenant should let the Grampian know to discuss options;
  • Tenants must seek permission if they wish to run any animal related business from their home, such as dog walking. Running a business without permission may be a breach of your tenancy agreement;
  • Pets must not be kept on balconies;
  • A tenant with a legal ban on keeping animals is not allowed to keep pets at Association properties;
  • Tenants must seek the relevant permission to carry out adaptations to their property (such as installation of a cat flap) from Grampian;
  • Dog owners are responsible for their dog at all times and should be aware that it is a criminal offence to allow their dogs to frighten or injure a person in a public or private space;
  • It is a legal requirement to ensure that any pet dog wears a name tag displaying the owner's name and address while outside the home. Inclusion of a telephone number is also recommended.