Leeds City Council Pet Policy

How to ask for permission and what are the rules of keeping pets in council houses?

You are limited in the number of animals and types you can have. Before you can get a pet, you will need to have written permission.

We need to ensure that your home can provide the necessary time and care for any pets to remain healthy.

Also, we need to ensure that your pets don't become a nuisance to others or dangerous.

Pets in council homes: Rules and regulations

You cannot keep a pet if:

• You ask to keep more animals than allowed by the policy (maximum two cats or dog and a reasonable amount of smaller animals).

• The type of property that you live in does not allow pets. For example, high-rise blocks, flats or maisonettes with a shared entrance.

• You ask to keep exotic, dangerous or wild animals, livestock (except for hens), and again this can be property type dependant.

• You have a past of animal cruelty, neglect or abandonment.

• You want to keep a dangerous dog that's banned by the Dangerous Dogs Act.

As a pet owner, you have responsibilities

If you receive permission to own a pet, you must:

• Make arrangements for the care of your pets while you are away.

• Keeping your pet in control at all times.

• Please provide us with a contact person who can take care of your pet in an emergency.

• Keeping your garden, pet area and property clean and free of animal odours and faeces.

• Make sure that your pet does not frighten or annoy anyone or damage their property.

• The LCC Pets Policy outlines all the rules.

How to request permission to have a pet in your LCC property

By clicking the link, you can print off the form which you need to complete and return to either:

• The Housing Office

• Community Hub

• One Stop Centre

It is important to note that should you move property or keep more animals permission must be applied for again.

The final stage

The local housing office will base their decision on the number of animals and types of animals that you want to keep, as well as the suitability of the property and the number of residents.

You will be notified in writing of their decision.

It is very important that you neuter all of your animals or, if appropriate, keep the same-sex combination to not have an overpopulation of animals on your property.

LCC may be able provide vouchers for neutering if you own a cat. For more information, please contact your housing officer.

Key points to note

1. In your tenancy agreement it is stated that you must adhere to the Pets Policy if you have pets. LCC may take action against you, which could result in the loss of your house.

2. Anyone staying on your property must also comply with any refusal to keep a pet. LCC may enforce their rules against you if they find out you have animals kept at the property. Your tenancy might be put at risk.