Permission to keep a pet FAQ's
How can I apply? Log onto my.sandwell.gov.uk and complete the request form
Why do I need to ask permission? Whilst we understand that pets are part of the family and bring a huge amount of joy and comfort to people’s lives, including improving mental and physical wellbeing, we also have a responsibility to ensure that we prevent irresponsible pet ownership, which can cause suffering to animals and a nuisance to neighbours.
How will you decide if I can keep a pet? An Officer will review the request and consider the following:
- Is the type of pet suitable for ownership
- Is the size of the pet suitable for the property
- Will the presence of the pet adversely affect the neighbourhood and/or environment
- Does the keeping of the pet conflict with any of our tenancy conditions
- Will the pet cause unreasonable disruption to any communal areas
- Will the pet present a risk to the tenant, other members of the public, the property or neighbouring properties
- Is the request for short or long-term permission
- Could the pet cause a nuisance or annoyance to other residents.
- Does the pet require neutering, vaccination and/or microchipping
- Does the tenant intend on breeding further animals
- Will the pet provide wellbeing, such as sight assistance, stress relief etc
- The Disability Discrimination Act 2005
Will you need to visit? Dependant on the request we may need to visit you at home to assist us with making a decision.
How long does it take? Following the receipt of a request and the completion of all relevant checks a timely decision will be made.
Will there be conditions that apply to me keeping a pet? Yes, we will apply conditions such as the following
- The tenant is responsible for the pet at all times
- The tenant will ensure that their pet(s) will not cause a nuisance to neighbours
- The tenant will ensure that all mess/fouling is cleared up immediately
- All legal requirements are met for the keeping of a pet
- Required pet insurances are in place
- The tenant is to ensure that the pet is neutered, vaccinated and/or micro-chipped in accordance with recommendations from animal welfare organisations
Could I be asked to re-home my pet? Yes, there are instances as follow:
- Permission will be withdrawn if Sandwell MBC has concerns about a pet’s welfare and this will be reported to the RSPCA and any other relevant organisation
- Sandwell MBC will take action if the pet(s) cause a nuisance
- Permission can be withdrawn if conditions or tenancy conditions are breached
- If you failed to request permission and retrospective permission is not agreed