Responsible Pet Ownership
Permission
You need to make sure you have asked for permission to keep a pet in your home. You can do this by completing a pet permission form for every new pet you wish to give a home to. Permission will not unreasonably be withheld but we will consider the type of property you live in, the number of pets you already have, and they type of pet you are asking permission for. You do not need to ask permission to keep small, caged animals such as small birds, hamsters, guinea pigs or rabbits.
Keeping pets without our consent may mean that we ask you to rehome them. To fill out a pet permission form, please call 0300 777 2600.
Behaviour
If we receive a complaint about your pet, we’ll contact you and ask you to resolve the issue yourself. This could mean that you’ll need to take advice from a vet or animal behaviourist to stop the issues continuing. We may also ask you to sign a pet agreement so that we know you understand your responsibilities.
If the issues are not resolved, we’ll ask why the behaviour has not been addressed and what action needs to happen next. This could include withdrawing permission and you’ll have to rehome your pet.
We consider nuisance behaviour to be:
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Fouling in communal areas to include hallways, staircases, courtyards, gardens. As a responsible pet owner , you must clear up after your animal straight away, and dispose of it correctly
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Allowing damage to occur within your property
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Leaving pets unsupervised for long periods of time. For example, pets must not be left in a Golding Homes property if you’re staying away, unless arrangements have been made to provide care
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Allowing pets to be out of control or a danger to others
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Not keeping dogs on a lead in all communal areas
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Making a persistent noise (barking) that causes or might cause upset to your neighbours
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Breeding and selling from your property
Responsible Pet Days
Being a pet owner, whether it's a dog, cat or small mammal is a privilege. Pets bring so much joy into our lives but being a responsible pet owner is a big committment.
We held two responsible pet ownership days this year. Watch our video from our responsible pet ownership day (held on 30 July) to hear from some of our partners on the help they can provide and their top tips for being a pet owner.
Neutering /Microchipping
Neutering can not only stop unwanted pregnancies, but it can also prevent illnesses and some unwanted behaviours in your pets. We don’t allow breeding and selling animals in our homes and will advise to get your pet neuter ed when you ask us for permission. Local organisations such as the RSPCA and the PDSA can help with neutering costs for families on low income. Some v et practices also offer care plans (pay monthly or yearly) to spread the cost of essential pet care such as flea or worming treating, vaccinations, and neutering.
You can find more information about neutering here: Neutering information.pdf [pdf] 2MB
Microchipping is compulsory for dogs and must be done before they’re 8 weeks old. Microchipping cats will be compulsory from June 2024 and must be done before they are 5 months old. Failure to get them microchipped could see you face a fine of up to £500. Vets normally charge between £10 to £20 to microchip your pet, however, it’s possible to get free microchipping from a local dog charity or animal shelter.
Dog Breeds
The Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 identifies certain breeds of dogs that require specific controls. These breeds are Pit Bull Terriers, Japanese Tosa, Dog Argentino, Fila Brazilieros and XL Bullys . Owners of these dogs must be registered, and they are not allowed to breed them, sell them, or exchange them. The dog must also be muzzled and on a lead in a public place.
Advice
For advice o r concerns you have about your pets, please visit one of the organisations below: