Frequently Asked Questions

The pilot seeks to increase access to housing for pet owners, preserving the vital human-animal bond throughout the housing process. The human-animal bond is well documented as having a positive impact on the mental health of both owner and pet. However, we believe the impacts of the pilot to be wider than this alone. By implementing a clear pet policy, expectations and responsibilities of pet-owners will be agreed upon from the beginning of a tenancy. We believe this, as well as increased awareness of support available from Dogs Trust to help owners address problem behaviours, benefits not only pet owners but the wider community.

No. The aim is to create a pet friendly environment, meaning there are policies and practices in place to support responsible pet ownership, allowing pets and owners to be housed and stay together.

In our experience running similar projects, no. Technically, most Scottish RSLs are already ‘pet friendly’ unless tenancy agreements specifically prohibit pet ownership. Tenants are likely to keep pets regardless; having a recognised pet friendly approach can help to prevent and better manage any issues that may arise from this, as well as promote good tenant relations. Pet owners will not be given any additional priority for housing, and permission to keep animals can be considered/revoked on a case-by-case basis.  

This is at the discretion of the RSL. Dogs Trust encourage owners to consider if their home is a suitable place for animals to reside together, with room to separate if needed. This approach focuses on animal welfare and can limit potential issues arising.

Yes, if no other solution can be found. A pet friendly approach includes having a clear pet policy and owner agreement in place. This allows expectations to be set at the beginning of a tenancy, or when a tenant obtains a pet. A pet friendly environment encompasses responsible practice and promotes responsible pet ownership, rather than entitling all tenants to keep a pet regardless of circumstance.

One of the Pilot’s aims is to also improve the experience of non-pet owning tenants. We will strive to have the experiences of individual tenants and communities heard and addressed. We can assist with the implementation of a clear and fair complaints policy balancing the needs of all tenants. Through their landlord’s participation in the Pilot, tenants with pets should have better access to information and education, allowing them to understand the impact of their animal’s behaviour on the wider community.

It is a tenant's responsibility to make sure their animal’s welfare needs are met under the Animal Health & Welfare (Scotland) Act 2006. If a landlord has concerns surrounding animal welfare, these should be reported to Scottish SPCA.

Yes, in line with existing responsibilities in relation to damage/disrepair, tenants will be expected to make good any damage to their home caused by their animal. We can assist with creation of an owner agreement which can be signed up front setting out expectations and responsibilities. Our 2021 YouGov survey of private landlords found that just 20-21% of landlords that let properties to pet-owners reported damage as a result (compared to 29% who reported damage caused by tenants).