Pets

At Stonewater, we recognise that pets provide a range of benefits to their owners, including providing companionship, offering a means to make contacts and socialise with others, and keeping active.

Owning a pet isn’t for everyone and Stonewater also has a responsibility to ensure that we provide balance, making sure pet ownership does not impact on the rights of others to enjoy their homes and neighbourhoods.  As such, when we do grant permission to keep a pet it is under the condition of our customers being responsible pet owners and ensuring that their pets do not cause nuisance to those around them.  We’ve created guidance on what this looks like and also what actions Stonewater will take to support this should we need to.

Our pet policy

Pets

In recognising the benefits of owning a pet and listening to the views of over 1500 customer we have created a ‘pet friendly’ policy that covers all of our homes. Our pet policy was written with the help of our customers and with reference to good practice guidance produced by the RSPCA, The Dogs Trust and Age Concern.

Read the policy

A guide to keeping pets in your Stonewater home

Pet Guidance

This guidance has been created to encourage responsible pet ownership and make sure we support our customers who want to have pets and those who don’t.

Read the guide

Keeping a pet

If you want to get a new pet or bring your existing pet to your Stonewater home, the first thing you need to do is let us know. Our Customer Service Centre teams are the best people to speak to about this in the first instance. They will be able to help you with the process, explain pet ownership conditions and discuss any lease restrictions with you.

We will need to know some basic details about the pet(s), such as type, breed and size. This will help us both to work out if your home or the building you live in is suitable for your pet, as some of our homes are subject to lease restrictions which prevent us from being able to grant you permission. 

In our Retirement Living homes, we will be able to grant permission for a maximum of two animals to be housed with you.  This does not include those small mammals, bird and fish listed below.

Before submitting your request to us we would ask that you consider a range of things when deciding if your home will be suitable for your pet:

  • The size and positioning of your accommodation
  • Your lifestyle and ability to care for your pet and meet its welfare needs

If we are happy that the property is suitable for your pet we will confirm our agreement with you in writing, along with the pet ownership guidance and terms upon which permission is granted.

Ensuring your pet’s wellbeing

The welfare of our customers' pets is important to us and we encourage the following things from pet owners:

  • Registration with a vet
  • Pet identification
  • Alternative arrangements should you go on holiday or into hospital
  • Pet insurance

Take a look at the FAQs below, which will answer questions such as which pets you need to ask permission to keep.  We would encourage you to read them before making your decision on asking permission for a pet.

We've also put together some more in depth FAQs for if you're looking to get a pet and if you're worried about your neighbours having pets.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need permission to get a pet?

Permission for pets varies on the type of animal you want to get.

There are some small pets housed in cages, bowls and tanks which you do not need written permission for, but you should still follow the terms of your tenancy agreement.

Animals you do not need permission for:

  • Fish (subject to the tank being less than 150 litres)
  • Hamsters
  • Gerbils
  • Small birds
  • Mice
  • Small reptiles and amphibians (excluding exotic pets which require a licence)
  • Insects
  • Rats
  • Rabbits (in your own private garden or indoors)
  • Guinea pigs (in your own private garden or indoors)

For all other animals you must ask our permission before getting your pet(s). Failure to do so will place you in breach of your agreement with us.

Are there any pets Stonewater will not give permission for?

We will not allow permission to keep any breed of dog banned under the 1991 Dangerous Dogs Act in our customers’ homes. 

The Dangerous Dogs Act bans the ownership, breeding, sale, exchange or advertising the sale of the following ‘types’ of fighting dogs:

  • Pit Bull Terrier
  • Japanese Tosa
  • Dogo Argentino
  • Fila Brasiliero

The Dangerous Dogs Act uses the word ‘type’ as the law does not only apply to pure breeds. Types are defined by the physical and behavioural characteristics of the prohibited dog.

We also will not give permission for:

  • An animal that would require a licence under the Dangerous Wild Animals Act 1976
  • Birds of prey
  • Cattle, horses, livestock
Can Stonewater refuse permission for me to keep a pet?

We have the right to refuse or revoke permission for a number, breed or type of pet if we believe that it is likely to cause a nuisance to other customers. If this happens, we’ll work with you to find a solution. 

We will not refuse or remove permission for pets without reason and we won’t refuse permission for a guide dog, welfare or assistance animal.

We won't grant permission to any resident to keep a pet who is subject to the following in the last three years:

  • If there is a history of animal neglect or cruelty
  • If there is a history of nuisance, annoyance or disturbance as a result of pet ownership

We won’t allow customers to keep a pet if they are on a time limited or lifetime ban on keeping an animal after prosecution by the RSPCA.

How do I report a neighbour’s dangerous or nuisance pet?

We would always encourage residents to work with each other to resolve issues between themselves. If you cannot find a resolution, then you can report the issue to us and we will engage with the pet owner.

What happens if a complaint is made about a pet?

Reports of nuisance or annoyance will be handled as anti-social behaviour cases and where complaints are received, we will work with customers to help them resolve the issues between themselves. 

If a resolution can’t be reached and we don’t feel that the pet owner is engaging in the process, we may withdraw permission for a pet to be kept.  

Where permission is withdrawn, customers will be notified in writing and a reasonable timeframe agreed to allow for rehoming. Legal action may also be taken in some cases.  

We may also work with the local authority, Police, RSPCA or any other organisation that may support us to find a resolution.

What about outdoor animals?

The following outdoor animals may be considered for permission from Stonewater.  All customers will be required to seek formal written permission before obtaining them and at the point of application Stonewater will consider the suitability of the home, scheme and neighbouring areas before approving:

  • Cockerels/chickens/ducks/geese
  • Micro pigs
  • Bees/beehives
How can I ensure I am being a considerate pet owner?

While many of our customers have told us they welcome to opportunity to keep a pet in their homes, we also know that for some they feel anxious about having animals in neighbouring homes. 

At Stonewater. we want to encourage all those that do obtain a pet to ensure they are considerate and responsible in their pet ownership, from choosing what pet might best suit your home type and lifestyle to the simple things like ensuring that they do not cause noise disturbance or fouling. 

Our schemes and homes are for everyone to enjoy and we hope that by following some simple steps our communities will be able to continue to thrive.