Keeping pets

There is different guidance on keeping a pet, which is determined by the type of property you will live in:

• If you have a garden, you can keep a pet in your home as long as it does not cause a nuisance.  
  If you live in a home that does not have its own garden such as a flat you must get our permission to keep any pet that needs outdoor exercise.  
• If you are moving to or living in sheltered housing, you must discuss keeping a pet with the Independent Living Team 

Please check with us before you purchase or accept a pet, to avoid disappointment. 

Keeping a pet - what you need to know

If you are granted permission to have a pet you, your friends and relatives, and any other person living in or visiting the property (including children) must not:

• Keep any animal which has been classified as dangerous under the Dangerous Wild Animal Act 1976:
• Keep livestock (farm animals) at the property;
• Allow your pets to cause a nuisance, for example, fouling shared areas such as lifts, stairs and landings, or making too much noise such as barking; or
• Allow any animal you keep at the property to cause a nuisance to anyone in the local area, including Dover District Council employees.
• If you live in a property with shared areas, you must exercise your pet away from the property.

You, your friends and relatives, and any other person living in or visiting the property (including children) will be responsible for providing and maintaining any fencing specifically needed to control your animal. For more information consult your tenancy agreement or read our Pet Policy.