If you want to keep a pet you must get permission from us to do this before you get it. If you haven't requested permission yet please do so. We will consider all requests and will not unreasonably withhold our consent.

For many people, pets are an important member of the family and can help mental and physical health.

Many of us at mhs homes have pets too, so we know how special they are.

Most of our customers are allowed to have pets. There may be some cases where we cannot allow pets, or we restrict the number or type.

The most common reasons for not being able to keep a pet are:

  • You live in one of our supported living foyers

  • You live in one of our supported living schemes. We will consider requests, but we may restrict the number and type of pets you can have, depending on the type of property. If you do not have direct access to a garden and keeping an animal would mean they are accessing the communal lounges to go outside, we may have to refuse permission for you to keep them

  • You have a restriction in your lease or covenant (we'll let you know if this applies when you request permission)

  • You live in one of the homes below:
     
    • Lyon Court
    • Regent House
    • Foord House
    • Cloudesley House

We have to make sure all pets are only kept in places that are suitable for them, are well cared for, and kept in a way that doesn’t cause disruption to neighbours.

If we become concerned about the number of pets you have and it's causing a problem, we’ll talk to you about this.

If your pet disrupts other residents and you don’t take action to resolve it, we may take action such as asking you to remove your pet.

You must clean up any fouling from your animal in any personal or shared garden.

Animals you can and can't keep as pets

Animals you can request permission to keep as a pet:

  • Most cats and dogs (see what you aren't allowed below)
  • Small animals such as rabbits, hamsters and guinea pigs
  • Small birds
  • Fish
  • Registered guide dogs

Animals you can’t keep as pets include:

  • Certain types of poisonous snakes, spiders, primates and monkeys*
  • Any type of bird of prey such as kestrel, owl, or buzzard*
  • Pit Bull Terriers*
  • Japanese Tosa*
  • Fila Brasileiro*
  • Dogo Argentino*
  • Wild animals and non-domestic animals
  • Livestock

*It's against the law to keep these animals under the Dangerous Wild Animals Act 1976 and the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991

Pet application form