You need to ask permission to keep a pet.
Such permission will not be unreasonably given, but we will take into account the type of pet and where you live.
To request permission to keep a pet please complete a Pet Permission Form or request one from your Neighbourhood Manager.
If permission is granted:
You should only keep animals that are suitable as domestic pets and must look after pets properly. We can revoke permission if you do not look after your pet/s properly and if they are causing a nuisance to neighbours.
Pet(s) we consider reasonable are:
- Domestic cats and dogs.
- Small animals such as rabbits, hamsters, and guinea pigs.
- Small caged animals such as budgies and canaries.
- Fish (not including large aquariums).
- Non-poisonous insects and spiders (if appropriately tanked).
- Non-poisonous snakes and reptiles under two feet in length when fully grown (if appropriately tanked).
Permission will always be granted for assistance dogs, such as guide dogs or hearing dogs.
The number of pets residents can keep in their properties will depend on several factors.
When you send us a Pet Permission Form we will aim to get back to you within 10 working days.
GCH customers in England who own an XL Bully dog need to apply for a ‘Certificate of Exemption’ to legally keep your pet beyond 31 January 2024.
Keeping an XL Bully dog
If you want to keep your XL Bully dog after the ban, you must apply for a Certificate of Exemption by 31 January 2024. To get a Certificate of Exemption you must:
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Get third party public liability insurance cover for your dog.
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Neuter your dog permanently if it is not already neutered. Read Neutering an XL Bully for when you must have your dog neutered. A vet must confirm if your dog is already neutered.
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Pay the £92.40 fee for each dog you want to keep. The fee is not refundable.
You will find more details about how to apply for this certificate on the government website here. You will be committing a criminal offence and breaching your tenancy agreement if you do not hold a Certification of Exemption on 1 February 2024.
From 31 December 2023 in England it will also be against the law to:
· sell an XL Bully dog.
· abandon an XL Bully dog or let it stray.
· give away an XL Bully dog.
· breed from an XL Bully dog.
· have an XL Bully in public without a lead and muzzle.