Landlords ‘No Pets Allowed’ Policies Putting Strain on Rescue Centres
Published on April 14, 2009 by K9 Magazine News Editor · 3 CommentsAnimal Home asks for help during National Pet Month to combat the numbers of abandoned animals
The Mayhew Animal Home is sending out a request to landlords to reconsider their strict ‘no pet policy’ on rented properties. High numbers of cats and dogs arrive annually at the rescue home after owners have to move and are unable to find a landlord to accept their existing pets.
Animal Care Manager, Gillian Scott, said: “Having worked with animals for many years, I know it can be simple for any responsible pet owner to ensure that their cat or dog behaves well inside the home, meaning landlords will have nothing to worry about. The Mayhew animal staff are always happy to offer information to any pet owners who are looking for behavioural advice.”
Mayhew Vet, Ursula Goetz had an extremely hard time recently finding a property as a cat owner, she said: “I looked at hundreds of properties online and visited many of them only to be continually told that the landlord’s policy meant I could move in but would have to leave my cat behind.
In the end I paid hundreds in extra rent to secure a property even though I wasn’t going to be living there for another two months. I knew there was too high a risk of not finding another landlord who would allow my cat to live with me. It was a time of real strain and simply because landlords may have heard horror stories which are not applicable to the majority of responsible pet owners.”
The Mayhew CEO, Caroline Yates, said: “We hope that by raising the awareness about this issue over National Pet Month, private landlords will take into consideration how a well-trained pet can present them no problems whatsoever. They will also be directly helping rescue centres like The Mayhew by reducing the numbers of animals arriving to be handed over.”
The Mayhew proposes that Landlords ask pet owners for references from previous landlords and their vet in order to establish they are a responsible owner. They should also ask for all pets living in the property to be neutered, therefore eradicating any territorial marking of the property and unwanted litters of puppies or kittens.
They could also ask for an increased deposit to be placed as reassurance for while the animal is living at the address. All these measures would offer a huge amount of security for concerned landlords and would reduce the high numbers of dogs and cats needing to be re homed unnecessarily through rescue centres.
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Well Done, The Mayhew.
I hope that housing associations and local authorities also take heed. As the economic crisis bites, it is distressing enough for people to lose their homes without having to face the loss of a much loved family pet.
well done the mayhew, it’s really hard trying to find a flat when you have a dog, my dog is better behaved than a lot of people I know!
The No Pets rule is putting a horrific strain on both families that have to give up a beloved family member and the rescue community. I just got called for yet another owner surrender dog. She’s a 10 lb Jack Russell.
Honestly, this little girl has been ripped away from a warm loving place and put in a cold box at the local pound and at risk of being euthanized, because her family lost their home and can’t find a pet friendly landlord or afford the pet deposite. Its a travesty of the Christmas Spirit. Come on, people. Take a chance, especially with a little dog like this.
Me, I would rather live in a tent than give up my babies, but I don’t have children to consider. It’s a crime against society to allow this to happen.