Our Pet Friendly Properties campaign
Having to give up a pet because of housing issues is a unique type of heartbreak. It’s a heartbreak we witness at Battersea first-hand, and one that could so easily be avoided.
The last few years have demonstrated the many benefits of being able to own a pet, not only for our mental health and wellbeing, but also our feelings of connection to other people, our local community, and the outside world.
With more people than ever renting properties, we’re taking a stand to show that tenants deserve the chance to experience the joys of pet ownership. With our Pet Friendly Properties campaign, we want to achieve long-lasting, societal change, because we believe that everyone should have the choice to experience the joy of pet ownership, no matter where they live.
Real life stories
Thousands of pet-owning renters across the UK face challenges every day. From being automatically rejected by letting agents during their search for a home, to having to spend more than they can afford every month on disproportionately high rent, just because of their pet, tenants who own pets deserve better.
Battersea talks Pet Friendly Properties
One of the main reasons a pet owner would gift an animal into Battersea is due to housing complications. We are continually looking after animals we feel don't need to be in our care as more and more landlords unfortunately turn their back on renters who own pets.
Our campaign report
Battersea has undertaken research with tenant and landlord groups to better understand the current challenges facing those in the private rented sector who want to own a pet.
The future of pets and renting
In 2023, the Renters Reform Bill was introduced in the UK Parliament, which included welcome provisions around pets and housing meaning that pet requests from tenants in rented properties could not be unreasonably refused.
We’re hopeful that these measures will pass into law before the General Election, but we’re continuing to work with politicians from all parties to encourage pet friendly measures to be prioritised as we head into the next Parliament.
With your support, we’ll make change happen.
While the campaign for changes to the law around pets and tenancy agreements continues, there are lots of other resources, and more help is available:
Bringing a pet to Battersea, if you ever need to
