Temporary Accommodation Pet Policy

Applicants for temporary accommodation are asked to tell us when they apply if they have a medical condition that creates a need for a medical detection dog or support dog. This will not affect their application unless they plan to keep a pet for which permission will not be given.  The bid for accommodation will be accepted but will not be confirmed until either the Council agree that the pet is suitable for the type of property applied for or plans for the re-homing of the pet(s) have been put in place.

The Housing Options Officer will process a homeless application and will gather evidence as part of their inquiry into the homeless application. Before permission is given for a dog to be kept in temporary accommodation, the HOO must obtain supporting evidence that confirms a dog is necessary for the health and wellbeing of the applicant.  The applicant must prove that their dog is either used as an assistance or medical alert dog or that their underlying condition may be considered a disability.  This evidence along with the application should be presented to the Temporary Accommodation Manager in conjunction with the Housing Needs Manager or Senior Housing Options Officer on whether the applicant should be permitted to keep a dog. 

Evidence required:

• medical evidence of a diagnosed long term condition
• source of supply of animal/ accreditation
• records of diabetes/seizures
• training and assessment records for dog/handler
• details of instructor responsible for assessing dog/handler

The Temporary Accommodation Manager will then allocate a suitable unit for the applicant and their dog. At sign up the applicant will be required to sign a ‘Pet contract’ outlining the terms and conditions upon which any dog will be kept.  A standard risk assessment will apply.