Keeping pets

Keeping pets

Pets are great additions to the family but they need a lot of attention and care. Also, not everyone likes animals, so tenants should be aware of the rules set down in their tenancy agreement.

If you live in a flat or maisonette the tenancy conditions ask you not to keep any pets without permission in writing from the Area Manager. These rules are not there to stop tenants enjoying pets, but to ensure that everyone living in the block of flats or maisonette enjoy living there.

If you own a pet and do not take proper care of its needs or cause a nuisance with it, we will take appropriate action.

If you would like to discuss any matter relating to pet ownership, please contact your local office.

Download a copy of the General Conditions of tenancy.

Pet welfare

Since the 2nd April 2012, district councils in Northern Ireland are responsible for the welfare of domestic pets.

If you are concerned about the welfare of a pet, please contact your local officer.

Belfast City Council Area

Sandie Lightfoot. Telephone: 02890 270431

Eastern Area - Ards, Castlereagh, Down, Lisburn and North Down

Ian McCreery. Telephone: 028 90494567

Northern Area - Antrim, Ballymena, Ballymoney, Carrickfergus, Coleraine, Cookstown, Larne, Magherafelt, Moyle and Newtownabbey

Sam Jackson. Telephone: 028 25660412

Southern Area  - Armagh, Banbridge, Craigavon, Dungannon, Newry and Mourne

Mark Brown: Telephone: 028 37515800

Western Area  - Derry/Londonderry, Fermanagh, Limavady, Omagh and Strabane

Karen Kerr George. Telephone: 028 82256226

Dog fouling

Dog mess is a nuisance and it is associated with various diseases. Dog owners should clean up after their dog in public places.

People who do not clean up after their dog may be fined by their local council.

For further information, you should check with your local council.