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Drawing up a pet policy

Anyone who has experienced the companionship of a much-loved pet will understand how heartbreaking it is to cope with the loss of a special pet. But many care homes already take in pets successfully and pro-pet policies can have benefits for all residents and staff.

There are five steps all housing providers should consider in order to deal effectively with the potentially sensitive matter of pet ownership amongst potential residents.

1. KNOWLEDGE
All personnel involved in the formulation or implementation of policy should have some knowledge of the importance of pets in the lives of many people, the health and social benefits that may be enjoyed, and the possibly devastating effects on the owner if that relationship is ended.

2. RECOGNITION AND ACCEPTANCE
Along with a general awareness of the special bond between people and their pets, staff should also apply this knowledge and accept that it may be relevant to the potential residents with whom they will be dealing. There is a need to recognise that a person may become distressed if separated from a pet, and to be aware of what signs could indicate that a person is grieving for a lost pet (eg, disturbances to sleeping and eating patterns, depression, and the onset of physical illnesses).

3. INVESTIGATION OF PET OWNERSHIP PRIOR TO ENTRY
Staff need to know in advance if pet ownership is an issue for any particular resident so that they can deal with it in the most effective way possible. Routine investigation is therefore vital.

4. AVOID OR AMELIORATE PET LOSS
Whether or not the policy is to permit pets, instances of pet loss will probably be encountered at some stage. There should be procedures in place to support residents and minimise distress. The Pet Bereavement Support Service offers emotional support to pet owners through a national network of trained volunteer befrienders. The support line, tel. 0800 096 6606, is open seven days a week 8:30am - 8:30pm. Alternatively you can email pbssmail@bluecross.org.uk or write to PBSS, c/o The Blue Cross, Shilton Road, Burford Oxon OX18 4PF. Further information can be found in the section Pet Bereavement Support.

5. ADOPTION OF MEASURES TO MAINTAIN PET OWNERSHIP
If the decision is made to allow pets to accompany their owners into the home, procedures need to be in place to ensure smooth integration of pets into the home and to establish basic rules for hygiene and pet health. Free pet care information and advice can be found at AllAboutPets.

Pet policy resources

Housing Provider Resource – Practical Guidelines on Pet Management for Housing Providers, is published by Pathway and the Pet Advisory Committee. Please see the 2010 revised booklet for the latest information.

Topics covered include:

• Formulating a pet policy – what to consider
• Giving permission to keep pets
• Education and awareness
• Unauthorised pets
• Animals suitable as domestic pets
• Guidance for the number of animals
• Animal care
• Enforcing your pet policy
• Common pet management issues
• Housing legislation and advice
• Animals and the law
• Older people and sheltered housing accommodation
• Homeless pet owners and hostels
• Case studies of effective working practice
• Draft pet policy
• Application to keep a pet in accommodation – draft form

Keeping pets in private retirement and sheltered housing – A Good Practice Guide, is published by Age Concern, and can be downloaded here. 

• Topics covered include:
• Writing a pets policy
• Leases, tenancy agreements and a pets policy
• Publicising a pets policy
• Replacing pets that have died
• Pet records
• Involvement of other residents
• Complaints procedures
• Animals and the law
• Fostering animals
• Communal animals
• Visiting pets

Housing pets and people: animal welfare guidance and advice for housing providers, published by the RSPCA, 2004, can be downloaded here - Dogs Trust.