Current status: Answered by Paul McLennan on 11 July 2024
To ask the Scottish Government what consideration it is giving to the provision of support for homeless dog owners who are seeking accommodation, including (a) any lack of provision by local authorities to house people in temporary accommodation with a dog and (b) the length of time that is spent in temporary accommodation that does not allow pets, and the impact that such separation can have on human and dog welfare.
The Scottish Government recognises the physical and mental health benefits that stem from pet ownership.
While there is currently no legal duty on local authorities to house pets, the statutory code of guidance on homelessness and the temporary accommodation standards framework require local authorities to consider housing options which best meet an individual’s needs, including supporting homeless households to maintain relationships with their pets.
Each local authority will need to consider how to achieve this on a case-by-case basis. This may include working with other organisations to help with planning for people’s pets and providing assistance with the kennelling of any pets if an applicant is not able to keep them in their temporary accommodation.
Tenants in the social sector can keep a pet with the written permission of their landlord, as can some private tenants. However, the Scottish Government wishes to enable all tenants where possible to benefit from the experience of pet ownership. There are provisions within the Housing (Scotland) Bill which, if passed, will give private and social housing tenants greater flexibility to have a pet by introducing a right to request to keep a pet, and for tenants’ requests not to be unreasonably refused.