Sample Dog Policy
1. Dog owners are solely responsible for the care and wellbeing of their dogs while living in the hostel.
2. Dog owners are solely responsible for buying dog food and feeding their dogs.
3. Dog owners should ensure that their dogs are regularly treated for fleas and worms and are up-to-date with their annual booster vaccination. Hostel staff may ask for proof that these treatments are up-to-date.
4. Dog owners should ensure that they can access veterinary treatment for their dogs when needed either privately or through a charitable scheme such as the Dogs Trust Hope Project.
5. All dogs must be neutered within 4 months of moving into the hostel. Exceptions will only be made on the recommendation of a veterinary surgeon.
6. All dogs must have an identity tag on their collar containing the name, address, and telephone number of their owner, in compliance with the law.
7. Dogs must be microchipped and registered to their owner. The dog’s microchip record must be kept up-to-date at all times.
8. Dogs must be kept on a collar and lead whilst in communal areas and not be left to wander unsupervised within the building.
9. If a dog shows any aggression towards people and/or other animals, it must be kept muzzled and on a lead in communal areas. The aggression may be a symptom of behavioural problems, which will need investigation. Owners should be aware that it is a criminal offence for any dog to be dangerously out of control in a public place, including a hostel.
10. Owners must not leave their dogs with other residents/service users for unreasonably long periods of time. What constitutes a reasonable period of time will be discussed and agreed by both owner and staff.
11. Owners must not leave their dog unattended in their room for unreasonably long periods of time. What constitutes a reasonable period of time will be discussed and agreed by both owner and staff.
12. Residents are not allowed to obtain a dog after they have moved in. This dog policy has been put in place to enable existing dog owners to access accommodation where they can also bring their dog.
13. Dog owners must ensure that their dogs do not disturb other residents, staff or guests. If a dog is barking excessively, a veterinary surgeon or dog behaviourist must be consulted for advice.
14. If a dog is being neglected or maltreated, the management will discuss the matter with the owner and give advice on how to address the issue. The management will not tolerate refusal by dog owners to care for their dogs properly. In clear cases of neglect or maltreatment, the management will report this to the RSPCA. All dog owners have a legal duty to care for their dog under the Animal Welfare Act 2006.
15. If a resident abandons their dog, which means leaving it without prearranging for someone else in the hostel to look after it, the hostel reserves the right to hand the dog over to the local dog warden.
16. Owners must not let their animals foul inside the building or in the vicinity of the building, for example, on the pavement outside. Any accidents must be cleared up immediately by the owner.
17. Owners must not let their dogs cause any damage to their room or communal areas of the hostel. If professional cleaning or repair is required, the owner will be charged accordingly.
18. Dog owners must strictly observe the areas that are out of bounds to dogs. These areas will be clearly marked.
19. Dogs may not be given away or sold within the building.
20. Dog breeding is not permitted on the premises. If a bitch is pregnant then the owner must agree to rehome the puppies after six weeks through an animal charity and agree to get their dog neutered.
Failure to abide by this policy may result in the owner being asked to leave the hostel.
I have read and understood the above policy and I agree to abide by it and fully cooperate with staff in all matters relating to my dog. I understand that failure to do so may result in me being asked to leave the hostel.Resident Name
Resident Signature / Date