A pet-friendly housemate agreement

Start with each animal

• Write down the owner, species, approximate size, age and any relevant household needs for each pet.
• Note which animals are already resident, and whether new animals can be introduced at all.
• Record any quiet areas or private rooms where pets are not allowed.

Decide where pets can go

• Can pets use the lounge, kitchen, bedrooms, yard and shared furniture?
• Who keeps gates, windows and doors secure? What should visitors know when entering or leaving?
• What happens when someone works from home, sleeps during the day, or has guests?

Agree on care and costs

• Each owner remains responsible for normal feeding, exercise, cleaning up after their animal and arranging care when away.
• If another housemate offers help, agree on the specific tasks, dates and emergency contacts instead of assuming availability.
• Decide who pays for pet-specific supplies, cleaning and damage, subject to the tenancy agreement and applicable law.

Plan for problems early

• Agree how concerns about noise, smell, safety or animal interactions will be raised respectfully.
• Make a plan for introducing animals slowly and separating them if the introduction does not go well.
• Keep up-to-date contacts for owners and emergency veterinary care, and decide what happens if someone moves out.

A simple conversation starter

“We’re happy to share with pets, and we want the household to work for everyone. Which pets will live here, which spaces are shared, and what should each person reasonably expect?”

You can record the outcomes in a short written household agreement. This is not a substitute for the formal rental agreement and cannot override tenancy or animal-welfare laws.