No matter where you move, domestically or internationally, it’s harder to arrange housing from afar. And moving to London means getting used to different rental customs and expectations, not to mention terminology. Add your dog into the mix, and you have your work cut out for you.
An article in the Independent said it all with the headline: Demand for Dog-Friendly Flats in London Soars. The article noted pet ownership was extremely rare in London in the early 2000s, but by 2013, 10% of Londoners owned a dog. And as of October 2015, that percentage was up to 30%. You can begin to see the problem.
Londoners have figured out what dog lovers elsewhere have always known – dogs are, indeed, human's best friends. But landlords have not universally embraced dogs as tenants. The Independent article reports that dog-friendly rentals are now commanding premium rents and significantly higher deposits. Fees for professional cleaning upon move-out are becoming more common, too.
One lettings specialist (rental agent) said, “These tenants want luxury pads situated close to Hyde Park or The Regent’s Park, where they can regularly take their pets for walks.” Possibly, but you will probably have to be more flexible.
These resources can help:
Check out the Dog Forum. Aside from listings of rentals, the website offers a wide variety of information you can use while planning your move and after you arrive such as:
Outsmart the competition for dog-friendly housing by offering proof of your pup’s excellence as a tenant. Every pet owner claims their dog is a model four-legged citizen. But landlords are skeptical in London, just as many are in the US. How can you overcome their concerns?
The last thing you want as your move draws near is to wonder exactly where you’ll be living. So pull out all the stops. Get help from every possible source in your search for dog-friendly housing in London.
Make your dog's international travel plans well in advance, too. Your dog will have to meet stringent pet import requirements to enter the UK, and obtaining all the necessary documentation is a complex, time-consuming process. Plan their move carefully, too. Make sure they have their own bedding, toys, and food as soon as they arrive. If their new home seems at least a little familiar, they will be calmer and less likely to act up in some embarrassing way.