Planning to study in the UK and bringing your dog with you?
For a growing number of US students, the dog isn’t staying behind. They’re part of the move.
But while universities may be happy to welcome international students, finding accommodation that also welcomes your dog can be a little more complicated. To start with student halls of residences tend not to allow dogs. This is not especially helpful for first year students looking to relocate to the UK with their pets.
That then forces students with pets to look at the competitive private rental sector. I was talking to an agent in Camden, London, recently and some properties were going in hours. We secured a London studio apartment in the area for a client relocating to the UK from the US with a cat to study at the Royal Veterinary College. Because access was via the tenant, we took advantage of the fact that viewings were limited.
A Pets Lets Client Google Review:
“Russell helped me find a flat as a masters student relocating from the US to London with my golden retriever. I could not recommend working with them enough. I was so worried going into flat hunting with a dog and as an international student, however, Russell ended up finding me my dream flat before it even hit the market within less than 2 weeks of my search in my ideal area! He clearly has incredible relationships throughout London with different agencies and was also so on top of everything and quick to respond to all sorts of questions. He got me lots of viewings immediately upon arrival in London and also was an amazing help with the offer stage as well. He’s made the experience very personalized and i was so glad i found pet let’s! Now my dog and I are happily settling into our new home 🙂 thanks so much Russell! Definitely will be using pet let’s in the future!”
At Pets Lets, we regularly help people relocate from the US to the UK with their pets, including students. Here are some of the things worth thinking about before you start your property search.
Start looking at accommodation early
Don’t wait until a few weeks before your course starts to think about where you and your dog will live. I would plan well ahead, ideally at least 2-3 months.
Many university halls and purpose-built student accommodation providers either don’t accept pets or have restrictions. That can mean looking at the private rental market instead.
And “pets considered” doesn’t necessarily mean your particular dog will be accepted.
A landlord may want to know your dog’s breed, size, age and behaviour, while some apartment buildings have their own restrictions on pets, based on number of pets and weight.
The earlier you understand your options, the better.
Think about your dog as well as the university
Being close to campus is obviously attractive, but the nearest property isn’t necessarily the right one when you have a dog.
Consider:
- Access to parks and green space
- Whether the property has suitable outside space
- The size and layout of the property
- How long your dog may be left alone
- Your journey to university
- Whether the building itself permits pets
London in particular can involve a trade-off. Living slightly further from university may give you significantly better options for your dog while still providing a straightforward commute.
Prepare a Pet CV
One of the simplest things you can do is prepare a good Pet CV
This introduces your dog to an agent or landlord and can include a photograph, age, breed, temperament, vaccinations, training and references where available.
You’re trying to answer the landlord’s questions before they become objections.
Pets Lets sister site Say Yes to Pets has a free Pet CV creator that you can use before starting your search.
Understand UK rental referencing
This often surprises students relocating from America.
Being able to afford the rent doesn’t automatically mean you’ll pass a UK referencing company’s affordability requirements.
International students may have no UK credit history or UK-based income, and some landlords and agents will ask for a UK guarantor. If you don’t have one, you may need to get a company student guarantee, which is priced at 3 weeks rent.
Don’t assume that offering several months’ rent upfront will solve the problem either. Rental rules in England have changed, so it’s worth understanding your position before making an offer.
If you’re unsure about referencing, get advice early rather than discovering a problem after finding the perfect pet-friendly property.
That is why we offer the Rental Approval Service. Finding the right rental is only half the battle. With stricter referencing, affordability checks and increased competition, too many tenants lose the property they’ve found and sometimes their holding deposit too.
So you may have found a pet friendly student property, but your finances don’t meet the reference criteria. You’ve paid a 1 week holding deposit and the estate agent and landlord is ‘threatening’ to put it back on the market, where there are others who will offer on it.
We had a student recently come to Pets Lets to help save their property and the issues with the referencing. See the Google Review below, says it all:
“I worked with Russell on referencing, and he has been an indispensable support—I could not have navigated the process without him. More than that, Russell went above and beyond the task at hand to ensure my interests in the property were protected. He is a true professional with high-calibre negotiation skills and market insights. From my experience, Russell is the ultimate local property advisor for anyone planning a move to the UK.”
Check that the building accepts dogs
This is particularly important with London apartments. A landlord may personally be perfectly happy with your dog, but the building or superior lease can still restrict pets.
Always establish the position before committing money or progressing too far with a property.
It can save a lot of disappointment later.
Don’t hide your dog
It can be tempting, particularly when you’re struggling to find somewhere. Don’t do it, not worth it.
Your dog should be disclosed from the beginning and properly approved as part of your tenancy. Make sure there is a pets clause in your tenancy agreement stating your pets by breed and name.
A well-prepared application showing that you’re a responsible tenant and pet owner is a much better starting point. Having a ‘good’ relationship with your landlord from the beginning makes life a lt easier.
What if you’re still only thinking about studying in the UK?
That’s actually a very good time to start.
Pets Lets is currently exploring demand for more genuinely pet-friendly student accommodation in the UK.
We’re particularly interested in hearing from students in the US who are planning, or even just considering studying in the UK with their dog or other pet.
You don’t need to have chosen your accommodation yet. You don’t even need to be moving immediately.
Tell us which university you’re considering, when you may be coming, your approximate budget and a little about your pet.
Your requirements will help us understand where pet-friendly student accommodation is most needed.
Planning to study in the UK with your pet? Register your interest with Pets Lets
And if you’re already coming to the UK and need help securing a pet-friendly rental, Pets Lets can help with the property search, application, referencing and negotiations.
Because studying abroad is a big enough adventure without having to leave your best friend behind.
If you’re navigating the UK rental market with a pet—or thinking about it—take a look at:
👉 https://www.sayyestopets.co.uk/
Get the right advice early, and you’ll put yourself in a completely different position when it matters most.
About the Author – Russell Hunt
Pets Lets Expert Insight
This article was written by 罗素-亨特, co-founder of Pets Lets, a specialist service helping tenants secure pet-friendly property to rent in London and across the UK.
With more than 30 years of experience in the London property market, Russell works with tenants, landlords and estate agents to make renting with pets possible in practice, not just in theory. His work focuses on helping pet owners present strong applications, prepare properly for competitive markets, and navigate landlord concerns around pets.
Through Pets Lets, Russell supports UK tenants with pets as well as educates landlords with UK properties on the benefits of dog friendly rentals and cat friendly rentals in London and across the UK.
Russell also runs the community “Relocating to the UK with Pets”, helping thousands of members understand the realities of travelling to the UK with pets.
Learn more about pet-friendly renting advice and services at Pets Lets
