In the UK (and globally), pets aren’t just animals or legally seen as ‘property’ anymore. They’re family. In fact, for many, they are children with fur, paws, and wagging tails. Around 59% of UK households own a pet.
In the US, it’s even higher, close to 70% of households. That means a lot of us are budgeting, travelling, and even relocating with pets firmly at the centre of our decisions.
Look at the spending alone: in the UK we splash out billions every year on pet food, treats, toys and vet bills. In the US, the figure rockets past $100 billion annually. From personalised collars and gourmet biscuits to luxury dog beds, people want their pets to have the very best. It’s not “just a dog” or “just a cat”, it’s family, and you wouldn’t feed family the cheapest tin on the shelf.
Relocation makes this even clearer. In the Relocating to the UK with Pets Facebook group, members regularly share the lengths they go to for their pets: from navigating airline rules to hiring relocation experts to ensure their dog or cat arrives safely and has a new home. Moving country is stressful enough, but most owners would rather give up an extra suitcase than leave their pet behind.
And yet, here’s the clash: while pets are treated like children at home, landlords and property rules often treat them like an inconvenience. In London, only about 7–10% of landlords openly say “yes” to pets. That leaves families facing limited, or often overpriced options. Add in restrictions like “cats yes, dogs no” or “only one small pet allowed,” and you quickly realise “pet friendly” is far too generic.
Top Tip: Make sure the ‘pet friendly’ UK property pertains to your pets. Will it allow more than 1 pet or a large dog etc.
This creates a painful contradiction: people who would never dream of being without their pets are left juggling short-term lets, endless searches, or worse still, smuggling a pet in and hoping nobody notices. The Renters Reform Bill is meant to help, with landlords required to consider pet requests “reasonably.” But what’s “reasonable” in practice? Many of us in the industry expect landlords will still find ways to say no.
Globally, it’s the same story. In the US, Build-to-Rent apartments increasingly advertise “pet-friendly living” because they know it’s a deal breaker for tenants. In the UK, the market is only just catching up. For UK landlords willing to adapt, it’s a huge opportunity to tap into the 50%+ of the population who won’t rent without their furry family members.
At the end of the day, whether you’re in London, New York, or Los Angeles, the truth is the same: pets aren’t optional extras. They’re family. And family comes with us when we move house, move city, or even move country.
Need help navigating UK rentals with pets?
Russell Hunt is a leading UK pets and property expert, and founder of Pets Lets, specialising in helping people rent and buy homes in London and across the UK with their cats and dogs. He also founded the Relocating to the UK with Pets Facebook Group, where he offers advice to pet owners. For a no-obligation chat, you can book a call here.
