Donate

Renting with pet’s

At RSPCA NSW, we believe that pets are family, and that keeping people and pets is best for everyone.  

Pets can play a meaningful role in supporting wellbeing, providing companionship, and helping us form emotional connections. In fact, the bond between people and their pets is not only uniquely rewarding, but mutually beneficial for humans and animals alike.

Thankfully, in NSW, rental laws were recently changed to provide additional support for pet guardians in rental accommodation. While this means more families can enjoy the benefits of caring for a pet, it is still our duty as animal guardians to learn how to help animals adjust to life in a rental property.

Renting with pet's. Dog enjoying an enrichment toy.
Learn More

Caring for animals in rental properties

Helping your pet settle into a new home

Moving into a new place can be exciting, but it can also be an adjustment for pets. Taking a few simple steps can help your animal feel safe, comfortable and confident in their new environment. This includes:

  • Creating a cosy, familiar space
  • Keeping your routines consistent
  • Providing regular enrichment and exercise where appropriate
  • Checking fencing, gates, and windows to ensure your animal’s spaces are secure

Preventing common issues  

Even in the most pet-friendly homes, a few simple habits can help prevent issues and ensure a positive rental experience for everyone involved. This includes:

  • Minimise barking or noise through regular exercise, enrichment, and maintaining routines. If your pet is vocal, positive training or professional advice can make a meaningful different. 
  • Reduce the risk of damage through the use of scratching posts, chew toys, and other enrichment activities. Washable covers and mats can also protect certain areas of the home. 
  • Staying on top of flea and tick prevention not only keeps your pet healthy but helps to maintain a clean, comfortable home environment. 
  • Keep spaces clean with regular cleaning of a litter areas and toileting areas. 

What to do if challenges do come up?

Every rental situation is different, and sometimes challenges arise. Compassionate conversations can make a world of difference, especially paired with early steps to address any concerns. This includes:

  • Compassionate conversations (if it’s safe to do so) with your landlord or neighbours can make it easier to find a solution and prevent concerns from growing.

  • Addressing behavioural concerns early can help make things easier for both you and your pet. RSPCA NSW is always here to help. Our behaviour helpline offers guidance and support. Please reach out via our contact us form here.

Learn more about the laws that are making renting with pets easier in NSW.

Find out more
Kitten being held by an RSPCA NSW Vet

Renting and thinking about fostering an animal instead of adopting?

Sign up now
Renting with pet's. Kitten with owner at home.

Latest advice and animal care tips

Cat Information

I found kittens! What should I do?

Knowing what to do when you find kittens is important, because your first reaction might be to pick them up and try to rescue them.

Find out more

Tick Safety Reminders

RSPCA NSW is seeing first-hand a rise in tick cases as the weather warms up. These tiny parasites can cause huge problems, including paralysis or

Find out more

Keeping Pets Safe in the Heat: Essential Tips for Pet Owners

Australia’s hot summers can quickly become dangerous for pets, especially as temperatures rise and humidity increases. Knowing how to keep pets safe in the heat

Find out more
Cat Information

The Importance of social and environmental learning: How to Raise a Well-Adjusted Kitten

At RSPCA NSW, we believe that every kitten deserves a loving home where they can flourish into confident and happy cats. One important role of

Find out more
Information on other Animals

Spring Flings: Fall in Love with a New Best Friend This International Rabbit Day!

With International Rabbit Day will taking place on the 28th of September, there’s never been a better time to discuss why rabbits make excellent pets
Find out more
Cat Information

Nose Work Enrichment for Cats: A Fun Way to Engage Your Feline Friend!

At RSPCA NSW, we understand that keeping our cats both mentally and physically stimulated is the key to their happiness and health. Cats are natural

Find out more
Cat Information

Paws and Play: Unleashing the Joy and Benefits of Playtime for Cats!

Play for cats is not just about fun; it’s essential for indoor cats’ physical and mental well-being. It helps them stay active, maintain a healthy

Find out more
Seasonal Care

Expert Tips from RSPCA NSW to Keep Your Pets Safe and Healthy this Winter

Now that winter is upon us, it’s important to ensure our pets are keeping warm, happy, and healthy. Despite their fur coats, animals are not

Find out more

Ways to Help Animals in Need

Adopt 

RSPCA NSW rehomes a range of different animals, from dogs, cats, and birds to horses, rabbits, and sheep! We believe that all creatures, great and small, can bring joy to our families and homes. Begin your adoption journey today and make an adorable lifelong friend!

Find out more
Foster

By providing temporary homes for our animals, we can ensure they get the care they need until they are ready to be adopted. Join our network of foster carers for an incredibly rewarding experience; with your help, we can change the lives of some of the state’s most vulnerable animals.

Find out more
Donate

We rely on our generous supporters to continue assisting the thousands of animals turning to RSPCA NSW for help. No matter how small your contribution, every gift makes a lifesaving difference for animals in need.

Find out more
Volunteer

By raising funds and lending a hand to communities and their pets, our volunteers play a pivotal role in our work throughout NSW. If you have a genuine concern for animals and enjoy meeting like-minded people, consider becoming an RSPCA NSW volunteer today!

Find out more
Donate
Volunteer