New research suggests that the UK dog population may have been underestimated by as much as four million.
Dogs remain the most popular pet in the United Kingdom, with 31% of households owning at least one. While previous population estimates, including those based on public surveys, placed the total dog population between 9 million and 11.5 million, new findings from Dogs Trust indicate the true number may be closer to 13 million.
Estimating the total dog population in the UK has historically been a challenge due to the lack of consistent and accessible data. However, Dogs Trust has collaborated with researchers from the University of Leeds and the University of Exeter. Together, they have combined data from 18 diverse sources—including breed registries, academic institutions, veterinary organisations, pet insurance companies, and animal welfare charities—to model a more accurate picture of the dog population.
The information comes at a time when the Renters Rights Bill is set to become law within the next few months. This new legislation will make it more challenging for landlords to refuse tenant requests to keep pets in their rental properties.
Dr Xavier Harrison, senior lecturer at the University of Exeter, explains: “Knowing how many dogs there are in the UK is important, but isn’t necessarily straightforward to calculate. Up-to-date estimates of the size and distribution of the dog population within the UK, and how these trends vary by breed and age, allow us to highlight where and why certain breeds are more popular. More importantly, they provide a solid baseline for investigating factors that may drive changes in dog ownership in the future, with consequences for both human and pet health.”
In anticipation of the law change, lettings insurance provider Paymentshield has updated its tenants’ contents product. This adjustment is in response to the upcoming Renters Rights Bill, expected to become law soon.
The updated tenants’ contents policy now offers enhanced protection for landlords against potential damage caused by pets in rental properties. With the cover extending up to £10,000, landlords can have peace of mind knowing that their property is protected from any damage pets may cause, which could be crucial as more tenants are likely to request permission to keep pets under the upcoming Renters’ Rights Bill.
The Renters’ Rights Bill, set to come into effect in the coming months, aims to make it harder for landlords to “unreasonably” refuse a tenant’s request to keep a pet in their property. However, while landlords will still have the right to request that tenants have appropriate insurance to cover any damage caused by their pets, this new legislation marks a significant shift towards making it easier for tenants to live with their furry companions.
The government’s Animal Sentience Committee has released a report on the Renters’ Rights Bill, estimating that up to 40% of tenants may request permission to have a pet in their rented home, with about one-third of these requests expected to be granted. Given that there are approximately 4.6 million private rented sector households in England, this increase in pet ownership could add as many as 0.6 million pets to rental homes. This statistic highlights the growing demand for pet-friendly policies in the private rental sector and further underscores the importance of adequate insurance provisions to safeguard the property.
In response to these changes, Paymentshield, a well-known provider of tenants’ contents insurance, has updated its policy to better support tenants and landlords alike. The insurance is now available on a rolling subscription model, offering tenants greater flexibility in managing their coverage. This adjustment comes at a time when the rental sector is facing significant shifts, and Paymentshield is eager to ensure that their policies meet the evolving needs of their customers.
A spokesperson for Paymentshield commented: “The long-awaited Renters’ Rights Bill is set to reshape the private rental sector, and we’ve been working diligently to ensure that we’re well-prepared to support both tenants and landlords through these changes. Our updated tenants’ contents insurance policy reflects this, ensuring that tenants have the right coverage in place to meet any stipulations from landlords. This proactive approach makes it easier for tenants to add a pet to their home, providing peace of mind for all parties involved.”
This update to the insurance policy is particularly timely, as the increase in pet ownership within rental properties is likely to come with challenges. Both landlords and tenants must have the right protections in place to ensure that the experience of having pets in rental homes remains positive, with minimal risk to the property itself. As the Renters’ Rights Bill progresses towards becoming law, it is clear that pet ownership in rental homes is likely to become more common, making it essential for all parties to consider the implications and be prepared for the changes ahead.
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