Flatmate wants a dog, help!

[pyjamas89]

I live with two others - for context I have lived here for about 18 months more than them, as my previous flatmates got married and relocated and I have lived with my current flatmates for just over 2 years. I have an elderly cat that I rehomed about 3.5 years ago, who obviously predated my current flatmates so was here when they moved in.

My flatmate would like to get a puppy. I don't want to live with a dog, especially not a puppy. I don't have any concerns about being roped into looking after one or anything, and I am sure she would look after one very well, I just don't expect the cat would like it very much and I have no desire to have or be around a dog at home. But I know it is her home too and she feels strongly about it too.

I am in the happiest living situation I have been in for a long time after a couple of nightmare flatshares and I really don't want to fall out but I also don't want a dog. We genuinely all get along very well.

I'm not sure what to do - is it unreasonable to say no? Help!

What does the tenancy agreement say? Or the landlord?

Whose house is it? If rented what does the landlord think?

The tenancy technically says no pets but I have written permission from the labdlord to have my cat, which I asked him about before getting, and he doesn't have an issue with. I am not sure how he would feel about a dog but he may well not mind.

A puppy would be another flatmate who doesn't pay rent and definitely doesn't help with chores.

I love puppies. I have one. And she's demanding, dirty, naughty and a constant presence.

No-one should be asked to live with a puppy if they didn't actively vote for one.

If the cat is elderly i would just be upfront and say that you are not happy to have a dog in the house until the cat dies . Does the flatmate wfh full time and do you have access to a garden ?

To me, an animal in the house is one of those things that every adult resident has an absolute veto over.

So your flat mates knew you had a cat when they moved in, that’s not up for debate.

If you just don’t want to have a dog in the house that’s ok. It would also be reasonable to say your cat would be unhappy with it, so it’s a no from you.

Ultimately the flatmate may choose to move out if she really wants a dog.

I think just be polite but firm: you’ve thought about it, youve spoken with the vet (white lie!) and it’s really not fair to the cat, plus you just don’t want a dog there.

It would be completely unfair on the cat, therefore out of the question.

Just no.

@pyjamas89

The tenancy technically says no pets but I have written permission from the labdlord to have my cat, which I asked him about before getting, and he doesn't have an issue with. I am not sure how he would feel about a dog but he may well not mind.

I'd get in contact with the landlord then, and tell him you do NOT want a dog or puppy in the flat.

@Ahbahbahbah

To me, an animal in the house is one of those things that every adult resident has an absolute veto over.

So your flat mates knew you had a cat when they moved in, that’s not up for debate.

If you just don’t want to have a dog in the house that’s ok. It would also be reasonable to say your cat would be unhappy with it, so it’s a no from you.

Ultimately the flatmate may choose to move out if she really wants a dog.

I think just be polite but firm: you’ve thought about it, youve spoken with the vet (white lie!) and it’s really not fair to the cat, plus you just don’t want a dog there.

Great advice!

I wanted a dog for years but I had an elderly cat and I knew it wasn't fair. My cat died and I got the dog. Your cat was there when they moved in - they knew there was a cat there and they chose to move in.

It's fine for you to say no.

I would email your landlord and explain that you aren't comfortable with a dog but don't want to cause friction in the house. Ask if they would feel comfortable vetoing the puppy on your behalf, but keeping your concerns confidential