to ask for your experiences with 'temporary' accommodation...

[manicinsomniac]

... and how 'temporary' it actually was.

A friend of a friend is shortly to be made homeless and move into temporary accommodation. She has a child who is obviously struggling with this and has a pet that they can't take with them which is making the child even more anxious and upset.

My friend was asking around for someone to foster the pet so that the child doesn't have to lose it for good. I have said I don't see why I couldn't do this and am going to meet the family and pet soon.

However, in my head, temporary accommodation is a B&B that is lived in for 2 or 3 months or so. But I read something recently on here about someone who's been in 'temporary' accommodation for years! I love animals but made the decision years ago that I shouldn't or couldn't have one full time.

What if this 'fostering' situation just gradually turns into a permanent situation. I want to help the family but now I'm a bit nervous.

Is anyone able to tell me about how long 'temporary' was for them in a similar situation? It's something I know nothing about. And I'm feeling a bit stupid for not thinking it through before.

Friend was pretty much highest priority in our area (south but outside London) and it was about 9 months.

But I'd reckon the chance of getting a council letting that allows pets is very low, round here I. Think it would be approaching zero chance.
As a rough indication most lettings start off by saying
No smoking
No housing benefit
No pets
Some say no children.

I think you need to consider the situation that they get a property that won't allow pets.