New research from pet specialist insurer, Animal Friends highlights the emotional reality for many renters behind the current renting rules, with 37% of renters unable to live with their pet or needing to give them up for adoption due to restrictions.

In over a quarter (28%) of cases, pets had to be rehomed with friends and family, while others placed their pets in shelters or rescue centres (8%).

From Friday however, renters will have the legal right to request permission to keep a pet, with landlords required to respond in writing within 28 days and any landlord refusals required to be reasonable and evidence based.

Research by Animal Friends shows two thirds (65%) of renters are planning to apply to keep a pet under the new rules, dreams of having a furry friend at home could be within closer reach.

The research highlights the emotional reality for many in the current rental market, with 37% of renters admitting to being unable, at some point, to live with their pet, or to give them up due to renting restrictions.

Over half (58%) of renters separated from their pet say they will apply to bring them home, with over a quarter (28%) planning to live with them as soon as possible after 1 May. However, 7% still don't believe their landlord will agree, even with the change of law.

Among renters planning to apply for pets, dogs are the most popular choice (62%), followed by cats (47%). Motivations for wanting a pet include companionship (59%), emotional or mental wellbeing (50%), and to help people stay active (33%). A third (35%) of respondents agreed that a house simply isn't a home without a pet.

The research reveals a significant rise in 'pet‐pending renters' – people keen to welcome a pet, but held back by confidence, clarity on the law and practical concerns.

Among renters hesitant about applying, barriers include worrying their property isn't pet friendly (26%), concern about the additional costs associated - such as deposits or rent increases (21%) and needing more information before deciding whether to apply (10%).

The findings also suggest the change could have a positive ripple effect to shelters, as almost half (47%) of renters surveyed state they would prefer to adopt from a rescue or rehoming centre over buying a pet privately (31%).

The research shows renters are taking a thoughtful approach to pet ownership with a quarter already saving for pet‐related costs (25%) and doing their homework on the best breeds to suit their home (24%).

Others are taking practical steps to prepare, with one in four (25%) budgeting for pet-related costs, one in four (21%) researching pet insurance options, whilst others are seeking advice from vets or other pet owners (18%) or drafting a letter to their landlord (14%). Despite the preparation, many renters who plan on bringing home a pet say they would benefit from clearer guidance on the realities of pet ownership, including costs and budgeting (33%), understanding legal responsibilities (28%) and understanding pet insurance coverage and costs (33%).

Ben Pryce, Chief Operating Officer at Animal Friends , said: "Pet love and parenting is in our DNA at Animal Friends. Many of us are pet parents, which means we understand the joy a pet brings, but also the heartbreak that can come when owners are unable to live with them. By supporting pet parents every day, we see first-hand how renting restrictions have pushed families into impossible decisions, from delaying ownership to giving up much‐loved pets.

"That's why this change in the law matters so much to us. As a business championing animal welfare and responsible pet ownership for 25 years, we wanted to shine a light on the real experiences of renters and help them feel informed and prepared. Giving people the right to ask is an important step, but ensuring pets can move into rented homes safely, responsibly, and for life is what we're on hand to help with."

To help renters navigate the change, Animal Friends has created a dedicated Renters' Rights checklist, designed to support responsible pet ownership in rented homes. The guide including readiness tips, practical preparation steps and guidance on approaching landlords is accessible to all and can be found at www.animalfriends.co.uk/renterchecklist.