TEN percent of pet-owning tenants admit to hiding their banned animals from their landlords, a study has found.
Astonishingly, 59 percent of those have tried to stow away a dog and 56 percent have whisked a cat out of sight.
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Nearly a quarter have lied to their landlord and said the animal isn’t theirs, but a friend’s, while 19 percent have covered their pet’s cage or bed with a sheet.
Other tactics have seen 37 percent douse their rentals in room spray to cover up pet smells while 45 percent admit to having an emergency pet sitter on standby.
But the constant mission to keep pets away from eagle-eyed landlords leave over half feeling anxious and more than four in ten feeling guilty.
And its not surprising, given 22 percent of covert pet-owning tenants have been evicted for hiding their furry friend.
Just under half were kicked out following a surprise visit while a daft twenty percent were spotted on a dog walk.
Two in ten were busted after being grassed up by neighbours or pals of the landlord.
The study found nearly four in ten haven’t asked their landlord if they could keep a pet, because around a quarter are worried they’ll say no.
And 14 percent fear eviction while a quarter refuse to ask simply because they’ll keep the pet regardless.
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But more than half of pet owners are resolute, admitting they were – and are – prepared for any potential consequences if they were found out.
The study of 1,000 adults was commissioned by Mars Petcare who have launched digital manual ‘The Petiquette Guide to Rentals and Pet Ownership’ alongside Battersea Dogs & Cats Home to help tenants navigate the issue.
Broadcaster, cat owner and landlord Zara McDermott said: “As a cat parent to Cedric and Albus the thought of loving pet owners having to choose between remaining in their home and keeping their pet is just awful.”
Mars Petcare’s Paolo Rigamonti said: “Responsible pet owners shouldn’t be denied the right to experience the joy and benefits of pet ownership just because they rent.”
Find out more about your rights as a pet-owning tenant here.
