Animals and pets

Adding a pet to your home is a long-term commitment; it’s important for both you and your pet that you take the time to be fully prepared.

• Time: Consider how much time you can dedicate to caring for your pet.
• Costs: Factor in expenses like food, vaccinations, vet fees, and council registration.
• Grooming: Some pets require regular grooming and upkeep.
• Space: Make sure your home is suitable for the pet’s needs.
• Emergency Plan: In your absence or in an emergency who will take care of your pet.

To maintain a safe and comfortable environment for all tenants, only pets that have been formally approved by BHC are allowed on the premises.

• Visiting animals – including dogs, cats, or other animals – are not permitted at any BHC property.
• In exceptional circumstances, we may grant approval for visiting animals. Please discuss with your Housing Manager and submit a formal request via reception@bhcl.com.au, and we will provide our decision in writing.
• Working dogs, as described on this page, may visit BHC properties.
• This policy helps to ensure the wellbeing of all residents, protect common areas, and support our obligations under tenancy and safety regulations.

BHC supports the rights of residents who rely on accredited service dogs.

• You do not need BHC’s approval to have an accredited service dog if it is:
  • an assistance dog, guide dog, or hearing dog (as defined under Queensland law); or
  • a corrective services dog or a police dog.
• However, you must provide documentation that confirms the dog is officially certified as an accredited working dog. You must also have a current Handler Identity Card and ensure that the dog wears a harness or identifying coat when outside your unit.
• Tenants with accredited service dogs still need to follow the general pet requirements outlined in BHC’s Pet Policy and any relevant local council rules, body corporate by-laws or house rules.
• Please note: emotional support animals are not automatically considered service animals under current Australian legislation.

If you are unsure whether your animal qualifies, or would like help with the process, please contact our team.

Please use BHC’s Request for Approval to keep a Pet the application form to get Provisional Approval for a pet. We ask that you supply as much information as you have available to you, including the expected date that you will have your pet.

Once provisional approval is granted, and you have your pet we then ask you to confirm your pets’ details via pets@bhcl.com.au and update all the relevant details.

As part of your application process with our allocations team, we ask that you communicate your intention to be housed with a pet. Please use BHC’s Request for Approval to keep a Pet  and select “New Tenant” when completing the application.

What documents are required for approval?

It is important to note that whether you submit below or via a Form 21 for your application to be considered, the below must be supplied at minimum for final approval;

• Local council registration certificate (if required)
• Proof of micro chipping (if cat or dog)
• Proof of desexing* (if cat or dog)
• Photo of Pet
• Emergency contact details

 * If your pet is too young to be desexed, preliminary approval may be granted on the condition that:

• Dogs are desexed by 7 months of age; and
• Cats are desexed by 3 months of age.

Confirmation of desexing must be supplied once completed.

We will ensure that we respond to your application within 14 days of submission.

Pet approval may be withdrawn if your Tenancy Agreement or local government laws are breached with regard to having a pet. Any pet complaints received will be investigated by BHC in line with the Pets Policy.

BHC maintains high expectations of tenants managing their pet’s behaviour. If approval is granted by BHC, the following conditions will apply:

1. You must properly care for your pet at all times.
2. Your pet must not disturb or impact others – including neighbours, visitors, other tenants, service providers or BHC workers. This means no excessive noise, aggression or behaviour that affects others’ comfort, peace, privacy, or safety.
3. Your pet must be safely restrained when outside your unit (for example, on a leash or in a carrier).
4. You must clean up after your pet immediately and dispose of waste in a clean and hygienic way.
5. You must provide details of an emergency carer who can look after your pet if you are unable to do so. If you do not provide an emergency carer, BHC may arrange for the pet to be taken to the RSPCA or another appropriate carer if necessary.
6. You must pay for any damage your pet causes to the property or its inclusions, as well as any pest control costs that arise because of your pet.
7. You must follow all the conditions in the Pet Application Form and continue to follow them during your tenancy (this does not apply to Accredited Service Dogs).
8. Approval applies only to the specific pet listed in your Pet Application Form. If you get a new or replacement pet, you must submit a new application (this does not apply to Working Dogs).
9. BHC will investigate any unapproved pets and/or complaints regarding a pet that may be impacting others or damaging property in line with the BHC Pet Policy.