Bringing a pet to your study abroad destination (or adopting one locally) adds a layer of complexity to an already difficult housing search. Rental markets are overwhelmingly pet-unfriendly — landlords fear damage, noise, and allergies. But the landscape is slowly changing.
Pet-Friendly by Country
Germany 🇩🇪 — Best in the world
Landlords cannot legally ban pets without a specific reason. A blanket “no pets” clause is unenforceable. You usually just need permission for dogs and cats (Kleintiere like hamsters and birds don’t require permission). Pet deposit: typically not charged separately, but your liability for pet damage is covered by your existing deposit.
France 🇫🇷 — Very good
Similar to Germany — landlords can’t enforce blanket pet bans in unfurnished rentals (they can in furnished ones). Paris has an especially pet-friendly rental culture with many dogs in apartments.
UK 🇬🇧 — Improving
The Renters’ Rights Bill (2025) makes it harder for landlords to unreasonably refuse pets. Tenants can request permission and landlords must consider it, not automatically deny. Landlords can require pet insurance. Pet deposits have been banned (since they’re considered a fee under the Tenant Fees Act), but landlords can require you to have professional cleaning at the end.
Canada 🇨🇦 — Varies by province
Ontario: “No pet” clauses in leases are void (Residential Tenancies Act). You can have pets regardless of what the lease says — though if you’re in a condo, the condo corporation’s rules override this. Quebec and BC are less pet-friendly.
Australia 🇦🇺 — Difficult
Landlords can refuse pets without reason in most states. Victoria (2020) and ACT have made it harder for landlords to unreasonably refuse, but the default is still “no pets.” Pet bonds (separate deposits for pets) are legal in most states. Apartment buildings often have strata by-laws banning pets entirely.
United States 🇺🇸 — Highly variable
No federal protection. California, New York, and some other states have laws making it harder to refuse pets, but it’s very local. “Pet rent” (extra $25–75/month per pet) is common. Emotional support animals (ESA) have stronger protections under the Fair Housing Act.
Strategies for Finding Pet-Friendly Rentals
- Search pet-specific platforms: Zillow (US filter), SpareRoom (UK filter), Immowelt (Germany allows pets filter)
- Offer a “pet CV”: Reference from previous landlord confirming your pet caused no damage, vaccination records, spay/neuter certificate
- Offer pet rent: Proactively offer an extra $25–50/month as “pet rent” — it often changes a landlord’s mind
- Private landlords > agencies: Individual landlords are more flexible than agencies with blanket policies
- Ground floor + hard floors: Offerings that are already pet-optimized — it shows you understand their concerns
FAQ
Can I bring my pet from my home country? It depends on the destination’s biosecurity rules. Australia is the most restrictive — pets from most countries require months of quarantine. The UK allows pets from EU countries with a pet passport; from elsewhere, a health certificate. Japan has a 180-day quarantine for rabies-free countries, longer for others. Research this before you even accept your university offer. What about emotional support animals? In the US, ESAs are covered by the Fair Housing Act and landlords must make reasonable accommodation. In the UK, ESAs don’t have the same legal status — they’re treated as pets.