'I adopted a dog from a man I met on the street whose landlord didn't allow pets'

Irish Examiner

22-07-2025

Several years ago, I spontaneously adopted a beautiful dog from a man I met on the street.
We were on the waterfront in Cobh, and the young man was pleading (via a sign) for someone to take his beloved lurcher as the landlord of his new flat forbade dogs.
As I was building in the countryside and urgently seeking a companion for another rescue, I told him I would take her to paradise.
It was a lucky day for me, but that guy was left bereft and weeping as I drove away with his cherished pet.
He knew he was welcome to come and see her at any time, and he called me to check on her progress on several occasions.
Kya's daughter Faelen with their adopted lurcher Yemaya. Picture: Kya deLongchamps
Yemaya was about six years old when we adopted her, and following spaying and microchipping, she lived happily for another ten years, until 2011.
During her time with us, she was also delighted to act as foster mother to several other animals we took on through the Cork Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (CSPCA).
Yemaya, pictured in winter 2010 with Kya's husband Charlie and their daughter Faelen, was adored by the entire family. Picture: Kya deLongchamps
Renting with a pet in tow presents particular problems, as it is completely at the discretion of your landlord.
Dogs Trust Ireland has reported a 112% rise over 5 years in the number of people giving up their pets because their new home won't allow pets of any kind (restricted or otherwise).
Given that only 7% of rental properties advertised on Daft allow pets, it's no surprise.
Dogs Trust Ireland has reported a 112% rise over five years in the number of people giving up their pets. File picture
Dogs Trust Ireland received over 400 calls from distraught owners who could not find accommodation to suit in 2024. It has multiple stories to share about the distress of being faced with this heartbreaking situation, fighting for the right to keep animals that most people regard as nothing short of family.
One duo who faced this struggle is Celia Madrid Delgado and her dog Kai, reports the charity. 'Celia works as a canine carer at our re-homing centre in Dublin and had to apply to 300 properties before she found a rental home that would allow Kai,' according to Dogs Trust Ireland.
The charity has set up a petition to demand government offer more flexible rental agreements for pet owners while protecting landlords from disruptive, destructive, or unsafe situations that could raise liability issues. For a link to the petition, go to Dogstrust.ie. The website also offers a useful list for landlords who might consider renting their property to a pet owner, with a list of recommendations.
If you are renting or have rented in the past, try to secure a positive behaviour review for your dog or cat from your landlord, as this might prove a clincher in persuading an uncertain owner to let to you. An assurance that the property you rented previously was also kept in good order would be ideal.
Generally, if you are ultimately forced to give up a dog, cat, bird or small furry, contact your local authority kennels or recognised animal charities first, and don't forget to ask for the help of your vet in sourcing a suitable new home. They may know someone whose heart and front door is wide open.