Can you keep an animal in SDA housing?
You can often keep a pet or assistance animal in Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA), but different rules apply to each. Your rights and responsibilities may depend on WA tenancy law, your agreement and whether you share the property.
SDA funding pays for the dwelling, while your tenancy or residency agreement sets out how you occupy it. Before bringing an animal home, check:
- Who owns and manages the property
- Whether the home is shared with other residents
- Any strata or local council requirements
- Your tenancy, residency and SDA service agreements
- Whether the animal is a pet or a recognised assistance animal
Ask for any decision and conditions in writing. If you are still choosing a property, include animal access in the questions you ask when touring SDA housing in Perth.
What are the WA rules for ordinary pets?
Under the WA rental pet rules, tenants generally need to request permission before keeping a pet. For residential tenancy agreements covered by WA law, a lessor must follow the current approval process rather than relying on a blanket no-pet term.
Submit the required request in writing and identify the animal, its breed, size and expected living arrangements. The lessor may approve the request, propose lawful conditions or take the required steps to refuse it on permitted grounds.
A pet bond of up to $260 may apply. It is separate from your security bond and can be used to cover pet-related damage or cleaning, such as fumigation, at the end of the tenancy.
These rules may apply differently to some SDA residency arrangements. Ask the provider which agreement and WA law applies to your home, especially if you rent a room rather than an entire property.
Are assistance animals treated differently?
An assistance animal is not treated as an ordinary pet under disability discrimination law. It may be trained to help with mobility, medical alerts, psychosocial disability or another disability-related need.
You may be asked for reasonable evidence that the animal is trained to assist you and meets appropriate behaviour and hygiene standards. Registration or a particular jacket alone does not decide whether an animal meets the legal definition.
| Issue | Ordinary pet | Assistance animal |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Companionship | Disability-related assistance |
| Permission process | Usually required | Different legal protections apply |
| Evidence | Pet details | Training and disability-related role |
| Pet bond | May apply | Seek advice before accepting a charge |
For assistance animals in SDA Perth, tell the housing provider early so practical arrangements can be made. An occupational therapist or support coordinator may also help explain how the animal supports your daily activities.
What happens in shared SDA housing?
Shared SDA requires consideration of everyone’s safety, disability needs and right to use their home. Another resident may have allergies, sensory sensitivities, fear of animals or support needs that affect where an animal can go.
The provider should discuss practical options rather than applying an automatic refusal. Possible arrangements include:
- Keeping food and bedding in your private room
- Setting agreed access areas
- Using gates or secure outdoor spaces
- Planning cleaning and waste disposal
- Managing introductions with residents and support workers
- Recording who cares for the animal during hospital stays
These arrangements should respect your rights without placing unreasonable demands on housemates. Read more about rights and responsibilities in shared SDA before agreeing to house rules.
What should you do before moving in?
Raise the animal before signing an agreement or accepting an SDA offer. This gives you time to confirm that the property, outdoor area and shared arrangements suit both you and the animal.
Use this checklist:
- Explain whether the animal is a pet or assistance animal.
- Provide requested evidence and pet details.
- Read all proposed conditions before agreeing.
- Confirm any pet bond and payment record.
- Check fencing, flooring, doors and outdoor access.
- Record approval in writing.
- Plan food, veterinary care, insurance and emergency support.
Pet expenses are your responsibility and are not covered by SDA funding. If you are preparing to relocate, the SDA move-in guide for Perth participants explains other steps to organise before moving day.
Plan before bringing an animal home
Pets in SDA housing are often possible, while assistance animals have separate disability-related protections. Check your agreement, make a written request where required and discuss shared living arrangements before the animal moves in.
For help assessing a Perth SDA property or discussing your housing needs, contact the Innogreen team.