Since this is a UK based board for dog owners/lovers I hope you can help me out. I am thinking about coming to UK in a couple of years to continue my studies. I have been told that it is near impossible for a dog owner to rent a living space, especially if you don't have bucketloads of money (being a university student I really have to count my pennies :)). I'd really like to get a pup soon but I won't unless I am absolutely sure I can take the pup with me to UK. No point in taking a pup only to leave him with my parents in a few years. So, is there hope for me or do I have to resign myself to being dogless if I want to study in the UK?

What size dog are you talking about?  I'm currently in Uni housing and our landlord allows small dogs, but his in the minority (and I don't have a dog with me) However what you more seriously have to think about is looking after a dog.  On a student budget would you be able to look after the dog and pay any vet bills?  Would you have time for the dog?  I know I woulnd't, between studying, working to be able to make my way though uni and generally going to the pub, clubs etc I wouldn't have time to sit give the dog attention daily.

Also you would be looking to go into private rented housing in your first year, where I found going into halls for my first year brilent.  Those in my halls are the people I am still friends with and also live with people this year ina  house who I lived in halls with last year.  In uni halls you will not be allowed a dog.

Now of course you could make it possible and make it work but I know I would never be able to look after a dog while at uni, even though I miss them they all stay with my parents! :)

hello,
everyone told me that i would never find a place to rent because i have two dogs and a cat,but i did!
i havnt got a huge budget either.
i think that it will greatly depend on what size of dog you want,some places might make exceptions if its a small dog.

good luck with it :-)

I would say hold off for a while for a number of reasons, because yes it is quite difficult to find rented accomodation with a dog.  if you are preoccupied with your studies are you really going to be able to have the time and or finance to have a dog and what about when you want to go out partying(Which is a big part of uni life) and cant because you have a dog to think of?
I think your dog owning experience and uni life would work out best if seperate. Use your time at uni to look into which dog you would like and research so when it comes to leaving uni, you know exactly what you want and what to expect.
Good luck

hi copper coin, it;s not impossible to find a place to rent that will take dogs, i rent and my boy in moving in with me soon (granted i have the most laid back landlord ever!). a lot of landlords are instant no's though, so it certainly makes it harder.

i must say i do agree with the others about uni and a dog though. i graduate this year and my partners moving in so the times ok for us, between us our boy won't be alone to much. however when it was just me and i had class and had to work evenings no way would i have had the time. plus if you get a flat with someone you'd need to find an understanding flatmate- easier said than done. a flat by your self costs a bomb even in my relatively cheap and studenty city. as a foreign student you'd have massive fee's as well so i'd seriously think about the costs (its approx £8000 a year i think at dundee uni for foreign students).

i know how it feels though, since i moved out and away from my dogs it's been horrid. enjoy the freedom it brings though, i'm certain bout having a dog and i'm still concerned about the restrictions it will put on life. tis a bugger this responsibility business :)

OK, I guess from the respnses so far it would be best if I at least delay with this desicion until I am in UK. I currently have a senior Rottweiler who would most likely stay with my mother if he'll still be with us in a few years time, so I am not new to dog ownership. I've been thinking about a Staffordshire Bullterrier, Kelpie or Patterdale, all very small dogs in my opinion :). Right now I go to the Uni, work part-time in an animal shelter and my Rottie is basically very low maintenance due to his age, but I guess the best would be to wain at least until I am in UK and have settled in, so I can determine for myself if I really have the time and finances for a dog.

Thanks for your replies, they were really helpful.

that seems sensible. plus if you brought the dog over you'd probably have to kennel iteach time you wanted to visit home as i imagine getting you both back and forth would be pretty pricy.

must say that yes they are all good flat sized breeds.

out of interest where were you thinking of going to study? (as you can tell there are quite a few students on the site so maybe we could offer advice)

All smallish breeds but all with brains that need keeping active.  Would you have time to work them etc?

thats the reason that we all suggested waiting. busy busy time...

Don't forget also at the moment you have your parents on hand to look after the dog should you want to go out.  I know when I'm home, I don't have full responsibility for the dogs as my parents sort them out most mornings, They are there to help walk them at night, and I don't put any money too them, but see how much my parents spend and how much my mum has saved for emergancy vet bills (As we don't insure our dogs!) 

I still think there's nothing like waiting for the right dog...I've only been waiting 9 years since meeting the breed of my dreams ;) I still don't own one but I know alot of information about them, more so then some of the new people in the breed.

Actually my father already lives in the UK, although in the wrong part for me. The Uni I would like to attend is in Bournemouth.

I would also remind you about having to prepare the dog for the Pet Passport which will take at least 7 months from when your dog is Rabies vaccinated, and all dogs coming in by plane have to come in as Cargo, cannot be Excess baggage accompanying you, so the import related costs would e huge, more than the cost of a dog.

You would be better off not having a dog until you are settled here, though you will have to look at the cost of taking the dog home and the cost of Oz quarantine on your return.

The best option I think may be to volunteer at a local canine charity as a dog walker if you find you really need a regular dog fix while here.

are you from dundee astarte?

i use to live there! :-D

Finding a rented home with a dog is very difficult. Many agencies will hang up on you as soon as you say "pet" never mind "dog" - they have no idea whether I have a goldfish or a Great Dane when I make that comment!

I rent my home and have 2 dogs my landlord is a private landlord as i found many estate agents have it as poilicy no pets whereas private landlords tend to be more lenient i actually took my girl along to the viewing so they could see how well behaved she was, (also who could say no to those eyes!)