Pets allowed in major shake-up for forces housing in Wales
More than 800 military houses in Wales are set to benefit from new freedoms as part of government reforms to forces housing.
The measures, announced on Sunday, include allowing families to own pets, decorate and personalise properties, and run businesses from home. They form part of the Government’s new Consumer Charter, aimed at improving the quality of military accommodation across the UK.
Until now, military families faced a lengthy approval process to own pets. From 9 August, they will be able to keep up to two dogs, cats or smaller pets without seeking permission.
The reforms are underpinned by more than £1.5 billion in extra funding for forces family housing, part of the Strategic Defence Review’s wider £7 billion investment in military accommodation this Parliament.
Secretary of State for Wales Jo Stevens said:
“I’m delighted that families in military housing in Wales will be able to benefit from these new measures. Pets, as well as being able to personalise your home or run your own business are all important for a happy family life.
“Wales has a long and proud tradition of military service, and it is right that the housing provided for our service people and their families are places that they can truly call home.”
Defence Secretary John Healey MP said:
“Our Armed Forces make extraordinary sacrifices to keep us safe every day. But for too long, military families have lived in substandard housing without basic consumer rights.
“These new measures are a key milestone as we deliver on our Consumer Charter to stop the rot in military accommodation and ensure our heroes and their loved ones live in houses they can truly call home.
“By introducing greater freedoms, including pet ownership, we are ensuring forces families in Wales can live and work in homes fit for modern life.”
Minister for Veterans and People, Al Carns, added:
“As a dog owner and Royal Marine who served for 24 years, much of it in Service accommodation, I’m delighted to be making it easier for our dedicated personnel to own family pets.
“Recognising the unique demands of Service family life, it is also right that we make it easier for family members to run businesses from military housing.”
The latest measures also introduce a named housing officer for those running a business from home, streamlining processes and offering direct support. In future, families will have more freedom to decorate, including adding wireless wall lamps and decorative wall designs.
The government says these steps deliver on its pledge to “renew the nation’s contract with those who serve” and improve standards across service housing nationwide.
[Photo: UK MOD © Crown copyright 2025]
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