Finding a rental home that welcomes pets is like looking for an obedient cat. But, with a little help from our friends, Brian Page finds a few to look at.

Now here’s a thing. If I was ever to start looking for a property to rent I would be in trouble...

As a smoker I would be about as welcome in rental property as a butcher at a vegan convention.

Well, that would be my own fault. Who, after all, wants to have a smelly smoker in their home? We chimney chaps can have no complaints.

However, I always think it is a bit of a shame that the other great restriction that keeps appearing after property to let notices is the one that stipulates no pets… After all, domestic animals like dogs and cats are faithful companions to many – and many are a lot cleaner in their habits than some humans I know!

This came to mind this week when our good friends from Quantum were in touch to let us know about some pet-friendly places they have on the books.

We all know that looking for a rental property that welcomes pets is like looking for a needle in a haystack, the Quantum team say, so how about somewhere where you can not only take your dog but a pony, too… It’s Woodview, St Lois Farm, at Newton on Derwent: a working farm which welcomes animals.

Quite apart from this advantage it is a smashing place in its own right, a spacious, detached modern house with three bedrooms. “This unfurnished property is a breath of fresh air for those who enjoy open views of the countryside and value their privacy but will still have access to local villages and amenities and only eight miles from York,” say Quantum. On offer is a very good sized lounge, a large dining kitchen with modern units, a main double bedroom and two decent sized further bedrooms and a bathroom with shower. “This is an ideal home for anyone with dogs and horses seeking a relaxing lifestyle,” the Quantum team concludes. The rental is £650pcm.

The Quantum lettings team also have another rural rarity in the shape of Campbell Cottage at Bilbrough. “Where else,” they ask, “could you have tennis courts lobbed into your rental?”

Well, not many places can boast that. Here’s Quantum’s further description. “A rare opportunity to rent a delightful detached dwelling set in mature grounds with Magnolia trees and use of tennis court – and only seven miles from York.”

Fully renovated with insulation, double glazing and LPG central heating (obviously a nice warm nest, this one then). This unfurnished property is self contained and offers a large lounge, dining kitchen with dishwasher, hob and double oven, modern bathroom with shower over bath, two or three bedrooms depending on your needs – and with the added advantage of a conservatory. It also includes a single garage but if you need more storage – well you can always use the stables! Viewing is a must, we are told. “It's like being on holiday all the time!” Available now, it is offered at a rental of £750pcm.

Linley and Simpson, meanwhile can also offer a nice pet-friendly rural property in the shape of a five-bedroomed detached period farmhouse set in lovely countryside with open aspects in River View in the village of Newton on Ouse.

There is an awful lot on offer here and plenty of style from the entrance hall with its mosaic flooring, through to two good-sized living rooms (with flexibility to use one as a dining room) and a farmhouse kitchen with Aga, fridge, freezer, oven and hob and dishwasher. There’s also a good-sized utility room with washing machine and dryer, and an equally spacious pantry and a ground floor bathroom with bath and separate shower. To the first floor there are five bedrooms – two of them benefiting from views of the River Ouse and the village green – and a separate WC. Outside there is a plenty of space for parking with two single garages and enclosed maintained gardens to the front and side and a courtyard with an outhouse for storage. The rental for this one is £1,300pcm.

Shaking off our Barbour and wellies, we now head to town to find two unusually accommodating properties which do allow pets (though we are talking strictly domestic types here and they are subject to a slightly higher bond than usual).

Both are on the books of Letters Ltd; the first is in Doe Park, Clifton Moor, a spacious unfurnished four-bedroomed detached house situated in a cul-de-sac. The accommodation comprises an entrance hallway, a spacious lounge with gas fire, separate dining room and a kitchen with gas cooker, freezer and a utility room with plumbing for a washing machine and a downstairs WC. Upstairs there is a master bedroom with en-suite shower, a double bedroom with fitted wardrobes, a three-quarter bedroom and a single bedroom – and a bathroom with bath and shower. Front garden, driveway and garage and rear garden with lawn and patio area complete the package, for which the rental is Rent: £825pcm.

The second of the two is in Redmires Close, also in Clifton Moor, this one a three-bedroomed, unfurnished semi-detached house in a cul-de-sac conveniently situated for local shopping and the A19. Here there is a lounge/diner with gas fire, a newly fitted kitchen with gas hob, electric oven, washing machine and fridge freezer.

Upstairs there are two double bedrooms and a single bedroom and a newly fitted bathroom. Outside there is a rear garden with patio area and shed and a single garage.

The rental is £750pcm.