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Dogs Trust is working on a campaign to encourage landlords to accept pet-owning tenants after finding that leaner economic times are forcing some pet owners who can't afford to buy a house to rent instead - often from landlords who aren't canine-friendly.

The charity is consulting with the Association of Residential Lettings Agencies and other housing bodies on a Lets with Pets campaign.

A report commissioned by the organisation revealed that 75 per cent of private rental properties ban dogs.

The survey of 1,400 pet owners also found that 54 per cent could not find anywhere that allowed pets, and 47 per cent of landlords gave tenants no reason why pets were banned.

"Pet owners who need to rent privately are being forced to live in unsuitable properties, or rent with their pets without consent from their landlord," said Clarissa Baldwin, chief executive of Dogs Trust.