The Wellington City Council is under scrutiny over its no pets policy in social housing.

A Porirua woman living in a council property has been told she needs to either find herself a new place to live or get rid of her cat.

She reportedly got the cat after moving in, despite knowing about the no-pets policy.

SPCA chief Andrea Midgen said there are ways to get around the problem.

"They can increase the bond for any damage. They could make a good clause, like you do with commercial leases, to make sure the tenants repair anything like if the dog dug a hole in the garden

City Councillor Brian Dawson said he pays extra for his private rental property so he can keep pets.

But he said that's not realistic for a lot of people in social housing.

"I don't know there are too many city housing tenants who would be in a position to do that. I certainly wouldn't want to put anyone in a situation where they couldn't live up to their commitments."