1

The Covid-19 pandemic has seen a huge rise in pet ownership and the good news is that most retirement developments will welcome four-legged friends

Last year the Kennel Club saw a 180 per cent increase in enquiries from potential dog owners and pet insurance providers noted a 78 per cent increase in people registering new pets in the week before the first UK lockdown.

As a nation of pet lovers older people can be concerned that they won’t be able to take their pet if they want to move to a retirement development.

But that’s not necessarily the case if they choose to move to Girlings property.

Jamie Turnbull, Business Director at Girlings Retirement Rentals assures, “It’s a myth that you can’t bring your pet if you rent a home in a retirement development.

“We have many properties in developments where pets are allowed and many of our residents have dogs and cats.

“We understand that having a pet as a companion is good for wellbeing.

“Dogs also need walking so people benefit physically from taking daily walks.

“We expect to see growing demand from retirees who have pets in the next few years.

“Moving to a retirement development can bring many benefits such as being part of a sociable community and no longer having to worry about ongoing property maintenance.

If people have pets, we encourage them to get in touch and we can advise them which properties would be most suitable.”

Avril Sweeney and her dog

One Girlings resident who had two dogs when she moved in is Avril Sweeney.

She moved into her retirement apartment in Poplar Court in Lytham St Annes in Lancashire five years ago.

She came across the development while visiting friends there. She thought it could be a good place for her and dogs as it had French doors opening onto an outdoor seating area, and was only five minutes walk from the seafront.

Avril enquired about the apartment and asked if her dogs would be allowed.

They were so she moved in.

An unexpected benefit for Avril was the security of the development.

She was still working at the time and while she was at work, she felt reassured that her apartment and her dogs were safe.

She knew if anyone came to her home who wasn’t invited, someone would notice.

Last year Avril retired so she has been able to benefit much more from the life a retirement community can offer.

She explains, “I really enjoy the social side of living here which I wasn’t thinking about when I moved in five years ago.

“Retiring from work can mean worrying about how to fill your days but there’s so much going on, it’s made that transition much easier. My days are so full I don’t know how I ever had time to work!”

Avril adds, “I don’t understand why you’d want to live alone in a three-bedroom house with all those rooms to clean and heat when you could move into a lovely apartment like mine. I’m all for retirement living!

Poplar Court in Lytham St Annes

“If you want to do your own thing you don’t have to join in but I think people live longer here because they have company and their minds are more active.

“People often tell me they wish they’d made the move to retirement living earlier. I’m so glad I moved here when I did so I can enjoy more years of having a great social life.”

To find out more about renting a home in a retirement development visit www.girlings.co.uk

 

Poplar Court

Let us help you to find a retirement property
We respect your privacy. Your information is safe and will never be shared.
Don't miss out. Subscribe today.
×
×

Share This

Share this post with your friends!