New renters’ rights mean older pet owners can enjoy retirement living without leaving their dog behind

As attitudes towards pets in rented homes continue to shift following the Renters’ Rights reforms[i],  retirement rental provider My Future Living is marking National Dog Day (26 August) by encouraging older pet owners not to rule out renting in a retirement community.

New figures from UK Pet Food[ii] show the UK’s dog population has increased by three million over the past five years, with an estimated 15.5 million dogs now living in UK households.

Despite this, My Future Living says some older people may still hesitate to consider retirement community living because they are unsure whether they can keep a much-loved dog or cat.

It also highlights growing concerns about loneliness in later life. If current trends continue, around 1.2 million people aged over 65 in England will often feel lonely by 2034[iii], while research by Pets as Therapy found that 85% of people say having a pet helps them feel less lonely.

Thanks to the Renters’ Rights Act, renting in later life is now easier and more secure than ever. The reforms give tenants stronger protections, clearer rights and greater confidence to make a move that suits their lifestyle, including the ability to request a pet and have that request considered fairly.

For older people who may have previously felt uncertain about renting with a companion animal, these changes mean they can explore retirement communities with far more reassurance, knowing their tenancy is protected and their pet can remain part of their daily life.

Combined with the social opportunities offered by retirement living, My Future Living says pets can play an important role in supporting wellbeing, helping older people stay active, connected and independent.

Joanne Couch, Director of Finance and Operations at My Future Living, said: “Pets can play a hugely important role in later life, providing companionship, encouraging people to stay active and helping reduce loneliness.

“We want people to know that moving into a retirement community doesn’t have to mean leaving a much-loved pet behind. Enjoying the companionship of a dog or cat alongside the social benefits of community living can make later life happier, healthier and more connected.”

For 75-year-old Ann Gardner, moving to Homefarris House, a retirement development in Shaftesbury with her eight-year-old dog Harry marked the start of an exciting new chapter.

After years living in Germany and Holland, Ann wanted a home where she could continue living independently while becoming part of a welcoming community – and finding somewhere that welcomed Harry was essential.

“It wasn’t an easy decision to leave Holland,” Ann said. “It was a traumatic move, but as soon as my sister visited Homefarris House and sent me a video, I just knew it was the right place.”

When she arrived, Ann’s first impressions confirmed she had made the right decision. “The development was beautifully clean, the team were all so helpful, and I could immediately picture myself living here.”

Finding a pet-friendly retirement community had been one of Ann’s priorities. “Harry is such a big part of my life and having him with me makes all the difference.”

Harry, affectionately known as “Happy Harry”, has settled in just as quickly as Ann. “Harry loves it here. We go for lots of walks every day, and he’s even made friends at the coffee mornings, where they give him biscuits!”

Ann says the support she received during the move made settling into her new home easy. “The team have been absolutely wonderful. They held my hand throughout and made everything so simple. I couldn’t have asked for more.”

Today, Ann enjoys coffee mornings, Friday lunches, Scrabble and art classes, while Shaftesbury town centre is just a short walk away. “Socially, it’s been wonderful. You can go downstairs and there are always people around with smiley faces. I never feel alone. This is the happiest I’ve been in years.”

For Ann, Homefarris House isn’t just a place to live – it’s a community that feels like home. “I’ve found my place here,” she adds.

For more information on renting in retirement and available properties visit: www.myfutureliving.co.uk.