Can Pets Live in Retirement Living Communities?

If you’ve got a pet you can’t live without, this article is for you.

For most animal lovers, giving up a pet to downsize is unthinkable. Thankfully, there are retirement living sites across the UK, from multiple providers, that welcome pets.

You can find them by searching the Autumna retirement living search portal but there's an even easier way to gain the information - by requesting a Shortlist to be sent directly to your inbox.

If you'd prefer to listen to the information you've searched for on pets in retirement living, enjoy the video below.

62% of owners said their cats helped to relieve stress and loneliness

It’s well-known that pets have a positive impact on our lives, with their unusual ways of making us laugh, encouraging walks and pawing for cuddles.

To be without that source of joy and the responsibility of caring for another is simply heart-breaking and lots of retirement living builders understand this. The UK is a nation of animal lovers, after all.

Can I bring my dog to a retirement living development?

Many retirement living communities welcome dogs including petite Pomeranians, dashing Dachshunds, and sweet Spaniels. Some also allow cats, birds, chinchillas or house rabbits, though every development will have its own rules about who they welcome.

Are dogs and cats allowed in the shared gardens at retirement living developments?

It depends on the specific retirement living development. Some developments may restrict dogs and cats in shared gardens or patios, while others allow them.

Tips if you want to stay on your neighbour's good side:

• Make sure your animal is well-behaved
• Don’t allow your animal to jump up
• Dogs should be on a leash in shared garden
• Always clean up any poop left behind

Can I bring an exotic pet to a retirement living community?

Some communities may allow certain types of exotic pets, while others may prohibit them altogether.

It's important to check with the community's management team or consult their rules and regulations before bringing an exotic pet into a retirement living community.

Additionally, it's important to consider the pet's well-being and whether a retirement living community is an appropriate environment for them. A tropical fish, for example, may be happy to swim in their tank and watch the world go by whereas a tortoise that has to share a garden with another resident’s inquisitive dog, might not be as happy.

Which retirement living providers allow pets?

• Adlington Retirement Living
• Audley Villages
• Enterprise Retirement Living
• McCarthy Stone
• Pegasus Homes
• Rangeford Villages
• Richmond Villages

While many retirement villages and communities welcome cats and dogs, it's best to check and find out the specific pet policies of the community that you’re interested in.

You can do this by calling them directly or by booking a visit through the Autumna website so that you can see the development for yourself and potentially bring your pet along with you to let them have a good sniff.

Tips for pet owners moving to a retirement living home

• If you have a dog, map out your new daily walk so you know the terrain and how challenging it is.
• Think about the transition from your current home to your new one and how that might make your animal feel. 
• If they have a familiar blanket or special toy, don’t wash it and place it in a cosy spot in your new apartment so that they have somewhere familiar to rest.
• Walk them or exercise them on the day of the move so they’re not as energetic when you or the removal team are unpacking.
• Introduce yourself and your pet to your neighbours and as a courtesy, ask them to let you know if you or your pet are too noisy.

Are there pet-friendly retirement apartments I can rent?

Yes, McCarthy Stone, Enterprise Retirement Living, Pegasus and Richmond Villages have retirement living apartments for rent. Usually, the tenancy agreement does include information about whether or not a well-behaved pet can come along.

Call Autumna on 01892 335 330 for more information on planning, finding, and paying for a move to a retirement living community with your pet.

Our team can talk you through the pros and cons of renting or buying an apartment, with impartial advice and access to resources.

Home care services that specialise in home pet care

If you’re not ready to downsize and move into a retirement community with your pet, you might be open to home care services that can come to you.

Some care workers will be happy to visit a home and care for someone with a pet but you must always tell the care worker before they accept the position, just in case they’re not comfortable with or allergic to certain types of animals.

Some home care services even accommodate pets, with the option to include pet care within your care package. Grooming, feeding and affection may all be covered by a care worker, depending on the provider and the care worker’s experience.