Dog ownership in retirement
Go backNew study finds that: ‘Owning a pet makes you as happy as being married – or earning an extra £70,000 a year’
Choosing a property on a retirement estate can be a complicated decision with buyers, understandably, wanting to make the right long-term decision. For those who have a pet, the choice becomes harder; while over-55 accommodation is designed to be future-proofed, it often isn’t suitable for pets.
Paul Adams, director of property at Cognatum, says, “Dog ownership in retirement is on the increase. Pre-lockdown, around 10% of our 2,200+ residents owned a dog and the figure has steadily risen over the intervening years and now stands at over 20%.
“The physical and mental benefits of living with a dog are overwhelming. They help owners settle into a regular routine, provide excellent companionship, reduce stress, and provide a good point of contact for conversation and friendship – it’s very easy to strike up a conversation with neighbours and locals when you already know you have an interest in dogs in common. Dog owners walk at least once a day, whatever the weather.
Now a new study has assigned values to the benefits of pet ownership. https://www.kent.ac.uk/economics/news/6088/do-we-prefer-our-pets-to-our-partners
“Most of our estates are set in dog-friendly grounds, many have areas of woodland or pasture, or access to rivers, streams or lakes, so they are ideal for dog owners. Residents generally find that non-dog-owning neighbours are willing to help out with walks and feeding when required.
“Dog owners looking for a later life home should choose wisely. Suitable space is obviously vital – with adjacent outside space early morning and late-night comfort breaks, and walking areas on the doorstep that ideally don’t require a car.
“One of the reasons we’re seeing an increase in dog ownership in later life is that there are so many ways for owners to get help with walking, or care during absences. Organisations such as www.borrowmydoggy.com connects dog owners with dog borrowers for walks weekends and holidays, while www.trustedhousesitters.com connects dog owners with sitters who exchange their time, care and expertise for interesting homestays.
“A useful contact for dog owners is The Cinnamon Trust, https://cinnamon.org.uk/cinnamon-trust/ a national charity that works in partnership with pet owners, and which Cognatum is a member. The Trust has volunteers who will step in if dog owners are unable to care for their pet, either temporarily, or permanently. They provide a fostering service for pets whose owners face a spell in hospital, or long-term care for owners who are no longer able to keep their pet.
“Owning a dog is no longer restrictive for those wanting to use their retirement or semi-retirement for short or long term trips and travel, or for those who feel their health or fitness may make dog ownership difficult.”
Helen Mullender, Estate Manager at the Cognatum retirement estate, Mytchett Heath in Surrey, says, “Well over ten per cent of our residents own a dog, and many who don’t have specifically chosen an estate that allows dogs, and that provides good facilities and local walking, on the basis they may choose to have a dog at some stage in the future.
“One of our residents is part of the Blue Cross fostering scheme and is currently caring for three dogs. (www.bluecross.org.uk/volunteer-pet-foster-carer)
“The Mytchett Heath grounds extend to around four and a half acres, and each of the cottages has its own small private enclosed garden. There are communal areas of woodland, lawns and shrubberies; it’s a magical place to be a dog owner – and to be a dog! The Basingstoke canal tow path is virtually on the doorstep giving level walking for miles in each direction, and the estate backs onto a large area of woodland.
Mytchett Heath, Surrey
Mytchett Heath, with four and a half acres of communal grounds, is a perfect spot for dog owners, being bordered by natural woodland, the restored Basingstoke Canal, and the 59 acres of Frimley Lodge Park.
The local shops of the village of Mytchett are within easy walking distance.
On site facilities include Estate Manager, guest suite, minibus, gardener.
Prices from £325,000
Learn more about Mytchett Heath >
The Canopy, Chigwell
One of Cognatum’s newest retirement estates, The Canopy, is set in its own woodland in Chigwell, a perfect spot for a local stroll, but with fantastic walking countryside a little further afield. The large communal roof terrace is a perfect spot to enjoy views over the development’s green and leafy landscape and further afield. London’s Liverpool Street Station is a 30-minute tube ride away, while the M11 and M25 are easily reached.
Other on-site facilities include highly efficient communal heating system, and on-site Estate Manager to ensure smooth running of the estate and to be on hand in emergencies or when residents are absent.
Prices from £545,000 (Part exchange available)
Orchard Yard, Wingham Kent
Orchard Yard in Wingham, Kent, is an equally attractive proposition for dogs and dog owners. Nine houses and six apartments sit in glorious grounds that include an orchard, gardens that have been planted to encourage wildlife and diversity, vegetable gardens and greenhouse. There are a whole host of communal areas including a club house with stretch studio, gym and large terrace with barbecue. Located in the Garden of England, with numerous footpaths on the doorstep, and just a few miles from the north and east Kent coasts, Orchard Yard is dog heaven.
Other on site facilities include Estate Manager, gardener, minibus, allotments.
Prices from £600,000
Learn more about Orchard Yard >
Cognatum, an independent not for profit company, has over 60 retirement estates across central and southern England. All are in prime locations within vibrant market towns or villages, within walking distance of shops and restaurants. Each estate benefits from thoughtful architecture, landscaped grounds, and a dedicated estate manager.